Return to Love (Willow Valley Book 1)

by Christine Kingsley

  "How is she?" he asked softly.

  Cassie shook her head. "She'll be alright, but this is the worst stomach bug she's ever had." She took the flowers from him and raised them to her nose. "Thank you. This was thoughtful." He followed her into the kitchen and watched as she found a vase for them.

  "Are you hungry?"

  "Not really," she admitted. "Taking care of a sick child kind of killed my appetite. But I appreciate the gesture."

  "No problem." He placed the bag in the fridge and wrapped his arms around her. "It's there later if you want it."

  She sunk into his embrace, relishing the warmth and safety she found there. How much longer would this be hers? She held out a glimmer of hope that he would be able to accept what she had to tell him, but she wasn't betting on it. After all the stress of the day, she didn't have it in her to deal with anything else tonight. She was being selfish and she knew it, but she wanted to drink in as much of him as she could before life as she knew it came to a screeching halt.

  "You're an amazing mother, you know that?" Something in his tone had her lifting her gaze to his. She didn't know what she expected to see there, but all she found was comfort. "I care so much for you, Cassie. I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. You can trust me with anything. I won't leave you."

  His words were exactly what she needed to hear. It was as if he knew she had something weighing on her, and wanted her to feel safe confiding in him.

  Cassie scrutinized him for a moment, trying to figure out what he was really saying. "Jack, I do need to talk to you. There's something important I've been meaning to tell you, but I don't know how." She paused for a moment, then let it all out in a rush. "I'm scared. Scared that you won't know how to take it. And scared that you won't be able to accept it."

  He lifted a hand to her head and stroked her hair gently, trailing it down to cup her face. "I know, sweetheart."

  "You know?" She panicked for a moment, but then just as quickly realized that he couldn't actually know, or he wouldn't be so calm.

  "I've known for some time that you've had something bothering you, holding you back, keeping you from giving yourself to me completely. But it's okay. Take your time to work through it, and know that I'm here when you're ready to talk. And nothing you can say will scare me away." The way he was looking at her with such love and acceptance made her believe him for that moment, but she knew deep down he didn't know how devastating the secret was that he was accepting.

  If he only knew, he wouldn't be saying those things. But she took his reassurances anyway because she needed them right now. "I'm too exhausted to get into it tonight, but..." she trailed off, unsure how to ask him, not sure if she even had the right to. "Will you stay with me tonight?"

  He answered her with a kiss, tender and full of emotion. It was everything she needed. The air between them shifted, and the sweetness of his kiss deepened until she felt a burn low in her belly. She was wrong. The kiss wasn't everything that she needed. She needed him, all of him. It may be wrong when there were still so many things left unsaid between them, but she felt powerless to resist the desire simmering inside her. She would deal with the fallout later. For now she wanted one more night with him.

  One whose memories would last her the rest of her life if they had to.

  She bit out a sob at the thought, and he pulled back, looking at her with concern.

  "Baby, it's okay, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

  She nodded, not meeting his eyes. "I'm sorry. You probably think I'm silly. I just need you with me. I need to be close to you." She looked up at him then, letting him see how deep her need ran. "Make love to me, Jack."

  He pulled her tighter against him, and then their bodies took over in a mad dash to be closer. The burn she'd felt before rose to a scorching fire, and they couldn't get enough of each other. Their mouths melded together in a kiss that left her aching for more. This was different than before. The last time they had taken their time to explore each other, but this time there was an air of need and desperation.

  Clothing flew off as they made their way down the hall to her bedroom. Cassie shut the door, and then Jack had her pressed against it, his body impossibly hard against her soft skin. She raked her fingers down his back as he devoured her. She had never felt such intense passion with a man. It was as if all the pent-up emotion were rising to the surface, seeking an outlet in physical form.

  Jack traced his hands down to her hips and slid her jeans to the floor. She stepped out of them and then she was back in his arms and he was carrying her to the bed. He ran his hot tongue along every inch of her skin, bringing her to peaks and valleys as he awoke her body. She responded on instinct alone, and when their bodies finally came together, the pleasure she felt was only surpassed by the love swelling in her heart.

  * * *

  Jack held Cassie in his arms until she was finally asleep, though her sleep was restless. He was exhausted, but rest eluded him. He watched her chest rise and fall with each breath, her skin like ivory in the moonlight that trickled through the curtains.

  She really was his angel.

  He felt like they had reached a new place tonight. She'd opened up to him and given more of herself to him than she ever had before. He was troubled, though. She'd seemed almost desperate at times, clinging to him as if she were still afraid that he'd slip through her fingers. He didn't know how else to reassure her.

  He was certain that she would tell him about Sarah any day now, and he'd decided he wasn't going to push her. Hopefully when she did and saw that he was there for her, she would relax and not be so on edge with him and they could finally move forward.

  Not knowing how she would feel about him being there when Sarah awoke the next morning, he decided he'd err on the side of precaution. Quietly rising from the bed he went to the kitchen and found a notepad. He scribbled a quick note and, on a whim, grabbed one of the flowers from the vase on his way back to her room. He placed them on her nightstand, and stared at her for another long moment, then disappeared noiselessly.

