Forty and Free: A Sweet Romance Series Bundle - Books 5 - 8

by Blake, Lillianna

  As the week progressed, though, his concern intensified. She had wanted to meet halfway, and only for lunch. That didn’t sound like progress to him. It sounded a bit like they were going backwards. The more he thought about it, the more his anxiety increased.

  By the time he got into the car on Saturday to drive to the cafe, he was tempted to text her and ask if that was her intention. If it wasn’t, he didn’t want to ruin the mood of their meeting.

  When he arrived in the parking lot he didn’t see her car anywhere. His heart fell. Would she come? His phone buzzed as he stepped out of the car.

  Sorry, I’m running about ten minutes late.

  That at least reassured him. He tried to shake off his insecurity as he didn’t want her to see him like that.

  “She loves you, Jack, and everything is going to be fine.” He drew a deep breath and walked toward the entrance of the cafe. He chose the same table where they’d shared their first official date and smiled at the memory of it.

  While he waited for her to arrive he decided to give his son a call. They’d been in contact more lately, and he was curious about how Noah’s transition to a new job was going.

  “It’s going okay, Dad. I’m not sure it’s the right place for me yet.”

  “Well, just remember a job is a job. You don’t have to marry it. It can be temporary, and as things progress, you can decide whether it’s something you want to dedicate more of your time to.”

  “Yes, that’s true. I guess I was looking at it like a permanent thing a little too early. Aren’t you supposed to be a on a date right now?”

  “I’m waiting for her.”

  “How are things going?”

  “I’m not sure. I’m hoping she’ll be able to tell me.”

  “Are you worried?”

  “I’m not sure how not to be.”

  “Dad, I like Michelle, but if you’re all in, it’s time to make sure she’s all in too.”

  “You may be right. I’ll see how it goes.”

  Not long after he hung up the phone, Michelle stepped into the cafe. He stood up and smiled as she approached him. Right away he was relieved to see her smile in return and stretch out her arms for a hug. He embraced her and kissed her cheek. She tipped her head so that she could meet his lips for a kiss. All of the tension in his body melted away. She was there to be with him, not to end things.

  “How was your drive?” He pulled out her chair for her.

  “It wasn’t bad. It gave me time to think.”

  “Oh?” He rubbed her shoulders then walked around to his chair. “What about?”

  “Us mostly.”

  “Okay.” He smiled. “I hope they were good thoughts.”

  “Very—but some, not so much.” She frowned.

  He braced himself. “Let’s talk about it.”

  “Why don’t we order first?” Michelle smiled as the waitress walked over.

  His heart pounded. It was a good sign that she wanted to order food.

  After they ordered, he reached for her hand. “Tell me. What were the bad thoughts?”

  “I think my mind has been in overdrive, thinking of all the things that could go wrong. We don’t have the luxury of being young kids in love. We know better than to just dive right in.”

  “I’m in.” He cleared his throat. “I’m all in.”

  “I know.” She studied the back of his hand. “I know that you think you are right now.”

  “Michelle, I don’t just think I am. I know I am.”

  “How can you be so sure?” She looked up and met his eyes. “So much could change. What if you and the boys don’t get along? They’re not exactly the best behaved. I mean they’re not the worst, but they do fight and—”

  “Oh, sweetheart, is that what you’re worried about?”

  “You only had one child. You’ve never dealt with sibling rivalry. Your son is grown. You’re done with all the teenage angst, while we’re just getting to it. Why would you want to go through all that again?” She sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m rambling.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re telling me your concerns, and I want to hear them—all of them. Tell me everything that you’re afraid of. Please. That’s how we’ll get through this.”

  “Jack, my life is chaotic, and sometimes out of control, and you should see me when I lose my temper. It’s easy for you to like me right now—here, in peaceful surroundings, without any stress. But wait until you see me yelling at my sons not to slam their doors, or to stop head-butting each other.”

  He laughed. “I’m sorry. It’s just that the thought of the two of them head-butting is a funny visual.”

  “It’s not funny, because someone always gets mad and ends up in tears.” Her shoulders slumped. “To be honest, it’s usually me. Why would you want to endure that?”

  Chapter 30

  Once Michelle started listing all the reasons that Jack might be driven away, she couldn’t stop. There were plenty more forming in the back of her mind, but she didn’t have a chance to say another word before he spoke up.

  “Did you think I wanted to be with you because you’re perfect?” He looked into her eyes. “I’m not perfect either. Life isn’t perfect. It rarely goes as planned. Yes, I only have one son, but he was quite a handful. I can assure you that he put me through quite a few adventures in his teen years, and because of that, I have an idea of what to expect with Austin and Miles. You haven’t been there yet, but I have. I know that a child will say things just to get under your skin. I know that they will test boundaries and be ruffled by a new person in their life. I’m not afraid of any of that. In fact, I look forward to being a patient and guiding force for them, if you will allow me to be. I know that one day, no matter what they put you through, your kids are going to grow up and become amazing people, no matter how many mistakes you make along the way.” He brushed his thumb along the back of her hand in slow soothing strokes. “I have no interest in coming into your life and taking over. I’m asking for you to allow me to be part of it, not to tell you how to live. You’ve done a wonderful job and you’ll continue to do just that.”

