Out of the Wreckage

by CeeCee James

  “It’s your place as much as mine. Uncle Stew left it to the both of us when he died.”

  He stared at the track the grass blade was taking. After a moment he continued, “You know, I kind of like where I’m at, staying above TECH. It gives me an opportunity to do something I’ve never done before.”

  “What’s that?”

  He smiled at her and lightly dragged the grass stem down her nose, before tracing her eyebrows. “I can take you out on a date.”

  She closed her eyes as her heart did a double beat.

  His voice dropped an octave. “If you’ll let me.”

  “I’d like that.” She bit her lip as the grass blade lightly went over. His thumb traced after it and rubbed the tickle away. “I have missed you so much.”

  “Me too. Now, where should we go? Not the Red Dragon.”

  Miranda smiled. “I’ll make you dinner.”

  His green eyes flickered with uncertainty. “You don’t want to go out?”

  “You know what they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

  He flopped on his back. “I can’t tell what you’re saying there.”

  “What do you mean?” she moved toward him with her own grass blade.

  “Well, either you want to win me over, or you’re hoping to convince me to leave you alone forever.”

  “Jason!”

  He sat up, laughing. “I guess I’ll find out if we’re eating Toasty O’s or not.”

  “I don’t know what you have against cereal.” She followed him, picking grass out of her hair.

  “Meat. It’s what’s for dinner.”

  “Don’t you worry, I’ll cook meat. It’ll be a great dinner.” She looped her pinky around his as they walked back to the office. “Pinky promise.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Winter

  Miranda hummed as she moved around the kitchen, placing a cup of water in a pot and spun the burner to high. She carefully measured out the instant rice and dumped it in. At the sound of the cupboard opening, Archer appeared out of nowhere and hovered underfoot. She returned the box of rice, almost stepping on his paw.

  “Shoo!” she told the dog. Instead of leaving, he sat, blocking her way to the pantry, his mouth opened wide and begging. Miranda rolled her eyes, and maneuvered around him.

  She rummaged through the refrigerator for a package of pork chops before glancing at the recipe. “Rinse, dip in egg, dip in flour and bake.” Easy peasy! She pulled open the cellophane covering the meat and picked up the first raw chop, grimacing at the touch.

  When she’d finished all four pork chops her hands were covered white in doughy gloves. Don’t get this on my red dress! Miranda tentatively attempted to juggle the water knob on with her elbow, just as Cassie came barreling around the corner.

  Her sister’s blonde head jerked back and she gave a double blink. “What in the world are you up to?”

  “Dinner. Now give me a hand and turn on the hot water.”

  Cassie leaned over and flipped the water on. “You scare me when you’re in the kitchen.”

  “Shut up. This is going to be awesome.”

  Cassie eyed her sister’s hands as Miranda ferociously scrubbed at them. “Am I supposed to eat that?”

  “No, actually you’re not. It’s for Jason.”

  “I think the goal is to actually win him over, not make him run screaming for the hills.”

  Miranda frowned, scraping at the dough. “It’s going to be delicious.”

  Cassie continued to look skeptical. “If you say so, Sis.”

  Miranda scowled.

  “Nervous?”

  “No. Why would I be nervous?”

  “No reason. You just seem extra jittery.”

  “I’m not jittery. I’m expressing my domesticness in the kitchen.”

  “Erm, your pot—” Cassie pointed. The water frothed over the top and bubbled down the side.

  “Seriously?” Miranda yelled and raced to turn the burner down. Grabbing a wooden spoon, she stirred frantically at the ingredients.

  “What was it?”

  “Rice. It’s fine.” Miranda grumbled. She scraped at the bottom and lifted it to her nose to see if it smelled burned. Maybe not so fine.

  “Change of plans,” she announced, dumping the ruined rice in the trash bin. “We’re having potatoes instead.” The bottom of the pot was black so she hid the it in the dishwasher. Snatching out the bag of potatoes, she dumped a couple in the sink and scrubbed them.

  Cassie watched in silence.

