by Wendy Smith
I pause. “Miranda?”
She shoots me a sly look. “Didn’t she tell you? She spoke to Doug and he called me ready to sell. If she ever wants a job, I’d be happy to—”
“I don’t think that’s necessary, but thanks.”
Miranda involved herself in the negotiations? I’m guessing from the way Amy told me, she thought I’d be angry, but damn, that woman of mine went into bat for me. I can’t help the smile on my face any more than I think Amy can help the confused expression on hers.
But I have bigger things to deal with than Amy.
“Kayley, can you please grab Amy’s nachos when they’re ready? I’ll be out back for a while.”
She nods. “Sure thing. I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I just had to get some food and a couple of drinks. I’ll be back out later if you need me.”
Kayley shrugs. “We’ll be fine. I’ll call you if it gets busier, but I think we’re covered.”
“Thanks, Kayley.” I nod toward Amy. “Amy.”
After grabbing a couple of Coke bottles, I then turn and head back through to the kitchen to pick up the first plate of nachos and carry it back through to my apartment.
Miranda’s still asleep, and I place the bottles of drink on the bedside cabinet before placing the nachos between us and climbing onto the bed.
She stirs, her nose twitching. I smile as her eyelashes flutter and I look into those blue eyes I love so much. “Hey.”
“I thought you might be hungry.”
She nods. “You’d be right. That smells amazing.”
“Well, don’t tell anyone, but I think these are the best nachos in town.”
Miranda laughs. “I’m pretty sure this is the only place you can get nachos in town.”
“Don’t say that out loud.” I bend, giving her a tender kiss on the lips. “Feel better?”
“I do now I’m here with you.” She pushes herself up on one elbow and picks up a chip.
“Glad to hear it.” I pick up a chip and scoop a generous helping of beans onto it, then cram it into my mouth.
She laughs again. “Hungry?”
I nod while chewing.
“Me too.” She scoops her own mouthful in and moans as she takes it in. “So good.”
“I love a woman who appreciates good food.”
“This is the best.”
We eat in silence until Miranda lies back on the bed and moans. “That was amazing. I could do with another nap.”
“There’s no rush. Do whatever you have to do.”
She reaches for my hand. “I’m glad I have you.”
I study her expression, and the faint trackmarks of her tears. “Mark’s hurt you deeply.”
She nods. “I think it hurts more because I’ve spent a bit of time with him lately. Not much, but he dragged me out of the office a while ago for lunch because I’m usually at my desk, and I thought it might become a regular thing.” Her eyes tear up. “Now I’m sure he did it to try and get information from me. He asked if we’d caught the leaker.”
“Bastard. If I ever get my hands on him . . .”
She gives me a wan smile. “He’s being taken care of by the authorities.”
“I know, but I hate how much he hurt you.” Picking up the plate, I move it to the bedside cabinet. If she sleeps again, I’ll take it back through to the kitchen.
“It’ll just take some time to get over it. I’ll need to go and see Molly tomorrow. And I’d like to visit Tom too.”
I nod. “Need me to come with you?”
“If you want.”
“You can always just take my car.”
Her face lights up with a smile. “Wow. You’re going to let me drive your precious car?”
I shrug. “What’s mine is yours.”
“That’s very generous.”
Leaning over, I grasp her chin and raise her face to plant a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m going to marry you, Miranda Clarke.” She blinks rapidly as her eyes fill with tears. “And I’m going to love you for the rest of my life. I’ll make all your dreams come true.”
For a moment, she’s silent. She smiles through the tears and kisses my hand. “Oh, Jackson. You already did.”
It doesn’t take long for Miranda to be asleep again. For a moment, I watch her. I’ll mend her wounded heart. I swear it.
I leave her sleeping peacefully and head back out to the kitchen, returning the empty dish.
The bar is full, and Kayley smiles as I walk over to her.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“We’re keeping up,” she says. “If you need to take the rest of the night off, I’ll be fine.”
I nod. “I might stay out here for a bit.”
“Is your friend okay?”
When I left for the airport, I told Kayley I was going to meet a friend who needed me. That was all she needed to know. Something’s different now.
“She will be.”
“You go and take care of her. I know you want to.”
I smile. “She’s asleep. I’ll go back and check on her soon.”
“Sure thing, boss. Let me know if either of you need anything.”
“Thanks, Kayley. You’re the best.”
She nods. “I know.”
I rub my hands together, walking closer to the bar. Belle and Claire sit in their usual spot, their glasses empty.
“Evening, ladies. Did you need a top up?”
Belle smiles, cocking her head. “You are here. We thought we wouldn’t be getting your company tonight.”
“For a limited time only. What are you drinking?”
“We’re fine for the moment. Today’s been awful, so we’re commiserating over drinks,” Belle says.
I nod. “Let me know when you want another.”
“We’re not as bad as some of the others,” Claire says.
“Poor Tom.” Belle plays with the stem of her wine glass.
Claire nods. “I might go and visit tomorrow if he’s up to it.”
“You two know about what’s happened?” I ask.
