He shook his head. “Your mom and I met and were married within five weeks. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I care about.”
“I am happy. Happier than I ever was with Charles.”
“I think so too.” With summer here, dad switched out his normal flannel long sleeves for short plaid button ups. “If you and Jaxson got married, you’d have a son. Are you ready for that? It’s a big responsibility.”
After placing the biscuits in the oven, I sat next to Dad. “I love that little boy. It would devastate me not to be a part of his life if something happened to Jaxson and me.”
“That’s how it should be if you love him. One can’t exist without the other.”
I leaned my head on Dad’s shoulder. “I do love them, daddy. I really do. Did something happen to make you concerned?”
“No, punkin’. Just checking up on you. I know we talk all the time on the phone, but I wanted to talk about it in person—make sure you’re following your heart.”
The doorbell stopped our conversation. “I promise I am. Let me get that. There’s no way it’s Ty, because he doesn’t know the meaning of knocking.”
We chuckled. Yesterday, Dad experienced Ty running into the guesthouse as soon as he got here. Ty was enthusiastic to question Dad. He wanted to know if Dad could make me marry Jaxson since he was my father and I had to listen to him. Opening the door, Ty stood there, which was odd. “London, can you come to Grama’s house. She needs help.”
“Is she okay? Why didn’t you come in with the keypad?”
He started bouncing and moving his hands. “I can’t say anything else. I’ve promised to keep my lips shut. She needs help. Are you coming?”
This was getting stranger. But sometimes a five-year-old never made sense. “Okay.” I called over my shoulder. “Dad, I’m going to help Pam real quick.”
“I’ll come too.” Dad slid off the stool and fell into step beside me.
Moseying to the main house, Ty was practically bursting at the seams. More so than normal. There was no telling what was going on. There was a chance Pam hadn’t asked for help, but nevertheless this child had stolen my heart.
Things became more awkward as we entered the kitchen with the entire family staring at me, including Sydney and Mallory in a line beside the counter. Sydney’s husband was currently deployed overseas and due home by Christmas. It was his last deployment before he retired from the marines.
All eyes were on me and I felt like I’d interrupted something. Tentatively, I said, “Good morning. Ty asked if I could help Pam.”
It was like a rehearsed speech as the group called out, cheerily. Too Cheerily. “Good morning!”
The room fell silent . . . again. I peered back at Dad who looked at everything but me. “Umm . . . Ty said you needed help. Am I interrupting? I can come back later.”
Giggles came from beside me. “London, it’s a surprise for you.”
Glancing at my dad, he grinned from ear to ear. “Surprise?” I asked confused. It wasn’t my birthday or any special event I could think of.
Had this family lost their mind? Where was Jaxson? He was the only one missing. Levi and Pam stepped aside to reveal Jaxson on one knee. He looked gorgeous as he grinned at me, the dimples showing.
Was this happening? Was Jaxson asking me to . . . marry him? Here? Now? In front of all our family?
Without thinking, I walked toward the man who captured my heart. Tears threatened to spill over.
“Jaxson . . .” His name died on my lips when he popped open a black box. A beautiful, square sparkling diamond sat nestled among the black velvet.
Strong fingers touched my hand, beckoning me closer. “London, I’m here before you and all our family, in the spot where we first met, asking you to be my wife and—”
“My mommy. Don’t forget that, Dad. We talked about this.” That precious voice filled with immeasurable hope broke the dam as a few tears trekked down my face. Everyone laughed. Ty stood beside me, looking up at me with a grin on his face. “Don’t be sad, London. Dad and I love you.”
My voice came out slightly broken. “I love you too, little man. I love you and your dad so much.”
Ty beamed. “She’s going to say yes, Dad.”
Happiness filled the room as Jaxson squeezed my fingers, bringing my attention back to him. “Will you marry me? Will you be our family?”
I threw my arms around him. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The tight embrace from Jaxson felt like home. Nothing in the world would ever compare to what it felt like in his loving arms.
“And be my mom?” The voice was precious.