  * * *

  Cassie settled Sarah on the couch with Tom, handing her a cup of milk and some cheesy crackers then stepped back and surveyed the two of them.

  "Are you sure, Tom?" She twisted her hands nervously, unsure that she should leave them, afraid that Sarah might scream the minute she stepped out the door. Tom had only been home from the hospital a couple weeks and she didn't want him taking on more than he should.

  "I think if I can handle Jack, I can handle a two-year-old." He winked at her, making her laugh. Jack had certainly been a ball of energy as a child. She could only imagine what it must have been like from a parent's perspective. "Besides, you're only going to be in the back yard. I'll scream if she gets out of hand. Not that you would ever do that, would you, princess?" He ruffled Sarah's hair and she smiled up at him with crumbs all over her face.

  Cassie's heart swelled as she watched the two of them for another moment, then went out the back door and made her way into the pasture. She was doing the right thing in telling Jack. She had been so selfish in her choices. All this time, Sarah had a grandfather right outside of town who was missing out on her life. Everyone would be better for this.

  She had thought about it all week and had come to the conclusion that there really was no other answer. She had foolishly believed that she was doing the right thing in honoring her mother's wishes, but in actuality what she had been doing was covering for her sister's poor choices. She couldn't look out for Amanda any more than Amanda was capable of caring for her own family. And why should she? Amanda had never done anything that wasn't selfishly motivated. She had never once thought of Cassie and all that she had taken on and given up because of sister's irresponsibility. Cooking school, caring for their mother, adopting Sarah. Of course, Sarah was the best thing that could ever have happened to her. Just imagining a life without her precious child was impossible.

  How had she been so blind? All these years sh
e'd protected Amanda. But not any longer. They had a full day ahead of them with the cook-off, but after it was over she was telling Jack the truth. She wasn't afraid anymore.

  All week he had been so supportive of her, knowing she was struggling with something she needed to tell him. He had made it clear that he wasn't walking away from her. She wasn't deluding herself. She knew that it was going to be rocky and that they would have a lot to work through, but she thought they just might be able to do it.

  The one thing she had come to realize this week was that she was in love with Jack Martin.

  A wave of happiness swept over her and her heart leapt as she saw Jack directing the contestants to their spaces. It was early, but the cook-off started at two, and there was a lot to put in place. She sneaked up behind him and put her hands over his eyes, whispering in his ear. "Guess who?"

  He spun and took her in his arms, making an elaborate show of kissing her thoroughly. There were people all around, but they didn't care. They were a couple now, and she was proud to show it.

  Jesse walked by, carrying some microphones toward the stage. His band was part of the local lineup playing later in the day. "Enough of that, you two. Get to work." He laughed as he continued on.

  And they did. They spent all morning making sure everything was perfect. Cassie was amazed at the scale of the event. It hadn't been so large in at least ten years. Moving the location back to the Martin Ranch had been a stroke of genius. There was way more room than they needed, and they had been able to go to more elaborate lengths to make it a real event than Cassie could ever remember. Even as a child, she didn't remember there being this much hype surrounding the cook-off, but she was fairly certain that everyone in town was going to come through at some point during the day. It had turned into more of a festival than a simple cook-off, and Cassie hoped this was a tradition they could repeat for years to come.

  A little after noon Cassie made her way back into the main house to check on Sarah for what must have been the fourth or fifth time. Each time she'd been perfectly content with Tom, and he seemed to be having a blast as well. It was quiet as she opened the door, and she looked around wondering how that was possible.

  Jack came around the corner from the family room with a finger on his lips. She hadn't noticed that he had come in. He gestured for her to follow him. She did, and what she saw made her smile. Sprawled out on the couch in the family room were Tom and Sarah, both sound asleep.

  "I guess she wore him out," Cassie whispered.

  Jack took her hand and led her back outside toward the guest house. "I want to show you something." Her curiosity was piqued. What could it be?

  Making sure no one was paying them any attention, he took her inside and shut the door behind him. What she saw took her breath away. "When have you had time to do this?"

  He shrugged. "Here and there since I've been back. It didn't take as much work as I'd thought it would."

  She looked around in amazement at the transformation of the small guest house. It was completely remodeled on the inside, from the new flooring and paint to the new kitchen counters and appliances. New furniture and a few decorations completed the transformation. It looked like an entirely different place than the dilapidated old building they'd played in as children. "It looks incredible. I can't believe you did this by yourself."

  "I had sufficient motivation."

  She turned to him with a question in her eyes.

  He took her hands in his. "I'm a grown man, Cassie. I don't exactly want to bring you home to my father's house. It's still up for debate who is going to take it over. He says he wants a smaller space, less to deal with, but I don't feel right taking over the main house just yet. Either way, we have privacy now."

  She walked past the kitchen and living room to the bedroom and bath beyond, taking it all in. It was small, to be sure, but no smaller than a one-bedroom apartment, and actually not too much smaller than her own home. "I love it." A devilish smile spread across her lips. "When can we christen it?"

