Pain knifed through her chest. Of course they did.

  “How was Lily today?”

  “She had a great day and went to bed right on time after two stories.”

  “Well, that’s good. I’m glad she behaved for you.”

  She nodded. “Well, goodnight, then.”

  He stood in the doorway for a moment, as if wishing she would say more—or that he could.

  She felt tears threatening and wouldn’t look at him. Instead, she picked up her Kindle again, hiding behind it.

  She heard the quiet click as the door shut behind him.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Several days later, Jack strode over to his desk and dropped his keys into the top drawer. It was obvious that Rico was back in town. A file folder lay open on his desktop, and a wadded-up napkin was crumpled beside it.

  Jack was practically beside himself. Emily was barely speaking to him. He sighed. No, that was wrong. As long as she was talking about Lily, everything was fine. Other than that, though, she had little to say. In fact, after the kitchen was clean each evening, she retired to her room. He sometimes heard her TV playing—or, if there was silence, he assumed she was reading. But whatever she was doing, she was doing it without him.

  He’d tried again to find out what was wrong, but she’d stonewalled him, just like before. Not only was he hurt by this, he was beginning to get angry. Dammit, he hadn’t done anything to deserve this. At least, nothing he was aware of. It was all so upsetting and confusing—and what made it so damn bad was that he really cared about Emily.

  In fact, the past few days had shown him just how much he cared. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing her.

  He logged onto his computer and opened his e-mail. Rico still wasn’t back at his desk. He must be meeting with the captain. As soon as he returned, they had to talk. Rico had a way of looking at things, of getting right to the heart of a problem.

  Jack began sorting through his e-mail, anxiously biding his time. A long half-hour later, Rico sat down at his desk.

  Jack stood up. “How about a cup of coffee, bro?”

  Rico took one look at him and said, “You got it.”

  After they filled their mugs, Rico sat down opposite Jack. “So, what’s up, partner? You don’t look so good.”

  Jack sighed. “It’s Emily. I still haven’t figured out what’s wrong.” He filled Rico in on the past few days and how bad things had gotten.

  “So, what’s changed lately? I mean, when did this all start?” Rico asked.

  “I think it started around the time when Sarah went missing.” He thought some more. “And it seems to have gradually gotten worse since then.”

  Rico nodded. “That may be the cause right there.”

  Jack shook his head. “Emily’s been really supportive of me about this Sarah thing. I don’t think that’s it.”

  Rico’s eyes narrowed. “That may be true. Give me a blow-by-blow of how this all played out.”

  Jack started at the beginning, telling Rico every detail from when he’d first heard the news until he brought Sarah home from the hospital.

  Rico nodded and took sips of his coffee.

  “You see? She’s been great. I don’t think Sarah’s the problem. It’s got to be something else. I just don’t know what it is,” Jack said.

  “I think you’re wrong, bro. It is Sarah, but Emily’s too sweet to say anything. What kind of person would she be if she asked you not to care for your injured ex?”

  When Jack frowned, Rico continued. “I mean, look how you acted when Sarah was missing. From what you just told me, you really lost it, man. How do you think that looked to Emily? And now you’re practically waiting on the woman hand and foot. I can see where Emily might think that you still have feelings for Sarah.”

  “My God, Rico. You know I don’t love Sarah anymore. That’s ridiculous.” He ran his fingers through his hair. If this was true, what an awful misunderstanding it was. Poor Emily.

  “I know it, and you know it, but Emily sure wouldn’t know it from the way you’ve been acting, bro. Emily’s just been protecting herself. She lives in the same house as you. Besides quitting, what else can she do but lock herself in her room?”

  Jack stood up and dumped his coffee in the sink. “I’ve got to do something.”

  Rico stood up from the table and grinned at his friend. “You know, you could have figured this out on your own if you’d really thought about it.”

  “Dammit, Rico, I did think about it. That’s all I’ve been doing!” Jack set his mug down hard on the cabinet.

