Charlotte scooted closer, offering an empathetic ear as Elaine continued, “My sister, in Florida, protected me growing up. She was always the smart, strong one and I turned into only a semi-disaster because she made sure that I went to college and got a job.”
“I wish I had an older sister like that,” Charlotte said in a low voice. But she’d had Jack and running from him now seemed weak.
Elaine pressed her head back in her chair and said, “She was the best. My parents would have sold me when I was eighteen to pay their debts to some horrible people if they’d had their way.”
“Your sister sounds amazing.” She realized while she’d never had a true sister, she’d had Jack and his family.
Getting on the bus hadn’t been her finest moment, but the worst was the haunted look in Jack’s eyes when she’d given that ring back.
That moment was burned in her brain as a mistake. A huge mistake she couldn’t take back. Elaine said, “She is. Her getting pregnant at all shocked me. She was always so serious. And our parents have no interest in my nephew or my sister, so we only have each other. I’ve never met a guy I couldn’t drive away in three dates or less.”
Jack had been at her side.
Elaine crossed her legs. “Enough about me, tell me about your father’s store.”
Nothing so drastic. She’d had it tough and her hands weren’t soft as butter like other women, but she’d been strong, in her own way. “He… died when I was twelve.”
Elaine lowered her head. “I thought you were going to say a little more recently.”
Fair. Charlotte normally didn’t talk about her dad, at least not to strangers. “No. I’ve been living with my stepsisters and stepmother who don’t care about me at all.”
Elaine gave a small nod. “Well, that’s a reason to choose love and live a full life.”
That’s what Jack would have said. “I always thought that the store would be mine. My stepmother sold it.”
“So you’re free.” How quickly Elaine summed it up.
“But how do you know if you’re worthy of it.”
“If mistakes mean we don’t get to be in love, then everyone one of us is screwed.”
“I guess. But how do you know it’s good.”
“Does your guy make you feel bad about yourself like an abuser might?”
“No. Jack only ever makes me feel better, about myself, about life.”
“Sounds like a great guy.”
Yes. She’d been an utter fool and thrown away the one person she’d ever loved because… she’d been afraid of love as she hadn’t thought she deserved it. She sat straighter. “You know, you’re right, Elaine. I am free to choose love.”
Elaine tossed her hair over her shoulder with a chuckle. “Good, but I don’t think they’ll turn the bus around.”
The driver announced that they’d just crossed the Florida border, which meant there was a lot of time until Miami.
Leaving Jack had been a mistake. Adrenaline rushed through her. “Can I use your phone?”
Elaine stilled like she’d just been asked for money. “Why?”
She’d never bought one of her own but maybe she should have. “I want to text Jack and tell him where I am.”
Elaine relaxed and took her phone from her back pocket that had a cracked screen in the corner. Like Jack’s old phone. She was sure that he probably already had a new one. Hopefully the same number, as she had his memorized. “Sure,” Elaine said. “How long ago did you two break up?”
Charlotte thought the pink hearts and butterflies on the phone case were pretty. “An hour before I boarded the bus.”
Elaine shoved it in her hand. “Hopefully he’s happy to hear from you.”
Goosebumps grew on her body. She’d been warned that her stepsister was up to something. She typed fast, Jack, it’s Charlotte. I’m on a bus to Miami. I'll call when I get there to tell you I’m sorry.
Three dots appeared and Elaine crossed her fingers for her. And then Jack’s words appeared and her body grew warm as she read, Talk to you soon, Charlotte.
Elaine’s phone died from lack of battery I love you, she typed anyway and handed the phone back to Elaine. “Thank you.”
Hopefully it wasn’t too late. Running from love was a mistake. This time she’d not run from love out of fear anymore. This time she’d wrap her arms around Jack, her best friend, and never let go.
The rest of the ride went slow, but she saw Jack’s blue eyes in the window reflected back at her. Near Orlando they ran into a lightning storm that made her hair stand on end. Jack might not forgive her or want to marry her now. She’d need to accept that she’d screwed up.
She couldn’t let fear guide her anymore. Running had been the opposite of what her heart wanted.
Finally the bus arrived at the Miami transit station.
The bus pulled into a spot where salsa dancers were on display and loud music she didn’t understand at all pounded from the speakers.
At first she just sat there, without a real clue what to do other than find a cheap phone to call Jack and locate an affordable hostel, maybe near a beach, but then she saw Jack’s face and him holding a bouquet flowers.
Were they for her?
Her heart beat faster. What was he doing here? Every cell in her body was awake—could she be dreaming? She pinched her wrist and it hurt. No.
She stood in the aisle. “Jack?”
Obviously he couldn’t hear her through the glass. Elaine shoved her slightly to move forward. “That’s your Jack?”
Charlotte turned and squeezed her new friend’s hand. She held her small bag though the passengers in front of them reached overhead to gather their belongings so she wasn’t moving much. “It’s him, Elaine.”
“Lucky girl.” Elaine scooted them forward another few feet. “So stop talking to me and run into his arms.”
A huge smile grew on her face as she made it to the front and passed the driver to step down. Hopefully this meant that Jack, who hadn’t shaved but still looked so handsome despite the scruff, had forgiven her. “I will.”
