by Wendy Smith
“It is now.”
“Want to go out for dinner? I thought I could take you to my favorite place.”
I turn my head and plant a kiss in her hair. “I thought we could order in. Maybe eat in bed.”
Miranda laughs. “I like that idea too. What was that call? You looked upset.”
“Just trying to work out this new location for the bar. The owner doesn’t want to sell.”
She pulls away a little to look at me. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’ll work it out.” I smile. “Come and see me soon. There’s something I want to show you.”
For a moment, she plays her bottom lip between her teeth. “I’ll see what I can do. What do you want to show me?”
“It’s a surprise. You’ll have to wait.”
Her eyebrows rise.
“I’ll make it worth it.”
A smile spreads across her lips. “Just being with you makes everything worth it.”
“I knew you’d see it my way.”
Miranda laughs. I hate this long-distance thing, but I also don’t want to bring too much attention to it. It plays on my mind all the time, and I’m sure Miranda has the same thoughts, but dwelling on it leaves me feeling empty, and that’s the last feeling I ever want associated with our relationship.
So, next time she’s with me, I’ll whisk her away from everything and everyone and we can pretend for a little while that the world outside doesn’t exist.
And I have the perfect place to do that.
Eighteen
Jackson
As soon as I get back to town, I start work on my surprise for Miranda. It’ll be at least two weeks until I see her as Mollab’s just about to release a new game, and she’s right in the thick of things at work, but it gives me time to get ready.
For the moment, I push thoughts of the new bar to the back of my head. I’ll deal with it later.
It’s Wednesday morning when the bar’s still quiet, and I approach Kayley.
“Can you take care of things around here for the day?”
She nods. “Of course. Everything alright?”
“Yeah, I just have a few things to take care of.”
Frowning, she hesitates for a moment. “You’ve spent a bit of time off lately. Is there anything I need to know about?”
Grinning, I grasp her arms. “You’re a sweetheart for asking, but everything’s fine. I just need to do some work on the cabin.”
Her eyebrows rise. “When was the last time you were out there?”
I shrug. “Not long after Dad died. But it’s time to dust it all off and bring it back to life.”
Kayley’s lips twitch. “Is this for your new secret lady?”
“Not really that secret. But I guess I have managed to keep her from you.” I drop my hands. “I appreciate all the work you’ve done lately. Must be time for a pay rise.”
“Must be.” She laughs. “Is this some kind of bribe?”
“Not really. But I do have more time away planned, and you’re my rock. Are you okay with sitters and any help you need?”
She nods. “Mom’s always available. I hate relying on her so much, but she adores Jake and loves every second she gets with him. Moving in with her was the best thing we ever did.”
“I’m glad to hear it. We’ll talk when I get back.”
“It’s about time you found someone, Jackson. I’m happy for you.”
“She makes me happy.” I grin. “What about you? Is there anyone out there?”
“Maybe when Jake’s older. I don’t want to introduce anyone to him until I know they’ll stick around. It’s not easy.”
“I bet. Thanks for today. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She nods, and heads across the bar to serve a customer. I cast my gaze around the place. This is my something special, but these past weeks have made me realize that there are other things in life just as important.
I shake myself out of my thoughts before heading into the storage cupboard to grab some cleaning equipment.
Time to get this cabin sorted.
It’s about an hour out of town, and being here is like coming to a different world.
Nettle Downs might be small, but my parents’ cabin is in the middle of nowhere and the perfect place to bring Miranda for some quality time. If she’ll agree to it.
There’s electricity out here, but no phone service. I’m not sure if she’ll agree, but I want this place to be ready in case she says yes.
I haven’t been here in years. After my dad died, I packed it all up and left. I guess I could sell it, but it has a ton of sentimental value.
Weekends, school holidays, any chance we got we came here. The cabin sits beside a small lake, and there’s decent fishing out here for the size of it.
It’s hard to swallow with a giant lump in my throat as I climb out of my car and approach the building.
Nothing’s really changed. The path needs clearing back, but there are tools in the shed out the back I can use to do that.
I slide the key into the lock and turn. Stepping in the door is like stepping into the past.
But there’s no time to stand around and reminisce.
I pull all the dust sheets from the furniture, folding them and tucking them in one corner of the room. If things go the way I want, I won’t need them again. The thought makes me smile.
The old place needs a sweep, but otherwise looks like it’s in decent condition. I’ll organize for the chimney to be cleaned at some point this week, and all I think I need to do is to dust, sweep, and stock up on food if we’re going to be here for a couple of days.
I take a look around the room. So much of my childhood was spent here. It was a place for our family to get away, and when Mom got ill, we came here as often as we could. I guess my parents were building memories before she died.
Here I feel her presence everywhere. That’s one of the things that’s always made it so hard to come back.
Walking back out to the car, I retrieve the bucket and mop I threw in the back, and the bag of cloths to wipe everything down.