Claire eyes me suspiciously. “What do you know?”
“Enough.”
Belle nods. “We were there when Molly got the call. Tom took the news really badly.”
I frown. “I think I’ll text Bridget and see how they’re doing.”
A familiar scent comes up behind me, and Miranda wraps her arms around my waist, placing her palms on my stomach. “Yeah, Jackson. What do you know?”
When I turn, her eyes glisten with amusement.
“I thought you were asleep.”
“I was, but I’m feeling a lot better now.”
Wrapping my arms around her shoulders, I pull her closer. “Glad to hear it. I’ll let Kayley know I’m coming out back.”
Claire and Belle both sit open-mouthed. I’d laugh if I was a mean man, but at least they’ve got the message.
Miranda shakes her head. “It’s busy. I’ll grab a drink and a seat out here for a bit if that’s okay?”
“It’s always okay. I told you. What’s mine is yours.”
She smiles, and I bend, pecking her on the lips. “I’ll dig out another barstool and you can sit with Claire and Belle if you want. What did you want to drink?”
“A Coke if I could. Not sure I could do anything alcoholic.”
“Coke it is. I’ll be back in a second.”
There are always spare barstools out the back just in case I need any extra, and I lead Miranda around the front of the bar and kiss her again before heading out to get one.
It only takes a moment, and I don’t miss the conversation at the bar when I get back.
“You and Jackson?” Belle asks.
I fight back a small smile. I’m glad both her and Claire know now. I want the world to know Miranda’s mine and I belong to her.
Miranda nods. “Yes.”
Belle turns to Claire. “That would explain why he’s not really that much of a flirt.”
I place t
he seat at the end of the bar. “Here you are. I’ll just grab you that drink.”
Miranda walks to me, grasping my hand just as I turn. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Thank me later.”
Miranda’s cheeks pinken when I wink at her.
“You didn’t tell us, Jackson,” Claire says.
“No, I didn’t. We didn’t want to make a big deal about it until it was serious.” I meet Miranda’s gaze. Her expression is so full of love. One drink and then I’m dragging her back to my place if I have to.
We have things to do.
And a life to get on with.
Twenty-Six
Miranda
Jackson makes me feel safe.
In his arms, nothing can hurt me.
The pain of Mark’s betrayal cuts deep, but coming to Nettle Downs was the right thing to do.
Jackson’s reluctant to let me go in the morning. It’s going to take us all some time to recover from this.
“I won’t be too long. I want to see Molly, and I’ll stop on the way back and visit Tom.”
Jackson nods. “Are you okay?”
“I am now I’m with you. And last night was good.” I smirk. “The cat’s out of the bag for your little fan club. Think they’ll ever recover?”
Jackson laughs. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.”
“You’re all mine, mister. Don’t you ever forget it.” I peck him on the lips. “Anyway. I am out of here because the sooner I leave, the sooner I can get back to you.”
He grabs hold of me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his hands on my ass. “I love you, Miranda.”
“I love you.”
“I’m only loaning you to Molly. I need you back here as soon as possible.”
I laugh. “Okay, boss.”
His eyebrows rise. “Watch it.”
“I always do.”
With another peck to his lips, I head out to the car. Being here is everything.
Last night, sitting at the bar, I felt at home. Jackson did his job, and I watched him with all the pride I have.
I’ve never been so happy, and considering yesterday was one of the worst days of my life, that says a lot.
Molly’s place isn’t far, but I take a detour and drive down to the lake first. It’s a beautiful day, and the sunshine reflects off the water, making me think of the cabin.
If I didn’t know I was in love with Jackson before, that was the weekend that really sealed the deal.
He loves me so much. And there’s only one place I can be. It’s not San Jose.
Molly’s house isn’t far, and I smile at the sight of it. Jackson and I have already made so many good memories, and they all started here.
Molly smiles when she opens the door. Her eyes are still so full of emotion, and a little red.
“I need to talk to you.”
She nods. “Let me guess. You want to move to Nettle Downs.”
My mouth falls open. ”How did you . . .”
Molly taps the side of her nose. “Molly knows all. Don’t you get that?”
“I should have known you’d be a step ahead of me.”
She shrugs. “Come in and I’ll make some coffee.”
I follow her inside. Brad’s in the living room watching TV, and he waves. “Hey. Good to see you. Sorry about the circumstances.”
“It’s good to see you too, Brad,” I say.
He stands. “I’ll get out of here so you two can talk.” He walks over to Molly and plants a kiss on her lips. “I might head to Jackson’s for lunch. I’ll pick up Grace on the way home.”
She nods. “See you later.”
“See you later, Miranda. You and Jackson need to come for dinner one night,” he says.
I smile. “We’d love to.”
“You picked a good guy there.” He gives me a final nod before he turns to go.
“He’s right. You did pick a good one. And you know you’re going to have to finally tell me all about you and him.”
She fires up the coffee machine, and I suck on my bottom lip as she fills two cups, mixing in the milk and sugar.
“It started the night of your wedding.”
Her smile tells a story of its own as she hands me a cup and takes a seat on the sofa. She knows that part.