And finally she ran. His arms were open and she pushed past his flowers and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Jack, I’m sorry.”
He hugged her. “You’re with me now. We’ll work the rest out.”
She wanted to believe that maybe dreams could come true in real life and she had the best prince from any fairy tale already. Jack had always been her hero.
Chapter 18
Charlotte’s brown eyes sparkled and Jack was reluctant to let her go. For the past hour he’d paced the station, his shoulders tight when bus number 2732 finally pulled into its spot. He’d peered into the dusty windows till he’d locked gazes with her. She hadn't slept either, her hair was wild, but her smile sent shockwaves down his spine.
Even now that he’d held her Jack still didn't have the right words. He’d texted I love you but the message hadn’t sent.
The love on her face gave him hope. Jack never once thought a bus station would be where he'd declare himself. He was on fire for her. Charlotte had once said he had two left feet which was why he’d taken that class to impress her. Now, Jack wrapped both arms around her as salsa played and he spun her in time with the music.
She clung to him, leaving no space between their bodies. In class he’d never been this close to a woman, but Charlotte made his heart rate take off like a rocket ship.
The song ended and the passengers on her bus dispersed into the terminal. The Morgan security guard backed away, but he fit the description Rafe gave. She loosened her grip on his arms a little and said, “Jack, I was so wrong to leave.”
He motioned with his head toward the terminal and the waiting limo outside it, not that she could see through the building to know his plan. “Let’s get out of the bus station.”
She held his arm to stay in place. “You don’t have to-”
“I want you, Charlotte.” Jack realized that there was a woman watching them. He didn’t
care and held both of Charlotte’s hands. “I told you I loved you but I don’t think I proved it to you.”
“Prove?” Charlotte straightened. “Jack, are you kidding right now?”
The woman clapped and brushed a tear away. Charlotte turned around and blushed as the other woman said, “Wow, that was beautiful. I’m happy I saw this, Charlotte.”
They knew each other?
Charlotte shifted but kept his arm around her waist. “Wait. Elaine.” The woman fixed her backpack and held out her hand to shake as Charlotte said, “This is Jack. Jack, Elaine.” He shook her hand and then glanced at Charlotte as she explained, “Elaine sat next to me and lent me her phone. She made the ride tolerable.”
He smiled. “Thank you, Elaine.”
Elaine started to go, but Charlotte held his hand and said, “Call me about your sister on the phone—you have Jack’s number. If I can help at all, I will.”
The woman waved at them. “It will be nice to have a friend around here. Thanks. I’ll let you two get back to happily-ever-after now.”
Charlotte’s blush grew redder as she said, “We’re not there yet, but thanks.”
They weren’t? Adrenaline raced in his veins but Jack waited until the woman was far enough away that he wouldn’t be heard, guiding Charlotte toward the exit. “What’s going on with Elaine that worried you?”
Her happy smile dimmed. “Her sister is sick and they’re afraid she’ll die as she didn’t get treated in time.”
That sounded horrible and if Charlotte cared, maybe they could help Elaine. He took out his phone and found the contact number his sister had programmed into his new phone. “Tell her to talk to Luke. If there’s a specialist he recommends, we’ll get her help.”
Her eyes widened and she jumped into his arms again. “Jack, you’re amazing.” She let him go and sneezed. Achoo.
He walked her outside and hoped the humidity cured her random sneeze as Charlotte hadn’t been sick in years. “Do you know that we’ve never once gone on an official date? Prom doesn’t count.”
She stared at him and not the black limo when she said, “We were just sharing a hotel room, with that nice warm bed.”
He held the door for her and then followed her inside the limo. “I meant outside, no family, just you and me.”
She stilled and then let out a louder, “Achoo.”
“You’re sick.” He offered her a tissue he’d grabbed from the mini bar across from them.
“The bus wasn’t hygienic and there was dust.” She dabbed her nose and then tucked the tissue in her pocket. “I’ll be fine after a hot shower.”
She pointed to the flowers he’d put on the seat and he handed them to her. “Okay, we’ll stay tonight in a hotel, and tomorrow it’s just you and me and our plans.”
She wiped her eyes and he wasn’t sure if it was because she was sick, tired, or happy from the flowers. “I don’t care about a date. I need your forgiveness more than anything else.”
The limo neared the hotel. He recognized the cluster of palm trees lining the street that were so different than the oaks back home. He dug into his pocket. “That’s easy. Will you put this ring back on?”
“Absolutely.” She balanced the flowers on her lap and slid the ring on her finger.
He leaned close for a kiss but then she sneezed, burying her face into the bouquet.
He’d never seen her sick. He still wanted to kiss her, but for now he held his forehead to hers.
The limo stopped and he lost his chance when the driver opened his door for him. He scooted out first and waited for Charlotte. She held her small bag and the flowers and walked next to him.
She slowed in the lobby and gawked at the huge pool and bay windows that overlooked the aqua blue water. He guided her right, to the white and pink elevator bank, and then upstairs to their room.
This time he’d splurged on the presidential suite with two floors inside just for them.