This place is going to be spick and span by the time I’m finished. It might have sat empty all this time, but a piece of my heart has always been here.
It’s time to make this cabin shine again.
Despite the dust covers, it’s not until late afternoon that I can stand back and smile at what I’ve done. I’ll have to come back and trim the overgrowth on the path, but inside, my little cabin is ready for a visitor.
This is what Mom and Dad would have wanted.
I miss them more than anything right now. I’d have loved for them both to meet Miranda, and maybe one day, our children.
Dad could have taken them fishing here, just the way he took me.
And yet, I’d give everything I owned away in a heartbeat to have what my parents had.
But I don’t think I have to. I think that’s exactly what I have.
Nineteen
Jackson
Texting and phone calls aren’t enough.
I need my lady with me, and I miss her every second we’re apart.
My days are occupied with the bar.
But when I close up at night, my bed is cold and empty.
Our relationship isn’t public knowledge, so I still get women flirting with me at the bar. But all I can think about is my future with Miranda and it eases the loneliness and makes it easy to resist temptation.
All I want is her.
It’s a Tuesday, and I haven’t seen her for more than three weeks. The bar’s busy tonight, and it helps keep me distracted, but it’s not enough.
“Jackson, your phone’s ringing,” Kayley yells at me.
“Where is it?”
She plucks it from behind the bar and holds it up. “It’s not like you to leave it lying around.”
“Yeah.” I walk to meet her, and take it from her hand. “I’ve got other things on my mind.”
I grin when I see Miranda’s name
, but then it disappears as the phone stops ringing. “Shit. Missed it. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Kayley’s already gone, pouring drinks farther down the bar.
Turning, I push open the door to get out the back and return Miranda’s call. She answers on the first ring.
“Sorry if I called you at a bad time.”
“It’s never a bad time, darlin’. Everything okay?”
“Want me to come for a visit?”
I grin. “Are you allowed more time off?”
Miranda laughs. “I’ve got a lot of leave owing, and after the last couple of weeks, I really could do with seeing you. Molly’s here at the moment, but she’ll be going home on Thursday, so I could come back with her for a few days.”
My heart thuds. I miss Miranda every second she’s not here. And I have plans to whisk her away so we can just be alone. “Please. I have something special to show you.”
“Are you ready to tell me what it is yet?” she asks.
“It’s a surprise. But I hope Molly’s not planning on seeing anything of you while you’re here. You’re all mine.”
She laughs. “I like that idea. Molly will be sick of me by the end of the week, anyway.”
“I don’t think anyone would ever get sick of you.”
“Jackson,” Kayley calls from out front.
“I’ll let you go. It sounds like you’re busy. Talk to you later.”
We disconnect the call, and I take a breath, just looking at my phone. She’s coming, and everything’s perfect. The cabin’s all set for a romantic weekend, and I’m ready to share the one part of my life that I’ve never shared with anyone else.
“Jackson.”
Kayley’s voice snaps me back to reality, and I walk back through to see the bar full of people. Kayley and the other two staff behind the bar are pouring drinks for customers.
I tuck my phone into my pocket and get to work.
Thursday can’t come soon enough.
By Thursday, I’ve given Kayley permission to find another staff member. I’ve been all over my bar since I took it over, but since meeting Miranda, I’ve taken more leave than I ever have before.
This weekend’s no exception.
With that out of the way, I’m leaving the bar in Kayley’s capable hands while I head to the airport.
Miranda’s waiting outside by herself when I pull up, and I get out of the car and walk around to greet her.
“Hey.” I grin.
She wraps her arms around my waist when I reach her. “Hey, yourself.”
“Where’s Molly?”
“Brad’s already been and gone with her. They wanted to wait, but I told them to go home because I’m sure they have some catching up to do.” She lets go and places her palm on my chest. “And I knew you weren’t far away.”
I bend to meet her upturned face and kiss her softly. “Missed you.”
“I’ve missed you. When I realized that I could hitch a ride with Molly, I thought I’d make the most of it. I’m all yours for a few days.”
I grin, kissing her again. “Before we go, there’s something very important I have to tell you.”
Her brows furrow. “What is it?”
“There’s no phone reception where we’re going. It’s a mobile-free zone.”
A smile spreads across her lips. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise. But I know how important it is for you to be connected, so I’m just throwing it out there that we’ll be cut off from the real world for the next two nights.” I swallow hard. “If it’s a deal breaker, I need to know now.”
For a moment, she hesitates. She reaches for my hands, and I’m sucked into those blue eyes that look at me with so much affection it takes my breath away.
“I can’t think of anything better than being completely alone with you for the weekend. Nothing right now is so important that it can’t wait until I’m back at work. Besides, Molly’s around if anything urgent comes up.”
I grin. “Really?”
“Really. I’ll admit it won’t be easy, but I’m certain you’re going to find ways to keep me distracted.”