  “Will you quit staring at me?” Miranda asked crossly.

  “It’s like a train wreck. I want to look away, but I can’t.”

  Miranda glanced at her through slitted eyes.

  “I’m leaving, I’m leaving.” Cassie backed away with her hands up. “I have to get my college application papers together anyway.”

  “Good idea. Keep occupied for the rest of the night. Go check out your celebrity gossip sites.”

  “Aww, and miss you two being all lovey-dovey again? Poor me.”

  “When were we lovey-dovey? Ever?”

  “You guys used to be like those skunks on Bambi. All twitter-pated.”

  Miranda sprinkled water at her. “Get out of here. And take Archer with you.”

  “Come on Archer. I can see we aren’t appreciated.” The black dog panted his smile, his dark eyes darting between the girls. He stayed seated, clearly not wanting to leave the kitchen and its promises of treats.

  “Fine, you can stay.” Miranda rubbed his tummy with the top of her foot. “You’re better-looking anyway.”

  “Miranda! Stress makes you cranky.”

  Grinning, Miranda finished slicing the potatoes before adding them to a fresh pot of water.

  * * *

  Jason’s Porsche rumbled down the driveway at six on the dot. Miranda ran to light the candles and did a quick double-check. Tablecloth was out and the table set. The wine glasses sparkled in the candle light. Her red dress fit her like a glove, and she wore the shoes he liked, even though she felt like a tottering fool. And more importantly, the oven was off. Nothing more had burned. She wanted to hug herself with satisfaction.

  Her heart pounded as he came up the porch steps. There was a moment of silence and then a knock at the door. Miranda tipped her head and giggled, excitement thrumming through her.

  Hurrying to open the door, she nearly twisted an ankle.

  Jason’s back was to her and he slowly turned. Still wearing his trademark torn blue jeans, he had on a button-up green oxford. Its color heightened the shade of his green eyes. He flashed her a crooked smile, filled with a newfound confidence.

  The sight of him took her breath away.

  “These are for you,” he said.

  She glanced down at his hands. Hard working hands, calloused from years of machine work, held a bouquet of flowers. Pink roses, her favorite.

  “Thank you,” she said softly. Opening the door wider, she grinned. “Come on in.”

  “Lovely house,” he joked, his gaze sweeping the living room. Then he stopped, his attention locked in the direction of the kitchen. “Wow. Dinner smells good.”

  A small frown creased her brow. “Don’t act so surprised, Mister.”

  He set the flowers on the table before reaching out to her. “Come here,” he whispered. The intensity of his desire made her stomach flip.

  Miranda stepped toward him. He wrapped her in his arms, buried his nose against her neck and inhaled a deep, satisfied breath. “Mm, you smell so good.”

  Slowly, Jason traced the skin on her neck with soft kisses. Miranda melted into him. He trailed up to her ear and spoke in a husky whisper, “There’s never been a man alive who’s loved a woman the way that I love you.” Her knees felt weak as she clung to him, her pulse speeding up. His hand swept up her bare arm, and she shivered. He made his way up to her mouth and kissed her with the assurance that she was his.

  All Miranda could think was, “F
inally.”

  * * *

  They kissed for a long while, before Archer joined the party. He nudged Jason and Miranda several times begging for attention, before finally jumping up and resting his paws against Jason’s hip. After being jostled around, they broke apart and Jason crouched to the floor. “Hey old buddy. That’s not how it’s supposed to work,” he scolded while scratching the dog’s belly. “You’re supposed to help me get the girl, not break us apart.” He gently pushed at Archer in a playful way. The dog pranced and barked, his butt waggling, about to pounce. “Oh! You’re going to get me, huh? Going to be that way?” Jason pushed the dog again, and the two of them wrestled in a playful tussle.

  Miranda nearly giggled as joy bubbled up inside her. I don’t know how we finally got here but thank God we’re here.

  After a minute, Jason stood. “Did I hear something about food?” He rubbed his stomach and sniffed at the delicious odors filling the kitchen

  Reaching for his hand, Miranda led him over to the table, where the food sat on gleaming dishes.

