Such Great Heights

by Sydney Logan

  “I know that.”

  “And it’s not like I need the money. I live here, rent free.”

  “Everyone needs money, Olivia. And for all practical purposes, you are still my employee. You’ve earned every dime, and then some.”

  My eyes narrow. “I’m your employee?”

  Jackson sighs. “You know what I mean.”

  “I quit! Effective immediately. And don’t even think about hiring another nanny!”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he says, trying very hard not to laugh. “And I accept your resignation. But that money is yours. Donate it to charity if you want. Better yet, put it in your savings account. After all, you’re going to have a wedding to plan very, very soon.”

  I’m just about to argue when that last sentence registers in my brain. Jackson takes advantage of my shock by lowering me down onto the bed. My entire body trembles as he buries his face against my neck.

  “Guess what?” he whispers against my ear.

  His lips slide along my throat, making me moan. It’s the only sound I can manage. Does he really expect me to answer questions when his mouth is doing such wonderful things to my skin?

  “It’s official,” he says, as his mouth makes a trail to my lips. “I’m a single man. And you are going to be my wife.”

  Ecstatic, I slide my arms around his neck and pull him close, kissing him frantically. Finally, finally, I’m kissing someone who’s allowed to kiss me back. Someone who can propose if he wants to. And I can say yes, if I want to.

  And I want to.

  As wonderful as that is, there’s something that’s even more amazing. Something that makes me happier than I ever thought possible.

  “Jackson?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Ryder called me Mom today.”

  Jackson smiles down at me.

  “Sounds like we’ve had a pretty perfect day,” he says. “And I have even more good news.”

  I honestly don’t think my heart can take anything else. I couldn’t possibly be any happier than I am right now.

  “The realtor called. That house you love went on the market today.”

  “The one with the wraparound porch and big backyard?”

  “Yep.”

  I grin. Okay, maybe I could be a little happier.

  “Are we ready to make an offer?” he asks.

  Are we? I mean, I’m in love with the house. But is he?

  “Do you love it?”

  “I love you. I can live anywhere as long as I’m with you.”

  “That’s sweet. But do you love it?”

  Jackson grins.

  “I do. The commute to work’s not bad at all, and Hazel gets a state-of-the-art kitchen. Ryder gets a great school, a swimming pool, and a big backyard. And you get your wraparound porch.”

  “But what about you? What do you get?”

  “I get my family . . . in a house that’s ours.”

  “But is that enough?”

  He smiles softly.

  “Are you kidding?” he asks, gliding his nose along mine. “That’s everything.”

  “Is that all of it?” Angel asks.

  I look around the bedroom. The closet is bare, the dresser is empty, and the bed is gone. All that’s left is an overnight bag and my laptop.

  “I think so. Honestly, I didn’t have much when I moved in.”

  “Look at you,” Dana says. “From a studio apartment to a penthouse. And now, to a big, beautiful home in Franklin. I can’t lie. I’m a little jealous.”

  Angel nods. “Me, too. Now show us the house again.”

  My best friends and I sit down on the carpet of my empty bedroom and scroll through my phone, looking at pictures of my dream house. It took nearly a month, but we finally closed on the house last week. The penthouse had sold quickly, thanks to Jackson’s lawyer who’d always wanted the place for himself. He’ll give the keys to Marcus tomorrow, and Ryder will say goodbye to the only home he’s ever known.

  He doesn’t seem too sentimental, though. He’s too excited about the swimming pool.

  After taking one last look around, I grab my overnight bag and laptop and follow the girls into the living room. It’s vacant, too, except for the piano. Eric, Angel’s boyfriend, sits next to Ryder on the bench as the two of them play some classical piece. It’s his last piano lesson in the penthouse, and the thought makes me sad. But then I remind myself that the piano—and the piano lessons—are coming with us, and the new house will be filled with beautiful music for years to come.