  “That’s just the thing, Jack. I haven’t.” She blinked back the tears that threatened her eyes. “I threw an entire carton of melted ice cream on the floor the other day.”

  “And?” He grinned.

  “It’s not funny. I completely lost my cool. I’ve had so many moments where I’ve thought of running away.” Her voice caught on those words. She hadn’t intended to speak them out loud, but there they were, hanging in the air between them—the ultimate confession. What kind of mother would even think about giving up?

  He stared hard into her eyes and drew her hand to his lips. He kissed each knuckle softly, then pressed her hand to his cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

  “For what?” She struggled to take an even breath.

  “For waiting so long to take this step. For letting you be alone. You shouldn’t be.”

  “Even after what I said?”

  “Michelle, everyone has those moments. I had those moments even when my wife was alive. Sometimes it can simply be too much. But when you add in grief, financial difficulty and loneliness, it’s only human to want to escape.”

  She shook her head as he rested her hand back on the table. “I don’t think so. I keep telling myself that I have to try harder, that I have to be stronger.”

  “You couldn’t try any harder, could you? You couldn’t be any stronger, could you?” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “You feel so lost because you’re already spent. You’re already pushed past your limit, and yet you’re still asking yourself for more. Maybe it’s time to learn to let someone else bear some of the load. There’s no doubt in my mind that you could do this alone. You can raise your sons to be the great men I know they will be. You can keep afloat and be there for them the way you want to be—I know you can. But you shouldn’t have to. You don’t have to. Because I’m here.” He squeezed her hand. “If you’ll let me be. I know it
will take you some time to trust this, but there’s nothing about you, nothing that you could reveal to me, that would make me want to walk away.”

  “Are you sure?” She searched his eyes. “It’s so much for you to take on.”

  “You say that like I see it as a burden. I don’t. I see the opportunity to be a part of your life, to be involved in the boys’ lives, as a blessing. I look forward to every stressful, messy, amazing moment. The question is, are you ready to share them with me?”

  “More than you could ever know. That’s why I’ve been so distracted. Everything I experience—I think about what it would be like for you to be there beside me. I guess the scary part is that I want it so much.”

  “It doesn’t have to be scary. When you say the word, I’ll do everything in my power to be at your side.”

  “Then maybe I’ll start talking to the boys about meeting you. Maybe I’ll start feeling out how they would feel about that.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. You can tell them anything you want about me, and if they want to talk to me on the phone, they’re more than welcome to.”

  “You know, that might—” She stopped as her phone began to ring. “Excuse me just a second, Jack.” She pulled out her phone. When she saw that it was David she wondered what trouble her boys were causing.

  “Hello?”

  “Michelle, try to stay calm. Everyone’s okay, but you’re going to need to come back.”

  “What happened?” Her heart jumped up into her throat. Without realizing it she tightened her grip on Jack’s hand.

  “We had a little accident. I’m here with Miles at the hospital—”

  “What? Is he okay? What happened?”

  “He’s okay, just listen. He’s broken his left wrist, but the doctors are taking good care of him.”

  “I’m leaving right now. Can I talk to him? Is he in a lot of pain?”

  “They’ve taken care of the pain. I promise, he’s doing just fine. Please be careful driving back. I’m sorry this happened.”

  “It’s not your fault, David, I’m sure it was just an accident.”

  “It was. He tripped getting into the go-kart and got his foot stuck and landed hard on his wrist. The doctor said it’s not a bad break, but it will have to be in a cast for a few weeks.”

  “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “Tell him I love him and I will be there as fast as I can.”

  “I will. Just be careful driving, okay?”

  “I will be.” She hung up the phone.

  “Miles broke his wrist?” Jack’s eyes widened. “Is he okay?”

  “David says he is, but I need to get back there. I’m so sorry, Jack.”

  “Not at all. Do you want me to come with you?”

  “No, you can’t come all that way.”

  “I can drive you. I think you’re too upset to drive.”

  “I’m okay.” She pulled her hand away from his. “I’ll be fine. I just have to go—right now. I’m sorry about lunch.”

  Without a thought to even saying goodbye to him, she rushed out of the cafe.

  Chapter 31

  Jack stood up to give Michelle a hug before she left but she was already out the door.

  He tried to catch up with her in the parking lot but the waitress stepped in front of him.

  “So are you still going to want your food? Because it’s already been made.”

  “No. Please, excuse me.” He tried to walk around her.

  She stepped in front of him again. “Sir, you ordered the food. You can’t just walk out on the bill.”

  He pulled out two twenties and thrust them at her. “This should cover it, right?”

  “It’s too much. Let me get you some change.”

  “No, just keep it.” He finally managed to get past the waitress just in time to see Michelle tear out of the parking lot. Just as he suspected she might, she seemed to be driving in a panic.

  There was no question in his mind that he had to follow her. What if she got into an accident along the way? If he could have caught up with her before she’d pulled out, he would have insisted on going with her, but he didn’t have the chance.

