“I’ve never appreciated a shower more in my life.” He lifted his beer and took a sip, looking out over the pool.
Kate studied his profile. He was her hero. Strong, handsome, intelligent, caring, and great to her kids. He could take a catastrophe and turn it into an adventure. Hell, he deserved a freaking letter on his chest.
“Jack! Get in,” Madeline called out as she floated by them.
Jack jerked up in his seat but hesitated. “I’ll catch you on the next lap.”
“Okay. Mom, you can come, too,” she added as she and Charlie rounded the bend.
Jack turned around to face Kate. “Did you hear that?”
“I did. It’s a miracle.”
Jack’s smile was brighter than the sun. “Who knew vomit was the secret?”
They broke out laughing, not so much over his joke, but for the relief and hope Madeline’s invitation offered.
Jack leaned over and kissed her soundly on the lips. When he pulled back, he gazed into her eyes before finally speaking. “You make my life good, Kate Livingston.”
Kate raised her hand to his face. “Same here.”
He took her hand and kissed her palm. “Better than it’s ever been.”
Kate’s throat tightened. The emotion of his words ignited the truth that rang through her body. She took a deep breath.
“I love you.”
She could tell by the flash in his eyes her words had caught him off guard. His silence should’ve frightened her. It might have a month ago, but now she was so sure of her feelings, no matter what he said or didn’t, she could no longer keep them quiet. She was about to tell him he didn’t have to say anything, when he leaned down and kissed her.
He pulled back, his smile greater than she’d ever seen. “I love you, too.” He grabbed her face and kissed her brow, her cheek, her nose. “God, I love you.”
Kate was sure she had never experienced so much joy. Jack continued with his kisses and proclamations until they were interrupted.
“Gross!” Charlie yelled at them.
“Come on, Jack!” Madeline demanded.
Jack gazed at Kate with a smile that defined the look of love. She was sure hers was a mirror reflection.
“You’d better go,” Kate said, pushing him away.
He headed off to the water, but just before he got in, he turned and yelled, “I love you, Kate Livingston!”
Kate watched him dive into the pool and easily catch up with the kids. They screamed in delight as he uplifted their inner tubes, sending them into the water. She watched the three people who meant the world to her, playing and laughing, and let herself dream of a life full of such moments. She pulled her legs up and hugged them tight, trying to contain her need to proclaim her happiness to the world. Instead, she took a calming breath and whispered, “I love you, Jack Graham.”
Chapter 37
“Mr. Graham, what did you have in mind? Any particular shape or setting? I assume you’ll be looking for two carats or larger.” The older gentleman addressed Jack as if he were a butler serving royalty. The subservient attitude wasn’t necessary. Jack had only used his name and position to get the most knowledgeable salesperson in the store. Kate would have the best.
Jack supposed most clients that were brought to the private salon purchased the big stones. He didn’t have any set ideas, he just wanted the perfect ring . . . immediately.
The idea of marrying Kate had been in the back of his mind for some time. When Mrs. Travis agreed to sell her land, it had started to grow. Two days ago, when she’d told him she loved him, the decision was made. He would’ve proposed then, but he wanted to have a ring. She deserved the perfect proposal. His assistant was already preparing a list of restaurants that were considered the most romantic in Austin.
“I don’t have any set ideas, but it has to be perfect . . . flawless.”
Jack saw a flash in the gentleman’s eyes and guessed he was already calculating his exorbitant commission. Jack was fine with that. The man might as well enjoy the experience as much as Jack did.
“Very good plan. Perhaps we should start with the cut. Here are samples of available styles.” The man unveiled a black velvet box holding various diamonds.
“It needs to be something unique, like Kate.” Jack’s eyes were drawn to an eight-sided stone. “I’ve never seen one like this,” Jack said, pointing to it.
“It’s not common. It’s a radiant cut.”
Kate’s smile jumped to mind. “That’s the one.”
When Jack left the store, he was confident in his purchase, and the salesman was surely planning his early retirement. The only problem, the ring wouldn’t be ready for two weeks. He was frustrated as hell, having to wait that long, but it was probably for the best.
Jack had decided to tell Kate the truth about his initial plan regarding Austin. In the end, his deception had had no impact on the project. It didn’t matter to the state or the company. Gridion was in Austin. But he knew it would matter to Kate.
Rain started to fall as he walked to his car. Soon it became a downpour. He remembered their trip to D.C., when Kate had stood in the rain, dripping wet. It was the day she’d told him about Ian’s affair. He remembered Kate telling him how Ian’s lies had hurt her the most. Jack was determined to never hurt her. They would start their future with a clean slate, nothing standing between them. Today, he would tell her the truth.
Chapter 38
Kate’s car bumped along the lane, dipping into deep puddles. The rain was coming down in buckets. She thought about Jack and their rainy day in D.C. She couldn’t help but smile. Oh, how she loved that man. And he loved her. She had fantasies of what lies ahead, but right here, right now, she was happier than she ever thought she could be.