  Just then, Jackson appears from the study. He walks over and gives me a kiss before heading over to the piano. Ryder smiles up at his father, and the sight of the two of them does crazy things to my heart.

  “Have I thanked you?” Dana asks softly.

  “For what?”

  “For bringing my family back to life.”

  I blink back my tears as she hugs me tight.

  It’s nearly midnight by the time the piano is loaded and the penthouse is finally empty. Jackson tipped the movers well, hoping they’d agree to come early tomorrow to help us unpack at the new house.

  When they saw the wad of cash in his hand, they eagerly agreed.

  The four of us are headed to a hotel for the night. Hazel and Ryder are already there, sleeping peacefully. While Jackson finishes up with the movers, I decide to visit the balcony one last time. Truthfully, it was always my favorite thing about living here, with it’s beautiful view of the city.

  As I gaze out at the Nashville skyline, I peer down at the sidewalk below, remembering how I felt the first time I stood up here. How did an unemployed college graduate find herself here . . . as a nanny in this penthouse apartment? I remember looking down at the people below, wondering what they must think of me. Would they think my life must be perfect, just because I live in a high-rise building with a doorman?

  Maybe.

  But what they couldn’t know is that, in this lovely penthouse with its panoramic view, I found everything I could ever want.

  “I’ve always been afraid of heights.”

  Jackson’s sweet voice washes over me, interrupting my mental musings. I sigh as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his chest.

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “I’m okay, as long as I don’t look down.”

  “Then don’t. Look at the sky.”

  His arms tighten around me as we gaze at the stars above.

  “Aren’t you cold?”

  “A little. I just wanted one last look.”

  “It’s definitely a gorgeous view,” he says softly. “Will you miss it?”

  “Maybe a little, but I guess I’ll just have to be content with my wraparound porch.”

  “And the swimming pool. Can’t forget that.”

  We laugh, and then Jackson slowly peers over the edge of the balcony.

  “Don’t look down!”

  With a chuckle, Jackson points to the sidewalk below us.

  “Look at those people down there,” he says. “What do you think they would say about us?”

  “You mean if they could actually see us?” I ask teasingly, and he nods. “I was just thinking about that, actually. I wonder if they would assume our lives were perfect. That we don’t have a care in the world?”

  “Probably. Our lives aren’t perfect, though. Not yet, anyway.”

  Releasing me, Jackson takes a step back and gazes at me with a look so full of love that it nearly makes me weep. Then he reaches into his pocket, and I gasp as he kneels before me.

  “I love you, Olivia. You are the love of my life and the mother of my son. I could never thank you for everything you’ve done for my family—for our family—but I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to show you just how much you mean to us. And look, I have a ring this time.”

  I laugh through my tears as he takes my hand and slips the ring on my finger.

  “Thank God it fits,” he says, laughing softly. “This was my great-grandmo
ther’s ring. She gave it to my mother, and my mother gave it to me . . . but not until I met you. Mothers really do know best. This ring was only meant for one person . . . and that’s you. Will you marry me?”

  My heart races as I gaze at the beautiful princess-cut diamond surrounded by a white-gold band.

  I can’t speak. All I can do is nod. But then I realize I’ve waited all my life for this. And Jackson deserves to hear the word.

  “Yes.”

  He lifts me in his arms, kissing me frantically, until we’re both breathless.

  “Now I know,” he says, pressing his forehead against mine.

  “Know what?”

  “If those people down below could see us way up here, I know what they’d think. They’d think . . . wow, isn’t Jackson Healey a lucky man? He was so lost before Olivia Stuart came into his life. And so was his son. She became their compass. Their true north. And in finding her, he and his son found each other.”

  He kisses me softly once again, and our mutual tears linger on our lips.

  “But most importantly,” he says, “Ryder found his mother. And I have found my soulmate.”

  They say everything looks perfect from far away, and maybe that’s true. It’s hard to see imperfections from a distance, but I don’t think all imperfections are bad. Not when those imperfections brought me here, on this balcony, beneath these stars . . .

