Bar None (Aeon Book 3)

by Wendy Smith

I peck him on the cheek. “I knew you’d understand.”

  “I’m not sure I could talk you out of it.” He chuckles. “But I’m warning you now. I’m not sharing my bed with two cats.”

  “We’ll get matching cat beds if we have to. Whatever. I think she’ll love it.”

  I hand the cat over to Jackson, who takes a seat on the couch. If I’m not mistaken, there’s another love story happening right there between him and Mr. Snuggles.

  Returning to our bags by the door, I pull out my laptop and carry it to the dining table. Opening it up, I search Google for nearby cat shelters. A couple of them have pages of cats for sale. Pages and pages.

  It makes me sad. All these cats need homes for a variety of reasons. It breaks my heart to think of what some of them will have been through, and what happens if they don’t get rescued.

  “Miranda? Darlin’, are you okay?” Jackson’s warm hands land on my shoulders.

  I nod. “Just sad that there are so many cats needing homes.”

  He plants a kiss in my hair. “Then that’s all the confirmation you need that you’re doing the right thing. Let’s find one that’ll work for Mrs. Creedy and go and get him or her.”

  I look up at him and smile. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For knowing exactly what I need to hear when I need it. For being you.”

  “It’s the only way I know how to be.” He bends and gives me a tender kiss on the lips. “I might leave you to it and go down the road to get coffee and food. Sound good?”

  “Sounds amazing. I’ll scour these sites and choose Mrs. Creedy’s cat.”

  He runs his thumb down my cheek. “Do you know why I love you so much?”

  “I’m amazing in bed, and I fly business class if I’m not using the company jet?”

  He chuckles. “Well, both of those, but also because you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. Look at you. We’re here for four days, and you’re poring over websites to find a cat for a lonely old lady. You are a fucking queen.”

  I reach up and run my fingers through his beard. “Where have you been hiding all my life?”

  His smile lights me up. “I was never hiding. I was waiting for you.”

  I let out an audible sigh as he kisses my fingers and turns toward the door.

  And all I know is that I never want to be without him again.

  When the door clicks again, I look up to see Jackson carrying a large paper bag and a cup holder with two large coffees.

  “Did you find what you were looking for?” he asks as he sets it all down on the table.

  I nod. “There’s a cat rescue not far from here which has a white ball of fluff. She’s not the same breed as Mr. Snuggles, but apparently, the family she was with kept her as an indoor cat and she’s very friendly.”

  He frowns as he sits. “What happened to her family?”

  “They moved cross-country and tried to rehome her rather than taking her with them. When it didn’t work, she ended up at the rescue.”

  Jackson opens the bag and pulls out what looks like a cheese panini and hands it to me. “Bastards.”

  I shrug. “It’s what happens. But I can’t imagine moving away and just leaving Mr. Snuggles behind.”

  “Of course you can’t.” He reaches into the bag for another panini. I take a large bite of mine and moan at the taste of melted cheese.

  “Damn, that’s good. I’ll miss that little coffee shop down the road.”

  He smiles. “I’ll make you coffee and food instead.”

  “I’m feeling very spoiled.”

  Leaning over, he gives me an affectionate kiss. “I’m looking forward to spoiling you. Now you’re a kept woman and all.”

  “As long as the food’s this good, I’m happy to be a kept woman.” I laugh.

  “I’ll remember that.” He takes a bite. “Oh, that is good.”

  “The coffee’s nice too.”

  Jackson takes a sip of coffee. “Mine’s better.”

  “You know it.”

  He leans back in the chair. “So, what are we doing about this cat?”

  “Maybe when we’ve finished eating, I’ll call the rescue and make sure she’s still available. Then, I can take you for a drive around before we go and have a look. We can go up to Molly’s place, and you’ll see how the other half lives.”

  He laughs. “I’d love to see it.”

  Reaching across the table, I place my hand on his. “I’m so glad you came with me.”

  “Me too. I can make sure you don’t get lost in nostalgia and that you come home.”

  I laugh. “There is nothing on this earth that’d keep me off that plane.”

  “That’s my girl.” Jackson beams before taking another bite of his panini.

  For a moment, I study his happy expression. I love seeing him like this.

  I love him.

  Jackson’s restless all afternoon, and I understand why. He’s not that keen on the big city, and is looking forward to us going back home to Nettle Downs.

  So am I.

  A couple more nights, and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing.

  I pull up outside the animal shelter and take a deep breath.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Jackson asks.

  I nod. “It’ll be great. Trust me.”

  “Always. Let’s go get this fluff ball. Maybe she’ll fall in love with Mr. Snuggles and keep him occupied if Mrs. Creedy doesn’t want her.”