  “Then, bro, you need to take some lessons on women. I don’t know where you’d get them, though.” Rico laughed and set his mug in the sink. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. I know you’ll make this right.”

  “Damned straight I will.” Jack slapped his friend on the back. “Thanks, Rico.”

  Jack strode back to his desk. Now he had to tell Emily that she’d misunderstood him—that he didn’t love Sarah; at least, not romantically. She was the mother of his child and a good friend, and that’s where it ended.

  He called the local florist and ordered a large arrangement of yellow-and-orange circus roses to be delivered to Emily. Then he sent her a text:

  I’m bringing Italian takeout tonight.

  He ended the text with a heart emoji.

  Then he ordered chicken fettuccine alfredo and garlic bread for pickup at five. He’d leave early today. Then he smiled. He had a very important errand to run before picking up dinner.

  Before returning to his email, he said a silent prayer.

  Emily folded the letter and put it in an envelope, quickly wiping away a tear before it could make a wet spot on the flap. She’d decided that she couldn’t work for Jack any longer—it was just too painful. In her letter, she’d said that she’d stay until he could find a replacement. The agency would send applicants, and she was sure that he’d find someone suitable soon.

  God, she hoped it wouldn’t take long. Now that she’d made up her mind to leave, every minute in this house was agony. And it would only get worse when Jack arrived.

  Pain stabbed her. Leaving Lily would be horrible. She loved the little girl, and she was the only reason she’d stayed on as long as she had. She’d hoped that she’d become immune to the pain, but it had only gotten worse.

  Her text tone sounded, and she gulped back a sob as she saw that it was from Jack. He was bringing dinner. Good. That meant they wouldn’t have to work side by side in the kitchen. The only thing that made the evenings bearable these days was escaping to her room.

  Sarah now called Jack every afternoon after dinner before Lily had her bath and talked with them both for a long time. The calls were like acid on Emily’s raw nerves. She always hurried to do the dishes so that she could head to her room and close the door, shutting out their happy voices.

  She just couldn’t take it anymore. Tomorrow she’d call the agency and let them know that she’d put in her notice. Maybe they’d have other job openings in the surrounding areas.

  She’d give Jack her resignation when he got home. The sooner the better.

  She rose from the kitchen table just as Lily walked into the room. Emily picked her up and held her close. Closing her eyes, she felt her heart breaking. Today was an ending to something she’d thought was beautiful but had been, in reality, something very common.

  Emily finished reading the second book to Lily and continued to rock her. Within a few minutes, the little girl fell asleep. Emily laid her down for her nap and quietly closed the bedroom door.

  Without even cleaning up their lunch mess, Emily settled down on the couch, her eyes closing in exhaustion. She’d gotten very little sleep the night before after making her decision to leave. Although her eyelids felt heavy, her heart ached so badly she knew she’d never be able to nap. The lunch dishes waited, but she didn’t have the strength to get up. Not yet. She’d rest a while and then do them. Stretching out, she took a deep breath and sighed it out.

  Soon she’d be gone, and she could begin to heal.

  The doorbell rang, startling her. She grabbed her phone and looked at the front door camera. A man stood there, holding a huge bouquet of flowers. She switched cameras and saw a florist’s van in the driveway.

  She got up and answered the door. The flowers were beautiful roses—and they were addressed to her. Wonderingly, she thanked the man and returned to the couch, opening the card as she sat back down. It said, “I’m so sorry. Jack.”

  A trickle of joy wound through her chest. But wait—what was Jack sorry for? For loving Sarah? Emily’s heart fell.

  Sighing, she laid the note on the coffee table beside the flowers. She sniffed a bloom, and the faint, sweet scent made her smile. The roses really were gorgeous.

  She checked the water level in the vase, then took it into the kitchen to add more.

  Returning the arrangement to the coffee table, she sat on the couch and looked at the bright colors of the roses. It really was kind of Jack to send them. She kept staring at the blooms as a knot grew in her chest. She could barely breathe. This was so much worse than the morning had been, because now she had hope.