My head swiveled while Jaxson kept me in an iron grip. “Ty, I would love to be your mom.”
His legs brought him crashing into us. Jaxson adjusted his hug to include Ty. “We’re a family. London loves us, Dad.”
The ring slipped onto my ringer. “We are, son. We are.” Jaxson and I gazed into each other’s eyes. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too.”
Whoops and hollers filled the space between us, but I was lost in the green eyes of my future husband. All roads were supposed to lead home, and I was finally where I was meant to be. A familiar voice caught my attention. “Millie?”
A tablet screen appeared before me. Millie had been here. “Hey there, bestie. I’m so happy for you. Jaxson stopped by the hospital last week after seeing your dad and asked me for his permission.” She leaned in closer. “Psst . . . I think he’s a keeper.”
Now the quick flight out to Alabama made more sense. I giggled. “I think so too.”
“I’ll call later. I’m on shift and couldn’t leave. Can’t wait to see you again. Miss you.”
“Miss you too.”
The screen went blank and it all clicked. “Wait, you saw my dad this week when you were traveling?”
A feather-light kiss touched my lips. “I wanted this to be perfect for you. I wanted his and Millie’s blessing. I talked to your Mom also.”
“Mom?”
I sobbed. He included everyone special to me in my life. Everyone I loved.
“Thank you, Jaxson.” Another kiss and I buried my face in his neck, composing myself. Though Mom wasn’t aware, she’d been involved.
Ty’s arms tightened around me. “Don’t be sad, London.”
I pulled back. “I’m not. I’m the happiest girl in the world.”
“Share her, Jaxson. We want to see the ring!” Pam and Sydney both crowded around.
Standing, Jaxson kept his arms possessively on me as I held out my hand. “My word, my baby brother knows how to pick them. It’s beautiful. Welcome to the family, London.”
“Thank you.”
Dad approached next. “I’m proud of you, punkin’. I think you’ve found one of the most upstanding men there are.”
“I think so too. Love you, Dad.” Jaxson briefly let me go while I hugged him.
Speaking into my hair, Dad was choked up. “You’ll always be my little girl.”
“Always.”
Congratulations flowed as we basked in the perfect moment. Pam and Levi seemed genuinely happy about the proposal. The first night here, Pam had told the truth about basing judgments on what was in front of them versus the actions of my past.
Before we left to go back to the guesthouse, Pam approached me after I helped Ty tie his shoes. Breakfast was moved to the main house so we were able to celebrate the engagement as a family. “Thank you for making Jaxson and Ty so happy. They love you dearly.”
“I love them.”
She hugged me to her tightly. “I can see it. Ever since that first night you and Jaxson met, I felt the connection. That first week when he backed off, he talked to me about it a lot. How he’d never experienced something so strong before. He was scared for him and for Ty, especially with how fast Ty attached himself to you. He asked what he should do.”
I waited for the response on bated breath as she pulled back. “I told him those feel
ings can be once in a lifetime and to take a chance on love was worth everything. Then when you find your perfect match, don’t wait.”
“He’s my match too. I’m glad he listened.”
“Me too.”
Dramatically, she sighed and placed a hand on her heart. “Now, we have a wedding to plan. I love weddings.”
We were planning a wedding. I had no idea where to start. What was needed? This was something my Mom would have helped me with which brought on a somber thought. How was I going to do this? Breaking my chaotic thoughts, Pam said, “I’m here however you need me. But know there’s no pressure. This is your and Jaxson’s day.”
“I’d love your help.” She had no idea how much.
Wrapping my arms around me, Pam said, “We’re so blessed to be getting a daughter like you.”
Mom and I always talked about what she wanted to do when I got married—a mother-daughter weekend to look for a dress, bridesmaid luncheon, and go to showers with me. It was bittersweet while preparing for a wedding to a man I was desperately in love with.
Having a mother-figure in my life soothed what could not be.
My heart overflowed for the millionth time today. I had everything I ever truly wanted, just not exactly how I imagined it.
Love.
Family.
Hope.