  I laugh. “Maybe. At least either way, this girl will have a forever home.”

  He shoots me that smile that makes me weak at the knees. “She will.”

  I can’t help being excited as we walk in the door. Mrs. Creedy has always been so good to me. I’ll help out with ongoing expenses.

  The lady behind the reception desk smiles. I look at her name tag. “Hi, Rachel. I’m Miranda Clarke. We talked on the phone?”

  She beams. “Yes. Your online application was perfect. I know who you’re here to see. Come this way.”

  We follow her through a door and down a corridor. Rachel leads us to a large room full of cages. My heart aches to see so many animals needing new homes. At least we can help one.

  “Here she is.” Rachel leads us to a cage. A fluffy white cat with big blue eyes gives me the same disdainful look that Mr. Snuggles is so good at.

  “Wow. You’re perfect.” Jackson chuckles.

  “She really is.”

  I hold my hand up to the cage. The cat moves closer, rubbing against my fingers.

  “She’s got a lovely temperament,” Rachel says. “She’s fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped. All ready to go.”

  I nod. “Sounds great.”

  Rachel opens the cage, removing the cat, and passes her to me. The cat’s already purring by the time she makes it to my arms, and I’m in love. I only hope she’s as happy with Mrs. Creedy.

  “You wanted a cat carrier too, didn’t you?” Rachel asks.

  “I do.”

  Rachel smiles. “No problem. I’ll just grab one and add it to the bill.”

  While she’s gone, I cradle the cat. She’s something special alright. She rubs and purrs against me.

  “I’m so fucking crazy about you.”

  I look up at Jackson and smile. “What?”

  “Watching you with that damn cat. I know we already have a baby on the way, but damn, am I glad it’s with you.”

  “Because I’ve bonded with the cat?”

  He laughs. “Because you’re so full of love. It’s written all over your face. Thirty seconds and you’re ready to hold onto that cat rather than give it to Mrs. Creedy.”

  I bury my face in the cat’s fur. “You’re not wrong.”

  Jackson touches my arm. “I can’t wait to see you with our baby.”

  The thought of that hits me so hard, it brings tears to my eyes. It wasn’t that long ago that I watched him in Mom and Dad’s backyard, playing with Maddy and Joe, wondering when I’d start a family.
<
br />   Now I’m starting that family with the man I adore more than anything on the planet.

  Everything’s fallen into place.

  “I hope Mr. Snuggles doesn’t do that on the plane.”

  I laugh at Jackson nodding toward the back seat. We’re nearly at my place, and the cat hasn’t stopping meowing since we left.

  “She’s just anxious, and she doesn’t know us. I’m pretty sure Mr. Snuggles will just curl up and go to sleep on the way home.”

  He grins. “I like the way you’re already calling it home.”

  “I’m pretty sure it was home after I spent the first night.”

  Jackson laughs. “I’ll just be happy when you’re all moved and settled.”

  “Me too.”

  I swipe my card at the door of the secure car park and drive through when it opens. After parking the car, I climb out and retrieve the cat carrier from the back seat.

  “What are you going to do with your car?” Jackson asks.

  I shrug. “Probably just leave it here so I can use it when I come back to visit. Molly bought something new when she moved. Maybe it’s time for me to get something new too.”

  He laughs. “Something with a bit more foot room for me?”

  “Something I can carry a baby around in.”

  His mouth falls open. “You know, I never thought about that. Guess I’ll be looking at changing my car too.”

  “There’s a lot more we have to think about too.”

  Jackson nods. “When we get home, I think that’s all we’ll be talking about for a while.”

  As we approach the elevators, he reaches for the cat carrier. I hand it to him while I swipe my card again and wait for the doors to open.

  “This is going to completely take over our lives, isn’t it?” I ask.

  He grins. “I think so. Are you concerned?”

  I shake my head. “Not at all.”

  The doors open, and we step into the elevator.

  “You know, if it wasn’t for the cat, I’d pin you against that wall and kiss you,” he says. “I saw it in a movie once.”

  Laughing I slip my arm around his waist and gaze into those dark eyes of his. “You could still just kiss me.”

  “We’ve got an audience.”

  “She won’t mind. Mr. Snuggles doesn’t.”

  He bends slightly. “Mr. Snuggles gives me a dirty look every time I kiss you.”

  “He has the best resting bitch-face around. It’s got nothing to do with you kissing me.”

  Jackson’s lips meet mine, and I close my eyes. I don’t even notice we’ve come to a stop until Jackson pulls away.

  “We should get out before the elevator starts moving again.”

  “We should.”