  And in these arms.

  Thirteen Years Later

  Ravenwood High School’s bleachers are nearly filled one hour before the graduation ceremony is set to begin. As I look across the arena, I can’t help but smile at the sea of happy faces. Graduation is a time to celebrate the past and focus on the future. But the future is scary—at least, it is for me—because I’m facing a future without my son under my roof every hour of every day.

  Yes, this Mama’s had a rough senior year.

  “You better not let Ryder catch you crying,” Sami says. “He doesn’t want you to be sad today, remember?”

  Blinking back my tears, I smile at our ten-year-old daughter. With her dark hair and bright blue eyes, Samantha Healey is the spitting image of her father.

  “Are you going to tell on me?” I ask, nudging her shoulder.

  “Nah. I’d have to tell on Daddy, too. Look at him.”

  I glance at the handsome man by my side, and sure enough, Jackson’s eyes are swimming with tears, too. Still, he manages to wink at me, and the flirty gesture is just what I need to bring me back to the present. Because he always knows what I need, he leans over and kisses me tenderly.

  “Gross,” Sami mutters.

  “Agreed,” Dana says from the row behind us. “Stop that. We are surrounded by young, impressionable children. Speaking of which, where are Angel and Eric?”

  “About six rows down,” Jackson says, pointing below us. “Right next to Hazel and our parents.”

  I smile wistfully. I hate that we all can’t sit together, but the place is just too crowded. Knowing they’re here to celebrate this amazing day is good enough for me. Besides, we’ll see everyone later at the house for Ryder’s graduation party.

  “How many days do you have left?” Dana asks.

  “Five. And I can’t wait.”

  “It’s been a rough school year,” Jackson says. “She’s ready for a break.”

  I am. After Sami’s birth, I was offered a position at Ryder’s elementary school. I’ve been teaching first grade ever since. I love my job, but this year has been a killer—with lots of budget cuts and staff changes. To say I’m ready for summer vacation is an understatement.

  “Almost time,” Jackson says, sliding his arm around me. “Who cries first? Your mom or mine?”

  “I’m going with Hazel.”

  Our sweet Hazel is another grandmother to our kids. Now retired—or as retired as she wants to be—she still lives in the house with us. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

  As I look around at our family, I’m overwhelmed with emotion.

  Our kids are lucky to be loved so much.

  Speaking of family . . .

  I slowly scan the crowd. I have no idea if I can find her in this sea of people, or if she’ll even show. I don’t know if I’ll even recognize her if she does. Jackson told me I was crazy, but I’d mailed a graduation announcement to her last known address in Florida anyway. I don’t know why, and I’m not entirely sure I even want her to make an appearance.

  But I’m a mother, and I can’t imagine any mother not wanting to see her son on his graduation day, as he delivers his valedictorian speech.

  Finally, the pianist starts to play Pomp and Circumstance, and the crowd stands as the graduates in their red caps and gowns make their way to their seats.

  “There he is,” Jackson says.

  I blink back tears as Ryder appears and follows his classmates down the aisle.

  The principal welcomes us, and we have to endure a few guest speakers before Ryder’s name is finally called. With phones in hand, the Healey-Stuart clan take pictures and cheer wildly as he steps up to the podium. He’d worked on his speech for weeks. I’d even offered to help him with it, but he refused to let anyone see it before today. He wouldn’t even practice at home—too afraid that we’d overhear. Ryder wanted it to be a surprise.

  If I didn’t trust my kid, I’d be pretty worried right now.

  “Are we nervous?” Jackson whispers.

  Yes.

  But I just squeeze his hand and focus on our son at the podium.

  “My fellow classmates,” he begins, “our teachers, my friends, and my family . . . it’s hard to believe this day is really here. Some of us worked hard to get here. Some of us didn’t work hard enough.”