AFTER BREAKFAST, JAXSON AND TY came back to the guesthouse. Dad was leaving this afternoon with Levi to head to a convention. They’d be back tomorrow. Then, Dad would head home the next day.
Ty was currently watching Dad shave in the bathroom. From the kitchen, I heard, “Do I get to call you Granddad, now?”
“I’d love that.” It was weird hearing my dad called granddad.
At the counter, Jaxson came up behind me. “Are you happy?”
“Deliriously so.” And I was.
His chin rested on my shoulder. “I’m one step closer to having you in my bed every night. Of course, I’d rather you move in now.”
Facing Jaxson, I kissed him. “Won’t that confuse Ty?”
Before he could answer, Dad’s phone vibrated on the counter. “Can you get that, punkin’? Ty’s helping me shave.”
“Sure thing.” As I picked up the phone without looking, I looked at Jaxson with mock horror on my face. “I hope Dad knows what he’s doing.”
A smirk with that sexy grin showed me how happy Jaxson was as I answered the phone. “Hello. This is London McNally answering for Ken.”
“London. Thank God. I’ve been trying to reach you. No one will give me your number.” The blood drained from my face at Charles’ voice. Why was he trying to reach me? A once soothing voice now only brought dread. All the anguish connected with my past came rushing back.
Jaxson sensed something was wrong as he held me tighter and mouthed, Who is it?
“London, are you there?”
The sandpaper lacing my throat made it hard to talk. “Why are you calling my dad, Charles?”
Another female voice sounding like Rachel was in the background and spoke. “Darling, Mom and Dad arrived. Your parents have to stay in DC for two more days.”
Charles muffled the phone. “I’ll be right out. This is the endorsement for the candidacy.”
More lies.
I wasn’t able to hear the response.
Bastard.
Dirty rotten bastard.
He was lying to his fiancée like he had me.
Anger burned through Jaxson as his muscles went rigid. He didn’t move as he watched me. I angled the phone for him to hear. “London, I’ve been wanting to talk to you. Explain some things. See where we stand. I fucked things up. I want to set it right.” He sighed. “I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since the day at my parents.”
I felt sick to my stomach. There was no part of me that wanted anything to do with Charles.
“London, don’t say yes to whoever you’ve met.”
My voice barely came out audible. “How did you know?”
“I saw him last week when he was here. London, don’t make the biggest mistake of your life. I’ve been trying to find you.”
I looked into Jaxson’s eyes. He watched me closely, and me him. The pulse thrummed in his neck. “Charles, I’ve already said yes. I love him. He’s my future.”
There was no need to talk about Rachel. Charles being engaged or not had no impact on my decision.
A smile spread across Jaxson’s face. In prison all I could imagine was Charles begging to get me back. Admitting he made a mistake. But, he wasn’t whom I wanted. Not anymore. In comparison, Charles was a dim light compared to the bright shining star in front of me.
“London, for fuck’s sake. You just got out of prison. Does he have any idea you killed someone?”
The phone was yanked from me. Jaxson’s face was steel as his equally matching cold tone spoke, “Charles, this is Jaxson McCole. You will not talk to my future wife that way. She’s made her decision.” He paused. “That may be true, but I have her future.” Through the line I could hear Charles’ voice raising, but I couldn’t make out what he was saying. “You’re a real piece of work. Of course, I know she was in prison and I love her. Nothing you say will change that, asshole.”
My fists balled. Charles had tried to ruin my relationship. As Charles was still speaking, Jaxson ended the phone call and crouched to look me in the eyes as I glanced away. “London, I love you. That bastard won’t change it.”
“I know.” I took a deep breath. “I hate that I can’t shout the truth from the mountain tops. That the past can still be thrown in my face. It hurts. Charles was never that mean. Not when we dated.”
“Because he had you.”
Dad walked out with Ty. “What’s going on?”
Giving a pleasant smile, I avoided Dad’s questions. “Hey Ty, would you see if your grama has any spaghetti sauce I can borrow?”
“Yes!” Ty took off.