  Jack wouldn’t be home until five. She clenched her hands. How was she going to make it until then?

  Jack parked in the driveway and killed the engine. So much depended on the next few hours. Emily had to listen to him. She had to understand.

  His hand slid to his belly. He hadn’t been able to eat lunch—his stomach had been filled with acid. His biggest worry was that Emily wouldn’t even talk to him. He just hoped that the flowers had made a difference. He needed every advantage he could get. Her cold shoulder of the past week had been arctic.

  Grabbing the food bag, he headed inside.

  He found Emily and Lily outside in the glider. His daughter loved that swing.

  He called from the back door, “I’m home, and I’ve got dinner.”

  Lily yelled, “Daddy!”

  Emily dragged her foot to slow the swing.

  “Hi, Lily. I love you, honey.” He set the food on the counter and went outside.

  Lily held up her arms, and he picked her up out of the glider. “How was your day, sweetheart?”

  “She had a nice day,” Emily said quietly. “We used watercolors, and Lily made you a picture.”

  He detected a new warmth in her voice, and the corner of his mouth lifted. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  Lily nodded her head. “Picture, Daddy.” She took his face in her hands and made him look at her.

  He laughed and kissed her cheek. “I’ll bet it’s pretty.”

  Lily grinned. “Pretty picture.”

  “Let’s go inside and get you some good dinner. I know you’ll love it, little one.”

  His whole body was aware of Emily as she followed them into the kitchen.

  He helped Lily wash her hands in the kitchen sink and then put her in her booster seat. There was an envelope on the table with his name on it. It was in Emily’s handwriting. Fear stabbed his chest. He had a pretty good idea what the envelope contained. Dammit. He had to talk to her first.

  “The flowers are beautiful, Jack. Thank you.” Emily set the table and opened the container of fettuccine.

  He turned to look at her and she gave him a warm smile. He said, “I’m glad you like them.”

  While he made the iced tea and Lily’s sippy cup of milk, she put some food in Lily’s bowl and cut it up for her.

  Lily looked on with avid interest. As soon as Emily put the bowl in front of her, she took a large spoonful of the fettuccine.

  Jack laughed as she attempted to chew with a too-full mouth. “Slow down, little one. You have plenty of time to eat.”

  He sat opposite Emily. “This comes from a great Italian place in town. I love their food.”

  “It smells wonderful,” she said quietly, as she served herself a portion.

  He sighed. Emily was still withdrawn. Would she be open to the conversation he needed to have with her? He’d been praying all day that she would.

  He talked about work while Emily mostly listened. After dinner, he said, “I have so much to say to you, Emily. I’d like to put Lily to bed, and then can we discuss it?”

  “Of course, and I need to talk to you, too.”

  He glanced at the envelope, and his heart fell. God, he had to have his say first.

  After giving Lily a quick bath, he settled in the rocking chair and read her two books. Afterwards, as usual, he attempted to rock her to sleep, but she wasn’t having it. She kept popping her head up and looking around, even patting his face and talking to him. What was causing this behavior—and on tonight of all nights? After fifteen minutes, he gave her several books and put her to bed anyway.

  He found Emily in the living room. Emily had been right. The flowers were beautiful. “I couldn’t get Lily to sleep. Did she have a late nap?”

  She shook her head. “Not really. But I’ve been tense all day. Maybe she’s sensing my mood.”

  He nodded. “Maybe that’s it. I certainly wasn’t myself while I was trying to put her to sleep.” It was now or never. “Emily, shall we go outside? I’d like a beer. Can I get you a glass of wine?”

  After a slight hesitation, she said, “That would be nice. Thanks.”

  He was disappointed a few minutes later when he handed her a glass of wine. Instead of sitting in the glider, she’d taken one of the armchairs. He sat in another, turning it around to face hers.