That’s why she was on this old, gravel drive that was surely as old as the eighty-year-old house that came into view. The Travis homestead itself wasn’t that spectacular, considering the value it held for Gridion. It was a white single-story, and raindrops were bouncing off the tin roof. The front porch looked sturdy enough but had definitely seen years of use.
The rain eased just as she parked. Perfect timing. That is, until the dogs came running.
There were four of them, coming at her car, full speed. Kate wasn’t sure what breed they were, but their bared teeth reminded her of that old movie, Cujo. Whatever happened to gentle, farm dogs named Lassie?
“Hey! Settle down.”
Kate and the dogs turned to an older woman coming out the front door. Mrs. Travis. The angry dogs ran to her side and transformed into pups. The woman had the gray hair and wrinkles to prove her age, but that was about it. She stood tall and lean, wearing jeans and a denim shirt.
Cracking her window, not sure of the dogs’ next moves, Kate called out to the woman. “Mrs. Travis, it’s me, Kate Livingston.”
“Come on in. You’re safe. They just get excited when strangers pull up.”
Excited. Deadly. One of those. At least there’d be someone to call 911 if the dogs ripped her hand off. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. Now come on in and get out of the rain.”
Kate said a prayer and ran to the porch. Sure enough, the dogs stayed in place, and one even licked her hand.
Mrs. Travis opened the screen door and motioned for Kate to go in. They settled in at a worn, kitchen table, and Loretta, as she insisted Kate call her, poured them sweet tea.
“So, you work for the state, huh?” Loretta took a seat. “I thought everything had been finalized.”
“It has, thanks to you. I’m here for another reason.” Kate rubbed the condensation off her glass, suddenly feeling silly about coming. But she had, so she’d go ahead. “Mrs. Tr—Loretta, I’m here to thank you for selling your property to Gridion. Your decision will have a great impact on Austin. The jobs, the revenue, even the preservation of a major piece of history. And it’s all because of you.
“I appreciate that. The Governor sent me a letter telling me that as well.”
Mrs. Travis reached over and squeezed her hand. “Family’s important. That’s why I sold this place. My daughter lives in Georgia, and she’s going to have her first baby. My first grandchild. Life’s too short. I want to be there for both of them. Heck, really for myself.”
“I can appreciate that. I guess the state and my family should thank your daughter, too. Funny to think that Jack Graham harassed you all that time, and a little baby is what made the difference.”
“I wouldn’t call it harassment.” Loretta had a puzzled look on her face.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. But still, having him persistently approach you for some three months had to be irritating, to say the least.”
The older woman leaned in. “Honey, I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Mr. Graham called me one time, back in June, when I had no interest in selling. My daughter found out a week later she was pregnant. I was ready to sell then, but my lawyer said I should wait until Gridion contacted me. Said I shouldn’t look desperate to sell, it would hurt the price. It about killed me to wait until Mr. Graham called me at the end of August.”
A knot formed in Kate’s chest, and she broke out in a cold sweat. “Are you saying that from June to August he never contacted you?”
“Nope.” Loretta shook her head. “I was beginning to think he didn’t really want the land.”
Chapter 39
When Kate entered his office, Jack was on the phone. As soon as he saw her, he ended the call. “Hey, beautiful. This is a surprise.”
He walked over and reached out for her, leaning down for a kiss. Kate pulled away before he could and moved to the window overlooking the city.
On many days, after they’d made love, they’d sit in his desk chair enjoying the view. Jack would hold her on his lap, and they would watch the city below while they hid in their private tower. Today, Kate saw nothing. Her mind, whirling turbulently, had taken her sense of sight.
Jack came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders, but Kate shrugged them off.
“Are you okay?” She heard the concern in his voice. “What’s with the Ray Charles get up?”
Kate had forgotten she wore her sunglasses. She’d put them on to hide her red eyes.
He turned her around. “Hey . . . talk to me.”
His worried look touched her for just a second, but then she remembered the reason she was here. Kate pulled off her glasses.
Jack took her face in his hands and searched her face. “What the hell happened?” She could only imagine how bad she looked, but for once she didn’t care. In fact, she wanted Jack to see her at her worst. To see the effects of his lies. “What’s happened? Are the kids okay?”
She studied his eyes. They were full of love and concern. His lies were so well hidden. Just like Ian’s. God, her radar must be seriously damaged.
“Kate, you’re scaring me.” He moved his hands to her shoulders and shook her. “What’s going on?”
“I talked to Loretta Travis today.”
The concern in his eyes evaporated, leaving anxiety in its place. He dropped his hands.
“Did you ever want Gridion to come to Austin?”
Jack hung his head and let out a deep breath. When he looked up, his face was hard.
Tears welled in her eyes. She already knew the story, but she’d hoped she was wrong. That there was some way he could explain it. To prove he hadn’t lied all along. Hope springs eternal. Kate took a deep breath. “I guess that answers my question.”
She headed to the door, but Jack grabbed her arm. “Wait, Kate. Let me explain.” His eyes were pleading.
She should’ve walked out the door. Should’ve slammed the door to his office and the man, but her heart kept her in place. Her broken heart. Anger had joined the hurt, and Kate craved the chance to tell him all the damage he’d done.