When we were alone I explained what happened. Dad nodded. “He’s been trying to get ahold of you. Millie and I refused to give your information. We should have asked or let you know.”
“No, it’s fine. I would’ve asked you to not give him my information. Don’t let him know. I’d rather disappear from his mind.”
We agreed it was all for the best to continue as is. Dad still had no clue about the blood tests which showed I was drugged. When he got back from the convention, I wanted to tell him the truth.
Taking one last sip of coffee, Dad gave me a hug. “It’s time for me to go. I’ll be back tomorrow evening. Maybe in a few months, the three of you could come to the house.”
Dad released me and shook Jaxson’s hand. “We’d like that, sir.”
“Ken, call me Ken or Dad or whatever you want. You’re family now.”
Family. I was beginning my own family. The thought was daunting, but I loved it. Immensely. As Dad left, Jaxson’s phone rang. “Hey, Mom. Yeah. Is she sure? Okay, we’ll come up to the house to say goodbye.”
My curiosity was piqued when Jaxson prowled toward me. “Sydney offered to watch Ty tonight. Looks like I get you in my bed after all.”
The perfect day was about to become the perfect night.
I STRETCHED APPRECIATIVELY, MY LIMBs sore from Jaxson’s sexual appetite. “Morning, my beautiful fiancée.”
“Morning.”
“I loved having you here.”
Rubbing my hand up his chest, I saw the sparkle from my diamond. “Pretty soon, you’ll be stuck with me forever.”
“Good. I’m ready.”
Glancing at the time, it was past seven. “We promised Ty we’d take him to breakfast this morning to celebrate around eight.”
“You’ll be a good mom.”
Mom. That word still felt foreign to me but I welcomed it. I always wanted children and was blessed to have Ty. Beyond blessed.
I closed my eyes. “I hope so. I’m afraid of messing up.”
“You’re perfect for Ty and me. We’ll figure out how we fit together.
I’m not worried.”
Jaxson’s phone rang on the bedside. It was Sydney’s ringtone. He stretched, leaving me cold where his body once was. “Hey, buddy. Yeah, we’ll be there. Yes, she’s still going to be your mom. And my wife. Me too. We’ll be there shortly.”
Mom. I was about to be a mom.
Jaxson hung up. “He’s anxious.”
“Let’s go to breakfast early. Maybe we can do the park today too.”
“Perfect. I’ll text Syd to meet us at Mom and Dad’s in like twenty minutes.”
Quickly, we got ready and headed down to the guesthouse. Last night, when I packed my overnight bag I forgot the right color flip flops to go with my jean shorts and T-shirt.
Ten minutes later we pulled up to the back of the guesthouse. “I’ll be right back,” I whispered.
Jaxson was on the phone talking about the new equipment coming from Alabama he ordered on his last trip to be installed late next week. I traipsed over to the door while sending Millie a good morning text.
Something caught my attention and I stopped dead in my tracks. A knife was stabbed into the front door with a note. The same type knife which was used in Dad’s barn. The note was sloppily scrawled.
I dropped the phone. Everything slowed as I looked at the angrily scrawled words. Jaxson called my name, but I wasn’t able to answer.
They found me.
They were here.
It wasn’t over.
Pressure on my shoulders cleared the fog. “London, sweetheart, look at me.” Our eyes connected as Jaxson turned me to face him. “You’re safe here. We’re safe.”
“Jaxson—” I couldn’t breathe.
A voice sounded from behind and my eyes grew wide. “Hey, Syd. Take Ty in the house. We’ll be there in a sec.” There was no mistaking the urgency in Jaxson’s voice.
“Sure thing.”
I heard Ty calling for Jaxson. For me. I wasn’t able to answer. The words stuck in my throat. Jaxson called over his shoulder. “Buddy, give us a few. We’ll be right there. Everything is okay.”
Ty. I was bringing this on Ty.
“London, look at me.” I stared him in the eyes. What if Ty got hurt? Jaxson? My dad? “London, I see the look in your eyes. You’re not leaving.”
Innocence Page 13