  He examined her face as he took a swallow of beer. She looked apprehensive, and it broke his heart. He leaned forward, wishing he could take her hand but knowing that, at this point, she wouldn’t welcome it. “Emily, I don’t love Sarah. I quit loving her when we got divorced. I still care for her, though. Of course I do. She’s Lily’s mother, and we’ll always be good friends.”

  He looked into her eyes and sensed her thoughts as tiny changes of expression flitted through them. Then he reached for her hand. “I’m so sorry that my recent behavior caused you pain. I never meant for it to.”

  Her facial muscles began to relax.

  He continued. “I should have been more perceptive about your feelings. I’m sorry I didn’t understand how my actions affected you.” Her eyes reddened, and he squeezed her fingers. “Honey, please, can you tell me why you didn’t just talk to me? I really care about you, Emily, and I hope you care about me, too.”

  After a moment, she said quietly, “I thought I had misread your feelings for me. That you thought what was between us was something casual.”

  She stopped, and he saw her swallow hard.

  He said, “I never thought that.”

  “I felt so stupid. I was embarrassed. I just couldn’t talk to you.”

  “Oh, honey.” He drew her to her feet and hugged her against his chest. “Don’t you realize that I love you?” He felt her suck in a breath. He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t want to live without you, Emily. You make our lives whole.” He drew back and looked into her eyes. “Do you hear me? I love you, Emily Anderson.”

  She smiled as tears welled in her eyes. “I love you, too, Jack. And you know I’ve always loved Lily.”

  Then he said, “Is that envelope on the table what I think it is? Your resignation?”

  She looked down. “Yes.”

  He clasped her to him again. “My God, I almost lost you.” Then he kissed her hard, putting everything he had into it, branding her with his lips.

  She responded, delving deep inside his mouth the way he liked.

  God, how he loved this woman. Then he drew back and reached into his shirt pocket. “Emily, I love you with everything I am. Will you marry me, honey?” He held up a classic-cut solitaire ring, its braided platinum band inset with small diamonds.

  She gasped. “Oh, it’s beautiful, Jack.” She looked up, her eyes brimming with happy tears. “Yes, sweetheart, I’ll marry you.”

  He grinned and slipped it onto her finger.

  Emily gave a quiet sob, and he drew her into his arms. “It’s all right, honey. Everything’s going to be just fine now.” He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his. God had answered his prayers.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Emily smiled as she looked around the beautiful king room in the luxurious adults-only Spicers Balfour Hotel just outside of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. She and Jack had an exciting honeymoon planned for the next six days. Lily was staying at the ranch with Jack’s parents.

  They’d had a simple but beautiful wedding in McAllen, and all their family and friends had been there. Claire had been Emily’s matron of honor, and Rico had been Jack’s best man. Lily had been the tiniest flower girl, and Jack’s nephew, Jeremy, the ring bearer. It had been the happiest day of her life.

  They’d had a Saturday morning wedding and had left Dallas the same evening. They’d flown all night and, with the time changes, had arrived in Brisbane that morning.

  She walked over to Jack, who had just put their suitcases on the bed. She slipped her arms around his neck, and said, “I sure do love you, honey.” Then she kissed him, long and slow.

  He put his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. When she drew back, he said, “We’re going to have a fabulous time while we’re here.”

  “We sure are. I’m most looking forward to the Australia Zoo and the koala sanctuary.” She sat down on the couch, her legs suddenly weak after the long, exhausting flight.

  Jack sat down beside her. “I can’t wait to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. And I think the tour you chose with the aboriginal staff who tell their origin stories and play their cultural instruments will be spectacular.”

  “It’s perfect weather for it,” she said. Although it was October and the beginning of fall weather in South Texas, here in Queensland the weather was in summer mode.

  She sighed and leaned against him. “I’m happy to finally be here. And I’m glad that we’ll be eating here at the hotel tonight. The rooftop restaurant and bar sound amazing.”

 

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