  He jumped into his car and drove off after her. As he drove he dialed his son’s number.

  “Hey, Dad, I thought you were on a date? Didn’t she show up?”

  “Can you see if you can find a phone number for me?” He gave him David’s name. “I need to get a hold of him as soon as possible.”

  “Why? Is something wrong?”

  “Just please see if you can get me the number. Everything is fine, but I can’t talk. I’m driving.”

  “Alright, I’ll see what I can do. If I can find it, I’ll text it to you.”

  “Thanks, Noah.” Jack hung up the phone and tried to spot Michelle’s car.

  Not too far ahead he noticed her in the flow of traffic. After some time he was able to catch up close enough that he didn’t think he would lose her. He knew how to get to her town, but he had no idea where the hospital was, or even which hospital Miles might be at. If he could, he wanted to be there for her. It did cross his mind that she might not be too pleased to see him there, though.

  After driving several more minutes, he lost sight of her car. His heart lurched as he realized that he might not be able to catch up with her. He received a text from Noah.

  Sorry Dad, couldn’t find a number. Must not be listed.

  Jack sighed and wondered if he was just wasting his time. He decided that he would just go to her house if he couldn’t figure out which hospital Miles was in.

  A glance at his gas gauge revealed that he needed to fill up. He pulled off at a gas station and while the car filled he called Michelle. As expected, she didn’t answer. He sighed and started to get back on the highway when his phone rang. He pulled off to the side to answer it when he saw that it was Michelle.

  “Jack, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know who else to call.”

  “Michelle, what’s wrong? You didn’t get into an accident did you?”

  “No, I didn’t. But I do have a flat tire. I have no idea what to do. I have roadside assistance but it will take them forever to get here.”

  “I’ll come to you, just tell me where you are.”

  “Jack, you can’t come all the way back.”

  “Trust me, it won’t take me long. Just tell me exactly where you are.”

  He typed the intersection into his GPS. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “Minutes?”

  “I’ll explain when I get there, just stay safe.”

  “I will.”

  As soon as she hung up he headed toward the intersection. It was about ten minutes away. As he drove he rehearsed how he would explain the fact that he’d followed her. Would she be annoyed?

  He spotted her car on the side of the road and pulled up behind her.

  Her eyes widened with shock when he got out of the car. “How did you get here so fast?”

  “I didn’t think it was right to let you deal with this on your own.” He opened his arms to her. “I hope that’s okay.”

  “You followed me?” She hugged him and looked into his eyes.

  “I know it’s a little strange, but you didn’t give me a chance to insist on going with you, and I just didn’t want you to drive all that way while you were upset. I thought at least I could make sure that you got there safe. You’re not upset with me, are you?”

  “Upset with you?” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Are you kidding? I can’t believe I’m this lucky. When my tire blew, all I could think of was what I would do and how I would get to Miles. Now here you are—my hero.” She smiled through her tears and kissed his cheek. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “I’m so glad you feel that way. Let me drive you the rest of the way to the hospital. Then I’ll come back and take care of the car for you.”

  “Jack, I can’t ask you to do all of that. I have a service that can do it.”

  “You’re not asking me to do
anything. I’m offering, because I want to. You don’t have to be alone any more.”

  She rested her head against his chest for a moment, then nodded. “I see that now. I really do. Thank you.”

  Chapter 32

  When she saw Jack’s car pull up behind hers, she couldn’t believe it. His explanation shocked her even more. The fact that he would go so far out of his way just to make sure that she was okay was more than she’d hoped for.

  As they settled into his car, she wiped her tears away. As much as she was determined to get to Miles, having Jack’s hand to hold as they drove to the hospital was exactly what she needed to calm down. It was just a broken wrist. Miles would be okay. At least that’s what Michelle told herself.

  “Thank you so much for being here, Jack. I know I just rushed off, and I’m sorry about that.”

  “You were trying to get to Miles. I understand. I just hope you don’t mind that I’ve thrust myself into this situation.”

  “No, I don’t mind at all. I think I’ve forgotten how good it feels to have someone beside me.”

  “You won’t ever have to forget again.” Jack looked over at her. “I mean it.”

  “I know.” Michelle bit into her bottom lip. As much as she wanted to believe him, it was so difficult. Her husband’s illness and death had come as such a shock, and to begin to believe again in someone new was hard for her.

  “Are you doing okay? We’ll be there soon. I’m sure that Miles has lots of attention at the hospital.”

  “I know he’s okay, but the thought of him getting hurt and me not being there to take care of him because I was out with you—I just feel awful.”

  “Now, that’s not really fair, is it?”

  She looked back at him. “Why? If I hadn’t put my needs first, I would have been there with him. In fact, he never would have hurt his wrist.”

  “Maybe. But does that mean you’ll never go to the grocery store again? Are you not going to send him to school any more?”

  “You know that’s not the same thing.”

  “No, I don’t know that. You feel guilty because you were enjoying yourself—I hope you were anyway—with me. But that didn’t cause Miles to break his wrist. Miles broke his wrist because he had a fun day out with his uncle and made a little mistake. Just like he’ll make lots more little mistakes.”