  Laughter ripples through the student body.

  “But we’ve finally made it. I’m proud to represent you today as your valedictorian. Instead of giving a boring speech about how we’re moving on to the next chapter of our lives, I thought I’d just take this time to thank some very important people . . . people who molded me into the man I am today.

  A man. My baby’s a man.

  I sniffle quietly. Dana hands me a tissue.

  “To my teachers, I want to thank you for pushing me and preparing me for college. I can’t wait to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall. Go Vols!” The audience cheers, and he waits for the noise to subside before continuing. “To my friends, thanks for not giving me too much grief because I’d almost always rather play piano than basketball. To my grandparents, thanks for loving me, and to Hazel, for always making the best cookies and for taking care of me my whole life. To my sister, Sami—you’re so smart, and I love you a lot.”

  Ryder takes a breath.

  “And to my parents . . .”

  Dana passes me another tissue. And then hands one to her brother.

  “Some kids say they have the best parents in the world, and maybe they do. I hope they do. But it would be really hard to find better parents than mine. My dad is my hero. He’s taught me lots of things. Dad things. But he’s taught me other things, too. Like, always open doors for girls. That may sound stupid, but let me tell you, guys, it really works. Girls love that.”

  More laughter. More tears.

  “My dad taught me how to be a gentleman. He taught me how love really works. I see the way my dad looks at my mom—all sappy and lovey—and sometimes it’s enough to make you sick, but mostly, it just really makes me hope that I get the chance to look at a girl like that someday.”

  I wipe my tears as Jackson presses a soft kiss to my temple.

  “And finally, to my mom. Thank you for loving me. You came into our lives when I didn’t have a mother. You just hugged me and kissed me and loved me from the very first moment we met. You didn’t have to love me, but you did. You taught me that I didn’t have to be perfect. That I could make messes and mistakes and that was okay. And you taught me that flowers come in all different colors, and that it’s okay to be different.”

  He reaches under the podium a
nd pulls out a yellow rose. My eyes flash to Jackson. Ryder had been five years old that day at the florist—the day he learned that roses don’t always have to be red. How could he possibly remember that?

  “Most of all, Mom, you taught me that moms don’t have to be biological. Thank you. Love you. Thank you all!”

  The arena explodes with thunderous applause as I weep into my tissue.

  We watch as Ryder’s class accepts their diplomas. Then, the principal tells the students to move their tassels. Music blasts from the stage, and red caps fly into the air.

  “Our son is a high school graduate,” Jackson says, his eyes brimming with pride.

  After the ceremony, our family huddles at the east entrance of the gym, waiting for Ryder to emerge from the crowd. As Sami shows her dad a picture on her phone, I suddenly spot a set of familiar eyes just a few feet behind us. She looks older and paler, but I can still see Ryder in the shape of her nose and her pointed chin.

  And I see his smile stretched across her face as her eyes lock with mine.

  “Thank you,” she mouths.

  “Thank you,” I whisper sincerely, offering her a smile in return. I stopped hating Natasha long ago. She’d given me her son. How could I feel anything but immense gratitude?

  When Ryder finally makes his way to us, I see the yellow rose still in his hand. He hugs us all before posing for pictures with the entire family. As I stand there, sandwiched between my husband and our graduate, I see Natasha give him one last wistful look before slowly turning and walking toward the exit.

  “Remember, the party starts at five,” Jackson says.

  “I’ll be there!” Ryder grins as his buddies try to pull him away. “Oh! I almost forgot. Mom, this is for you.”

  He hands me the yellow rose.

  “Promise you won’t cry when you read the card.”

  “You know I can’t promise that.”

  “I know.” Ryder smiles and gives me one last peck on the cheek before rushing toward his Jeep—a graduation gift from all the grandparents. His friends are piled inside, ready to celebrate, and they wave at us before heading off.

  “Sami’s riding home with our folks,” Jackson says.

  “Why?”