He’d had all her clothes she’d left hung as well as some more his half-sisters had sent over.
He opened the double doors into the living room with marble floors and white leather couches, urging her to go first. “I want to make you happy. Let’s get you warm and showered.”
She strode around the lower level of their two-floor suite and glanced out toward the sanctuary where wild parrots sang to each other. She looked back at him. “Can I just say one more thing?”
Good to clear the air, all of it. He stood taller. “I spoke to Peter. No one has done anything with the store other than buy out your stepmother. If you want it, it’s yours.”
She shook her head and her cheeks had a blush when she said, “I don’t. Aurelia’s vision is clearly superior.”
Hadn’t she left because of the plans? His mind raced but he lowered his shoulders and said, “I just want you to be happy, Charlotte because you deserve to be loved.”
“I think so too.” She rested her hands on his hips and held him close. “I was holding onto the past and the years of living with Nancy as a means of saying dreams don’t come true.”
But he’d made the deal to get her exactly what her dreams were. She wanted the store. She could have it. He brushed his forehead against hers and said, “I don’t understand.”
Goosebumps grew as he wondered if she’d leave again as she twirled away from him and glanced up the rounded metal staircase. “This room is beautiful.”
He crossed his arms. He needed to understand her. “Explain, Charlotte.”
“Seriously this is gorgeous…” She traced a finger along the eight-person table, her body trembling. He rushed to help her but she held up a palm. “I do that when I’m nervous and happy.”
“I know that,” he said.
She motioned for them to sit at the table in the cushioned chairs. “Okay, so I held onto my dream of running the store because it was the only way I could hope that all that scrubbing and cleaning and unboxing and everything I did for Nancy mattered.”
Approval from someone who didn’t care…he scooted his chair closer and said, “You were always too good for her.”
She cupped his face. “You’re so easy to love, Jack O’Conner.”
“Morgan,” he corrected her and held her gaze. “I like the rest of my family.”
She laughed and reached over to place her hand on his heart. “I don’t care what your last name is now. I’m just happy that you love me.”
“So, you don’t want the store?” He had to rein in the fire that grew under his skin from her touch.
She let out a small sigh that was always her way of saying I’ve been thinking. “I think Aurelia’s plans would be good for the rest of the staff, with better benefits, and the community as a whole would get an upgrade. That would be best for the neighborhood.”
In a few weeks he didn’t want this to come up again so he said, “We don’t have to though.”
She swung her feet under the chair. “I’ll help with the transition, but the employees will be excited, just as I am—you’ll see.”
His entire body was aware of her upbeat mood. She meant what she said. He took his new phone from his back pocket and placed it on the table. “So I can text Aurelia and Peter?”
She pushed it toward him. “Please tell them I’m happy to help however I can.”
He palmed the phone. “I still don’t know if I believe this, to be honest.”
“Do it,” she said fast, and then brushed against his knee. “Look, owning the store meant my work mattered. But with you, I get to live my own dream, and study business management so I can think more like my dad which is more important than his actual store, and we don’t have to scrub and clean and break our backs for anyone else.”
Good. They were on the same page. He texted Aurelia and Peter while he said, “Charlotte, we don’t have to work for anyone.” He finished, placed the phone on the table, and then jumped out of his chair. “I got your passport this morning.”
She stood and followed him to the closet near
the front door. “You did?”
He dug out the envelope from his jacket pocket that had been hanging up and handed it to her. “I just want you, a nice wedding for us, and a honeymoon.”
“Then let’s do it.” She hugged his neck.
His lips ached to taste her again. “And our date tomorrow.”
“That too.” She laughed until he captured her mouth and kissed her.
Letting her go once had felt like a mistake and he refused to ever, ever do that again. Charlotte was right where she belonged, in his arms.
Chapter 19
The next morning, Charlotte sipped orange juice mixed with champagne in a fancy flute from their outside table of the hotel bar. The waitress called it a mimosa though she’d been pitching them on another fruit juice cocktail.
This wasn’t the life she’d ever led but she was pretty sure she didn’t need anything containing hard alcohol for breakfast.
Jack was taking his new image in stride and sat relaxed in a light-gray t-shirt that showed off his muscles, and cotton slacks.
Her yellow sundress fit in perfectly with the sophisticated people around her, many wearing diamonds.
While she had no other jewelry, her engagement ring was gorgeous enough that she didn’t need anything else.
Jack’s phone beeped while they ate their eggs. He scooped it up, read it, and then handed it to her. “There was a problem with buying the store and Peter wants us to go to his house.”
Strange. Her lips pursed and she met his blue eyes. “Let’s finish breakfast and get going.”
“Absolutely.” He picked his fork back up.
The delicious meal filled her up but she’d have to start working out once she was no longer on vacation.
She sipped her coffee and watched Jack as he finished his toast. “I thought it was a done deal though,” she said. “I’m curious what happened.”
He gulped his coffee as if in a hurry and pushed his chair back. “Me too. Are you ready?”
She stood with him, but tugged his belt loops to keep her near him as she said, “One minute. I love you.”
Secret Cinderella (The House of Morgan Book 16) Page 13