  Jack bit his lip and his eyes darkened as he pulled her hips tight against his. "That's just what I was thinking."

  She gave in to him, and kissed him back, but only for a moment because she realized just how many people were milling about just outside. Pulling back, she quirked an eyebrow. "Maybe later?"

  "Sounds perfect."

  She sucked in a deep breath and took the plunge. "I also want to talk to you later. After the cook-off. It's important." There, she'd said it. Now she was accountable.

  He simply kissed her nose and nodded, and hand in hand they went back out to make sure everything was ready.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Cassie threw back her head and laughed along with the rest of the guests in the Winters' tent. Lissa's dad made a good showing every year, and with Lissa, her four siblings, and their friends, it was one of the most lively tents at the cook-off. He was always full of jokes too. Cassie thought this year's chili was one of the best and wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Winters took home the trophy.

  She looked around, happier than she'd been in as long as she could remember. Her best friends and the man of her dreams were gathered around, eating, drinking, and having a great night. She thought the pasture had been transformed earlier in the day, but with the sunset it had taken on an even more festive look. Each tent had been decorated by the contestants in hopes of winning the honorable mention award for best-themed booth. The field was awash in bright lights and Cassie thought it was beautiful.

  Cassie had always loved the annual cook-off tradition. It was part of what enhanced Willow Valley's small town charm. This year was special, though, because she had someone to share it with.

  "Maybe next year Sarah can stay longer," Jack said, draping an arm around her waist and pulling her in closer.

  "That sounds nice." Emily had taken her back to Mrs. Pettigrew's house for the evening before returning to the festival. At first Cassie had been hesitant to let her go because she tried not to cross the line and invade Mrs. Pettigrew's weekends, but the older woman had been insistent. She really was almost like family. That was another thing she loved about small town life. Even though she no longer had much family of her own, many of the townspeople looked after one another, so she had an extended family of sorts.

  Jesse made his way into the tent and walked toward where she and Jack were standing with Lissa. "I'm disappointed you chose this tent over the Kincade tent," he joked to Lissa. "I think we may actually be in the running this year."

  She looked at him in mock-horror. "And desert my family? Never." She lowered her voice so her father couldn't hear. "I do think the Kincade chili is pretty good, though. But never let it be known those words passed my lips." She grinned up at Jesse and he moved a little closer to her. Cassie had been so wrapped up in Jack that she'd completely forgotten to grill Lissa about the flirtation she had going on with Jesse. She'd have to ask later if she had a chance.

  The brush of Jack's breath on her ear distracted her from her thoughts. "Wanna dance?"

  An excuse to be in his arms? "Absolutely."

  Bands had been playing throughout the afternoon, but now that the official judging was over and the children's area had shut down, they had cranked up the volume and the cook-off had taken on the vibe of a giant outdoor party. Jack led her up close to the stage and they danced together for song after song until they were breathless.

  The band finished up their set, then announced that the judges would be announcing the winners within the next half hour. As people ambled around the open areas, Jack pulled her close again and brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes. She melted into his embrace and nearly forgot where they were when a snide voice broke the moment.

  "Well, isn't this a surprise? But I suppose not really. You always did want what was mine, didn't you?"

  Cassie gasped at the familiar tone, then swayed as all the breath left her lungs. She clung to Jack for support, not daring to turn around. She looked up into his face, hopi
ng against hope that her imagination was running away with her, but one glance was all it took to confirm it. His mouth gaped open in shock, but his eyes quickly narrowed at the words that had been spoken.

  "Amanda," Cassie whispered, turning slowly.

  There she stood, arms crossed, hip cocked to the side, an unattractive sneer marring her otherwise stunning face. She looked from Cassie to Jack, noting the possessive grip he had on Cassie's elbow.

  "How interesting. Keeping it all in the family, are we, Jack?" She took a step forward aggressively, and Cassie glanced around them, wondering how many people were witness to this display.

  "Amanda, stop. This is not the time or the place."

  "Worried about what people will have to say about you and your boyfriend, sister dear? Let me enlighten you." She leaned forward in an exaggeration of confiding something. "That you got sloppy seconds."

  "Amanda!" Cassie was shocked. She knew her sister could be unpredictable and volatile, but she'd never known her to be so venomous. "What has gotten into you?"

  At the same time, Jack leapt to her defense. "That's enough out of you. Don't think you're going to come to my house and insult the woman I love in front of my guests."

  Cassie's head snapped back to stare at him, but he didn't even seem aware of what he'd said. Love? People were starting to stare at the spectacle they were creating, and Cassie just wanted it to stop.

  Amanda let out a peal of laughter. "Oh, this is just priceless. You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into." She turned slyly to Cassie. "So, where is Sarah? I think it's time I paid our little darling a visit."

  Cassie stepped forward without thinking. "You'll stay away from her. I will not have you appearing out of nowhere and disrupting our lives again. Why are you even here?"

  Amanda pursed her lips and looked back and forth between the two of them with her chin jutted out. "I called Mom the other day and she told me the two of you were dating now."