  “Wow sweetheart. You outdid yourself.” He pulled her close and kissed her again.

  “It’s not my fault if the food’s cold.”

  “I like cold food,” he murmured back, not releasing her.

  She laughed. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Hmmm, I like the sound of that.” His half-grin cheekily appeared.

  They sat at the table and Jason poured the wine. “How about a toast,” he said, holding his glass out.

  “Go ahead.” She held up hers.

  He thought for a moment, staring into her eyes. “To truth, faith and life with the one you love.”

  Her lip lifted up at the corner. “Cheers.” They softly clinked glasses and took a sip. The candlelight glimmered off the dishes, bathing everything in warm light. Miranda sighed with contentment.

  “So, where’s Cassie?” Jason asked, and scooped up a forkful of potatoes.

  “I banished her to the dungeon.”

  “I’m right here!” Cassie called from upstairs. Miranda rolled her eyes and Jason laughed.

  “Hi, Cassie!” he called.

  She leaned over the stair rail and waved. “Hi, Jason!” Then she caught sight of her sister’s irritated face. “I’m going. I’m going.” She disappeared back into her room, slamming the door behind her.

  Miranda smiled and stabbed at her green beans.

  “So what do you think of TECH?” Jason asked.

  “I love it. I can’t even tell you how much.”

  “Me too. I feel like I was born to do this.”

  “I agree. I think you were.”

  “And cars,” he added. “Something about tearing an engine apart is soothing.”

  Miranda paused. “Hmm, soothing for me is a cup of hot cocoa and my favorite book. But different strokes, I guess.”

  “I don’t know. You looked pretty good helping me bleed my brakes.”

  “That wasn’t fun,” she reminded him. “That was love.”

  He took the last bite of his food, adding, “It was love. As in, I loved seeing the grease on your hands.”

  She frowned, her gaze dropping to her hands at the memory. “That was actually disgusting.”

  Jason chuckled and balled up his napkin, leaving it on his plate. “Sorry, it’s what you signed up for with that whole Bonnie and Clyde thing.”

  “You’re saying you want me to help change the brakes out on your Porsche?”

  “Maybe not.”

  “That’s what I thought.” She poked a green bean at him with her fork. “You should build your dream garage to work on your cars in.”

  “Someday I plan to. Or maybe take one of those yacht trips around the world. But right now, the money’s doing okay where it is, and TECH needs my attention.” He smiled, his lip catching on his crooked tooth. “Want to go walk by the lake?”

  “Yeah, let me change out of my heels.”

  “I knew you didn’t throw them out.”

  “Well, they have a short wear time. After an hour, I never want to wear them again.” She walked to the door barefoot and slipped on her flip-flops. He followed, grabbing her jacket off the hook and settling it around her shoulders.

  The lake was beautiful and quiet. Two swans paddled across a puddle of moonlight. Dark ripples followed them.

  “They’re still here,” Jason said, his voice hitching in surprise.

  “Yeah, I thought they’d be gone too. I actually had to go to the Farm-and-Feed to get duck pellets to feed them, poor little confused things.” She grabbed his hand. “Maybe they stayed just to welcome you home, Jason.”

  He drew her close, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Together, they walked down to the lake’s edge. Miranda leaned her head against his shoulder as the water quietly lapped near their feet.

  “Did you ever think we’d be here?” Miranda asked.

  “You mean back together?”

  She nodded and reached up to hold his hand.

  “Yeah, deep down, I always felt it. To be honest,” he paused and pressed his lips on the crown of her head, “I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Spring

  “You guys are going out again?” Cassie asked as Jason pulled into the driveway. Miranda nodded and shrugged into her sweater.

  “I swear you haven’t quit smiling in three weeks.” Cassie squinted an eye at her sister, sighing. “Twitter-pated.”

  “Your turn is coming. Leif will be back before you know it.” Miranda said, before running upstairs for her shoes.