I pull my hand from hers and tuck a lock of errant hair behind her ear. “Oh, I can think of a few distractions.”
“Then, let’s go.”
She leans back in the seat and closes her eyes. The landscape flies past as we make our way to our destination, and I frown at the sight of storm clouds closing in. This wasn’t part of the plan.
“Where are we going?” Miranda asks.
“My cabin. I was hoping the weather would behave for the weekend, but I’m not so sure it will.”
She turns her head and gazes at me. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Staying inside works.”
“Works for me too. We’re nearly there. Promise.”
We make the last turn onto the road that leads to the lake. The heavens open up, and big, heavy raindrops hit the roof of the car, increasing in speed as we get closer to the house.
“Shit.”
Miranda reaches for my hand, sitting on the gearstick. “It’s okay. We’re together. That’s what’s important.”
I nod. She’s right.
A gasp escapes her lips when we pull up outside the house, and I’m really glad I took the time to clear the overgrowth from the path. We’ve got a clear view to the simple wooden cabin with the small front porch. While I trimmed the overgrowth back, vines climb either side, and they’ve burst into flower as if they knew we were coming. It’s a sea of white against the dark brown of the house.
“It’s beautiful.”
I gaze at the awed expression on her face. She’s so relaxed, and I really think being cut off from the world outside will be good for us in more ways than one. “Yes, it is.”
She turns her head, blushing when she realizes I’m looking at her and not the cabin.
I reach for her hand. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever brought here. This was where my parents came to get away from it all.”
She squeezes my fingers. “You’ve never brought anyone here?”
I shake my head. “It never felt right. But it does now.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“You mean everything to me, Miranda.”
I lean closer, looking into her eyes as I use my free hand to trace down her cheek. I’m more than aware that I told her I loved her back in San Jose, and maybe she hasn’t said the words back yet, but I know she’s feeling the same way.
“I’m so crazy about you.” She smiles, and the rain outside doesn’t matter anymore. She lights up my whole world with that smile.
“I’ll go and unlock the door, and we’ll get you inside. I wish the weather was better, but you’ll see why this place is so special really soon.”
Her smile grows. “I can’t wait.”
“Back in a minute. I don’t want you getting wet out there.”
Her lips curl, and I step out of the car before I say something dirty and we end up having sex in there. With us, it’s destined to be that way.
I want to get inside and light the fire to keep us warm. Damn this weather. The trails through the woods will be muddy and slippery. Not ideal for a romantic weekend away when the plan was to show her around.
But we’ll make do.
Miranda rolls her eyes as I return to the car for the third time.
“Can I get out yet?”
I nod. “It’s all ready.”
She smiles as I open the door. The rain eased while I went back and forward, carrying all the supplies into the cabin. It’s still falling steadily, but not as heavily as it was when we first got here.
I cover us both with my jacket, and we run toward the house. She laughs when we reach the door, running her fingers through her hair.
Dropping my jacket on the bench outside, I grab her hand. “Come on in.”
We kick off our shoes beside the mat and step inside.
Miranda stands for a moment and looks around the room. The floor’s woo
den, but there’s a large rug in the living room area, and a wide couch which used to double as my bed when I was a kid.
She walks toward the fireplace, holding her hands up to the heat.
“Oh, Jackson. It’s lovely.” The joy in her eyes makes my trips up here to prepare worth it. One day, we’ll spend all our weekends here, and we’ll put our own stamp on the place.
She runs her hand over the arm of the rocking chair near the fireplace.
My heart leaps. This is what I want. She’s who I want.
“My mom used to sit there while Dad and I went out fishing. She loved this place.” I let out a sigh. “I thought a couple of times about selling, but I couldn’t bear to part with it.”
Miranda slides her arms around my waist. “I’m glad you didn’t. I just hope the rain goes away so you can show me everything.”
I linger on a tender kiss, breathing her in. “I hope so too. The weather forecast is useless. It’s not supposed to be raining.”
She laughs. “It’s not the end of the world. Why don’t we get comfortable?”
“That’s a great idea. I’m going to unpack the groceries. I brought enough food to last a few days.”
“Sounds great.”
I point to the door off the living room. “Bathroom’s in there. Nothing fancy, but the shower is a good size and the water pressure isn’t too bad.” I swing my arm back the other way, pointing at the large bed. “And that’s the bedroom.”
“So we can lie in bed and keep each other warm when the fire goes out at night.”
I nod. “We sure can.”
Her eyes light up. “I love it. This is the best idea I think you’ve ever had.”
“Hey. I’ll have you know I have a lot of good ideas.”
Miranda laughs. “I know you do. This one seems especially nice.”
“Let’s get unpacked and settle in for the evening. It’ll get dark soon, and then there’s very little to do.”
Her lips twitch. “Is that right? I’m pretty sure we can come up with something.”