Jade nodded in understanding. "You fear the very thing that's inside you could destroy you."
"Exactly. That's why I drink."
"Well, if you're serious about making a change, then I've got a proposal for you."
Rita wiped her face down. "What is it?"
"I've arranged for you to join a rehab about an hour away from here. I called them last night and got everything set up for you. If you're willing, right after you meet Emma, then we'll be happy to drop you there so that you can get the help that you need."
Rita shook her head. "I can't afford rehab. I would have gone if I could."
"I'm paying for it. It's my gift to you and Emma. This is probably not the best time to mention this, but I love your daughter. And even though I haven't yet said those words to her, I want to make her happy. Emma loves you so much, Rita. And all she wants is for you to get better so that you can both enjoy your lives. Please take this opportunity. If not for yourself, then for her. For the future, you want for her."
"My little girl's in love." Rita shut her eyes and cried. "And I had no idea. This past couple of weeks I thought she was stewing in her apartment, but she was running from a monster."
Jade rubbed the older woman's arm and let her cry for a little while. "All that can change. All you have to do is give up a few months, and you can have a new life. You could even reconnect with Amy. Emma tells me she has nieces. I'm sure you'd love to meet them."
"I would," Rita whispered, her voice shaky.
"All it takes is you accepting this gift. What do you say, Rita? Will you do me a favor and make Emma the happiest woman in the world?"
The older woman patted Jade's cheek. "I'm pretty sure that's you. I take it Emma doesn't know anything about your little plan."
Jade smiled. "It was supposed to be a surprise, but I wasn't sure if you'd agree."
"Can't spoil your first big gift to her, can I?" Rita smiled. "I'll go, and I'll pay you back as soon as I can. I won't take charity from anyone."
"Of course. I know you don't know me that well, but hopefully you will pretty soon, and you won't feel the need to pay me back, because we'll be like family."
Rita shook her head. "I still don't' understand how you and your friends came and got me, or why you were able to. I'm just glad you did. And now, it seems I'm finally going to be able to do the right thing, for once. Thank you, Jade."
Jade smiled. "No, thank you. Deciding to make a change isn't' easy. I should know. But, I'll tell you what, you have the biggest cheerleader in Emma. She'll get you over when you think you can't. She did that for me too."
"Let's go see our girl," Rita said.
"Ugh, enough with the mushy stuff." Ben moaned. "Do you know how painful it is to cry with a gaping wound in your side?"
The car erupted in laughter that quickly ended when Ben grunted again. "Please ladies, let's just be quiet for a little while."
"Whatever you need," Jade said.
I have all I need, she thought. And I can't wait to tell and show Emma just how much I love her.
Epilogue
Three months later...
"So, this is your room, Mom," Emma said, opening the second bedroom in the two-bedroom home she and Jade shared.
It had been a long and challenging journey for Emma and Jade after the Derek situation. Emma had found it hard to have no contact with her mother throughout her rehabilitation. Given their history of co-dependency, her mother's counselors had advised against contact.
Now, looking at her bright-eyed mother, Emma could say it was worth it.
"Oh honey, this is nice, but I don't want to take up too much time here. You and Jade need your privacy."
Emma turned to look at her mate. Ever since Jade told her that she loved her and that she believed Emma was the one woman for her, she'd taken to using the shifter term. It showed the depth of their commitment to one another, and Emma hoped that one day they'd make it legal too.
"Don't worry about that, Rita," Jade said. "Our room's on the other side of the house. It's one of the reasons we picked this one. Plenty of space and privacy for everyone."
Emma's heart warmed to hear Jade utter those words. Her mate had worked very hard with her therapist, making her desire to share a room with Emma her number one priority. Emma was proud to say, that Jade had succeeded. Two months in, and they'd spent their first night together. It was yet another significant gift Jade had given Emma. And Emma loved that the things that mattered to her mattered to Jade.
Emma pecked Jade on the lips quickly, unable to resist. "Come on. Let's get you settled in. The girls are waiting to throw you your welcome home party. And I know for a fact that Mara has made you a blueberry pie. That's your favorite, right?"
Emma's mother put her bags down by her bed then turned and pulled both Emma and Jade in for a hug. "You girls are the best. Thank you for all you've done for me, and for introducing me to a wonderful group of women. I feel like a normal person, and I don't' want to let any of you down."
Emma rubbed her mother's back. "Don't you worry about that. You keep doing your best. And if you fall, we'll be right here to catch you because love rules our lives. Jade taught me that."
"No, Emma taught me that," Jade echoed.
Emma's mother pulled away. "Do y'all need for me to play referee or are you ready to dig into some blueberry pie?"
Emma and Jade laughed. Then Emma wrapped an arm around her mother. "Why don't you freshen up, and we'll head out in a few minutes."
Emma's mother agreed, and both women left the room. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Emma asked as they walked into their room.
Jade playfully shoved her down onto the bed and straddled her. "You bet I am. Let's make out like teenagers before your mom interrupts us."
"I love you, Jade," Emma said.
Her girlfriend pushed a blonde strand off her face and nibbled her neck. "I love you too, Emma."
Another romantic journey awaits you in...
FINDING EDEN
Small Town Romances, Book 1
Grab it here!
A Word From Chloe
Thank you for reading Wounded Bear! I hope you enjoyed it.
If you have a moment, I would be grateful if you could write a review of the book on Amazon. Honest reviews of my books, good or bad, help bring them to the attention of other readers. Even a sentence or two goes a long way in helping bring visibility to this series.
The next story, CHANGED WOLF, sees Giselle find a whole new approach to life and love with an exciting wolf shifter. As always, there will be plenty of action and adventure to keep things fun.
Changed Wolf will be out soon. Join my email list, and I'll let you know the moment it goes live. You'll also receive occasional news, informing you of things like sales and ARC opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up now: Chloe Peterson's Mailing List
I hope to see you soon for another fun ride.
Love,
Chloe
P.S. I’d love to hear from you — shoot me an email at [email protected]. I always respond :)
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