  Jason came up on the porch. Cassie gave him a cheeky smile as she greeted him at the door. “Dude, I feel like I need to be playing the dad role here. Where’s my shotgun?” She glanced playfully behind her.

  Miranda skipped past her and pulled Jason down the stairs.

  “Don’t bring her home too late, and don’t have too much fun!” Cassie yelled at her sister’s retreating back.

  “So, where are we going tonight?” Miranda asked as she hauled herself into the truck.

  “Where do you want to eat?”

  “I could eat anywhere, honestly.”

  “Okay, how about hamburgers?”

  Miranda wrinkled her nose. “Mmmm, except hamburgers. I had one for lunch.”

  “Oh, great—not this again,” Jason mumbled. Then, looked at her hopefully, “Tacos?”

  “Not really in the mood for tacos.”

  “That’s it. Your voting privileges are revoked. We’re going for pizza and bowling.” Jason winked at her. “I feel like living on the wild side. Now, come here.” He dragged her across the bench seat and kissed her. “You miss me?”

  “Just a little bit.”

  Jason smiled at her comment. “It’s those romantic words. They kill me every time.”

  She laughed and reached out to touch his lip with her thumb. “Man, I love your smile.”

  His eyebrows shot up, looking askance. “Really? I hate my teeth.” His tongue ran across them.

  “Why? They’re so cute!”

  “This one right here.” He tapped his crooked tooth. “It’s like a fang. I feel like I’m half vampire.”

  Miranda laughed. “I like it.

  “Oh, yeah? Vell, come here. I vant to bite your neck.” He locked her in his arms and began nibbling her neck. She gave one girly squeal before breaking out into her trademark guffaw.

  He released her and shifted the truck into gear. “All right, let’s get out of here.”

  * * *

  Jason ate the last bite of his pizza and handed Miranda the crust. “Your favorite part.”

  “Mmm thank you!” she said, taking a big bite.

  “So you never mentioned. Is Dylan still at the dental office?”

  She shook her head. “No, he went back home to his family in Massachusetts after I broke it off. I guess you were right, he was just there for me. Don’t rub it in!” Miranda shook her head as Jason’s eyes lit up. “Besid
es, you don’t have to worry any more. I deleted him from my phone.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “To be honest, I didn’t do it for you. I needed a clean break from the both of you.”

  “What? You deleted my number too?”

  Miranda blushed. “I’m sorry! What can I say, I was done with men at that point.”

  Jason shook his head. He grabbed his phone and began scrolling. Finding what he was searching for, he passed it to Miranda.

  It was a text message from last November. Miranda gasped when she saw Dylan’s name. She glanced at Jason before reading again.

  Jason had written:— Thanks for the check, I’ll put it to good use at the Center.

  Dylan responded:—Thought I owed you something for the girl

  (Miranda sucked in her breath, feeling like she had firecrackers for blood.)

  —Miranda’s smarter than I was. She’ll figure it out and decide what’s best for her.

  —Took you long enough to tuck your tail and run

  —Just keep telling yourself that. At the end of the day, I’m happy with my life.

  She groaned at Dylan’s words and read them again. “Jason, you did so good. I don’t think I’d have had the self control.” She handed the phone back with a half-laugh. “To think, he was offering you money. Little did he know.”

  He tapped it thoughtfully before sliding it into his pocket. “Thanks. I think that was the moment I realized my self-worth couldn’t be wrapped up in what anyone thought. Or their judgments.” His eyes held hers.

  “You’re pretty hot when you’re confident.” She cuddled up to him. In the far left corner of the restaurant, sirens blared and red lights flashed as some kid won a video game. “Now, you ready to have me kick your butt at bowling?”

  “Romantic words of poetry.” He grabbed the box of left-over pizza and took her by the hand. “It’s on, buttercup. I ain’t going to go easy on you this time.”

  They headed outside and rounded the corner to where his truck was parked by a large dumpster. Miranda jerked when she heard thumping from inside the container. Jason stared curiously at it.