Jack led her to the couch and sat down beside her. He didn’t speak for the longest time. “I never wanted Austin . . . At least, not until the end of August.”
Kate shook her head in disgust. “Why would you . . . how could you pretend this, put the state through all that work if it was never going to happen? How could you do that, Jack?” She swallowed a sob. “How could you lie to me?”
He reached for her hands, but she jerked them away. Jack stared out the window, as if searching for words.
“Tell me the truth,” she spit. “I want the truth for once.”
“I never promised Austin would get the deal. I was here because the chairman wanted Austin. There was no way I was going to let that happen.”
As she watched him try to explain, the pieces started to fall into place. “And that’s why you had to have the Travis property. I told you it wasn’t available, and you knew you had your out.” Kate let out a cold laugh. “I gave you the excuse to stay out of Austin. How ironic.”
“Kate, you know what happened here. This place held nothing but memories of my mother and the shit we faced afterwards, everything I wanted to forget. I couldn’t live here. Hell, you know how it is. Look how you reacted when you saw the photo booth.”
She jumped up, realization dawning. “And that’s when I told you how much Ian’s lies hurt. That was . . . that was three months ago. You knew. You knew how the lying hurt me, but you did it anyway. For three months!”
Jack dragged his hands through his hair. “I tried to tell you that day, but I couldn’t. You were leaving the next day, and I didn’t want to ruin our time together. When I came back to Austin, you weren’t on the project, and I knew it would never happen. It didn’t seem important at that point.”
Kate jumped up and pointed her finger at his face. “That’s bullshit! You didn’t say anything because you were a selfish coward. You didn’t want me to know you’re a manipulative liar.”
“Fine, maybe that was it. I knew I wouldn’t be in Austin long, and I wanted to spend every minute with you. Yeah, I was selfish. But not to hurt you. Everything we shared was real. I never lied about my feelings for you. I love you, Kate. It was just the project. Once I decided on Austin, I didn’t think it mattered.”
“You lying to me doesn’t matter?! Do you hear yourself? You knew . . . only you knew what lies mean to me. How they almost broke me for good.”
He stood up but didn’t try to touch her. “Yes. But I finally realized if we were going to have a future, I had to tell you. I was planning on telling you tonight.”
Kate’s stomach turned. “Stop. You’re just making it worse. Do you hear how pathetic you are? Your big confession was planned for the day I found out? Do you think I’m that stupid?”
“I’m telling you the truth.” His face fell as soon as he uttered the words.
She let out a sick laugh. “Oh God, that’s a joke.” She walked to the window. “What is it? Do I have some kind of blinder when it comes to men and mendacity?”
“Do not compare me to Ian!” He crossed the room, needing to be next to her. “This is nothing like what Ian did.”
“Why not? He lied, you lied. Both of you keeping your secrets from me as if they weren’t important. I can’t trust you,” she said with a sob, then turned her back to him.
She trembled when he grabbed her shoulders, but she didn’t move away. “It was business, not us.” He leaned in, next to her ear. “I love you, Kate. I want to spend my life with you and the kids. I want us to be a fam—”
“Stop! Don’t say it.” She spun around, the pain crushing her. How could he use her dreams to manipulate her?
“Give me a chance to make this right. Give us a chance.”
She stared at him, then shook her head.
“Don’t do this. Please, Kate, don’t do this.” He grabbed her face and kissed her. It was h
ard and desperate, but she resisted and pushed him away. Jack searched her face, but he found no hope. All hope had been crushed.
“No. You did this. You ruined everything.”
With those words, she walked out of his office and out of his life.
Chapter 40
Kate adjusted the tripod for her digital camera. She wanted to record the kids’ performances, but she wanted to watch the show without staring through a viewfinder.
Sue sat down next to her.
“Where’s Dean?” Kate asked.
“He’s looking for parking. You’d think this is the opening of the Olympics. I don’t see what the big deal is?”
“Believe it or not, parents are usually excited to watch their kids perform, especially after paying dearly for a class that prepares them for the show.”
Madeline and Charlie had attended a six-week theater program, and tonight was the culminating event: an abbreviated production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Sue glared at Kate. “I know that, smart ass. I just don’t think they’re going to get their money’s worth. I can’t believe they didn’t put Madeline in the lead. If she’s not the perfect Millie, I don’t know who is.”
“I appreciate your support of Madeline, but the girl that got the lead deserves it, I’m sure. Besides, Madeline’s happy with her role. It’s probably the best part, really. She gets to do a lot more acting and comedy.”
“Well aren’t you just the mature Mom of America. You go ahead and keep spewing that crap, but I know you feel the same way I do.”
Kate refused to tap into her petty feelings. “This isn’t a competition. It’s about the kids having fun.” Kate was lecturing herself as well as Sue. The girl in the lead really wasn’t that good. “God help you, Sue, if you had a little girl. You’d probably put her in some kiddy pageant and fight with the other mom’s backstage over the spray tan booth.”
Then He Showed Up Page 26