“You two were looking cozy. It doesn’t surprise me.”
I sit beside her.
“Miranda, I’m happy for you. Jackson is the sweetest. I think you’re a good match.” Her teeth bite her top lip. I know that’s Molly code for ‘I’m not sure if I should say something.’
“What?”
She laughs. “I have heard stories about his prowess in bed. And you deserve that, you really do.”
“What? Who . . .?”
“Tom’s girlfriend, Bridget, hooked up with Jackson once. We’ve become good friends, and she spilled all the tea.” She’s laughing, but looking at me with so much affection that I know she’s not laughing at me.
“He is. I’ve never met anyone who’s so attentive of my needs but somehow manages to fill all of his at the same time.”
She’s doing the lip thing again, and I roll my eyes and laugh.
“What? Molly. Oh my God.”
“He’s such a big guy. Is he big everywhere? I always wondered …”
My mouth falls open. “I can’t believe you’re asking that. What would Brad say?”
“Brad would know that I’m just enquiring after my best friend’s wellbeing.” She lets out a burst of laughter.
“Trust me. Every single part of him is big.”
We place our coffee cups on the table as we dissolve into laughter. I’ve missed my best friend so much. We used to laugh all the time about everything, and we shared every little detail about our lives. But while we’ve talked on the phone, this closeness, the bond we have has been tested.
“I’m glad you’ve decided to move.” Molly wraps one arm around my shoulders and pulls me closer.
“Me too. Are you sure you don’t still need me in San Jose?”
She smiles, leaning her head against mine. “We’ll work it out. You need to follow your heart. If anyone gets that, it’s me.” She pauses. “Besides, you have nieces and nephews, and I’m gonna need someone to help teach me how to change a diaper.”
My eyes widen as I pull away. “You’re pregnant?”
Molly’s smile lights up her whole face. “I am. And you’re the only person other than Brad and Grace who knows. I’m nearly twelve weeks, and then everyone will know.”
“Oh, Molly.” Tears well in my eyes. A couple of years ago, I’d never have foreseen this. Her so settled and having a family of her own. And me finding a love like I have with Jackson.
She raises her hand and loops a lock of my hair behind my ear affectionately. “We didn’t want Grace to be an only child. And if you and Jackson settle down in the future, maybe we’ll have children who’ll grow up together.”
Tears roll down my cheeks as I picture that. Jackson would be a wonderful father, and maybe my secret yearning to have children won’t have to be so secret after all.
“I love you,” I say.
“I love you too.” She sighs. “I wish Lane was here. She would have loved you too. The three of us could have got up to so much trouble.” She laughs.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet her.”
It’s her turn to tear up. “Me too. We would have been like The Three Musketeers.”
“We’ll just have to make do with the two musketeers.”
Molly wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me tight. “That sounds great to me. We could always invite Bridget to join us.”
“I like that idea. She’s been so good for Tom.”
Molly lets me go. “Nettle Downs seems to be the place for us to follow our dreams.”
All I can do is smile through my tears.
She’s right.
My phone vibrates in my pocket as I climb back into Jackson’s car.
I pull it out an
d smile.
Alex: The lawyer called. Thank you. You don’t have to pay for it. I’ll work it out.
Me: Let’s worry about that when it’s all sorted. You and the kids are more important than money. Xx
I hadn’t even checked my phone when I got up, and I sigh at all the notifications on it. I’m tempted to ignore, and swipe them all away.
Flicking through them, I pause when I hit one that stands out from my health app.
Period five days overdue.
How did I not notice this? I’m usually regular as clockwork, but I guess all the traveling and the stress I’ve been under lately have distracted me.
Any other time in my life, I’d be panicking, but for all that stress, I’m the most settled I’ve ever been. Jackson loves me, and I love Jackson.
If I’m pregnant, it’s meant to be. All I can do is hope that he’s in the same place as me.
I guess there’s one more stop I have to make before I head home.
There’s a grocery store not far from Tom and Bridget’s place, and I pull in there to stock up on snacks.
As I pick up a pregnancy test, my phone rings, and I drop the test in my basket before pulling out the phone.
“Miranda Clarke.”
“Miranda, it’s Agent Reilly.”
I swallow. “Hi. How’s it going?”
“We’ve got a full confession. He’d already admitted it to you. So, he’s still in custody pending his first court appearance. I’ll keep in touch to give you any updates.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“Are you okay? I know you were pretty shaken up yesterday.”
“I’m upset, obviously, but I’m with my boyfriend and Molly’s nearby. It’ll take a while to recover from this.”
He pauses for a moment. “I’m sure. Call me if there’s anything I can do, or if you need anything more explained.”
“I will. Thank you.”
The way I’m shaking as I disconnect the call tells me I’m far from over this. How are you supposed to feel when someone that close betrays you?
Time to pay the cashier and head over to see Tom. Then straight back to Jackson’s arms, where I feel safest.
I don’t know Bridget very well, but the relief on her face when she opens the door is plain to see. She throws her arms around my neck.