  His eyes dance with mischief. I don’t move, and neither does he.

  “Let’s go and deliver this cat, and then we’ll go back to your place and maybe I’ll kiss you some more in front of the judgmental cat.”

  I laugh, leaning my head against his shoulder. “Okay. You’ve convinced me.”

  I lead him to Mrs. Creedy’s door, let go of his hand and knock.

  After a moment, she pulls open the door, a big smile on her face. “Miranda. It’s so good to see you.”

  I grin. “It’s good to see you too. May we come in?”

  Her brows twitch. “Of course.”

  “Mrs. Creedy, this is Jackson. My boyfriend. Jackson, this is Mrs. Creedy.”

  He shakes her offered hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Creedy.”

  She looks him up and down. “You’re one big drink of water, aren’t you?”

  I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing.

  “Mr. Snuggles has been very good as usual. He’s spent the past few nights with me,” she says.

  I suck in a breath. Telling her isn’t going to be easy.

  “Take a seat, you two. I’ll make us some tea.”

  “Oh, thank you, but we’ll skip the tea. I’ve got a lot of packing to do.” I take another breath. “I’m leaving San Jose. So, Mr. Snuggles will be coming with me too. I wanted to come and tell you, and give you something.”

  I don’t miss her sad expression. “You’re leaving now?”

  I nod. “We’ll be on the plane in a couple of days. I’m going to Nettle Downs, where Molly is.” I nudge Jackson. “And this one.”

  Mrs. Creedy smiles. “That’s wonderful news for you.”

  “I know you’ll miss Mr. Snuggles a lot, and he’s spent so much time with you over the years. So, we wanted to get something for you that might make up for him not being here.”

  Jackson produces the cat cage from behind his back, and holds it up for her to see.

  Her mouth falls open. “For me?”

  “If you want her. I took a chance that you’d like a companion of your own.”

  She opens the cat cage, reaching in and pulling out the already purring cat. “Oh, Miranda. She’s beautiful.”

  “She seems to like you too.” I smile. I am a little sad to be letting Fluffy go. She would have made a good companion for Mr. Snuggles if he’d tolerated another cat. But this is the right thing to do.

  “Thank you so much.” The tears in Mrs. Creedy’s eyes tell me everything.

  “Keep the cat food that’s here, and the litter. I’d like to set up a recurring delivery of both to help out too seeing as I’ve lumbered you with a full-time cat.”

  Jackson squeezes my shoulder.

  “I can accept the cat, Miranda, but I’ll pay for her upkeep. Thank you for your generosity.” She shifts her gaze to Jackson. “You look after my Miranda.”

  “I promise,” Jackson says.

  “I’ll be back to visit from time to time,” I say.

  “You’d better. Now, what do I call this beautiful lady?”

  “The shelter said her name’s Fluffy. But I guess you could rename her.”

  Mrs. Creedy shakes her head. “I think we need something better than that. Something regal.”

  I smile. I’m so glad to have made her happy. The past few years she’s been so kind to me. And I know this cat, whatever she calls her, will have a good home.

  I pack the things I need while Jackson clears out the kitchen. There’s not a lot in the fridge, and anything out of the freezer we don’t cook tonight can go next door to Mrs. Creedy.

  For his part, Mr. Snuggles walks around, seemingly confused about what’s going on. He won’t be happy when I put him in his cage and take him to the airport.

  But tonight, he’ll be able to sleep with us and maybe that’ll settle him a bit more.

  He jumps up on the bed, takes a tentative step into the suitcase and jumps, curling up on the clothes I’ve placed in there.

  “You silly boy.” I scratch him under the chin and he raises his gaze, looking me straight in the eyes.

  “I’m glad you talk to him like that too.” Jackson laughs. “Dinner’s ready.”

  “Did you want a scratch under the chin?”

  “You can scratch my itch for you tonight. Preferably not with the cat watching.”

  “We’ll close the door.” I walk toward Jackson and slide my arms around his waist. “Thank you for being here with me.”

  He presses a kiss in my hair. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

  “Are you sure about that?” I lean back.

  He screws up his nose. “Well, maybe it’d be better if we were in Nettle Downs, at my place. Or at the cabin.”

  “After I know more about what’s happening with Mark, I’d love to spend a few days at the cabin. We’d just have to get someone in to feed Mr. Snuggles. Or we could take him. He’ll love that fireplace.”

  He nods. “I’m sure we can work that out. Now, come and eat before it gets cold.”

  “Are you always going to be this bossy?”

  “Only when my pregnant girlfriend needs me to be.” He chuckles, and I sigh at the sound. I love it when he laughs, and when he makes me laugh.

  “You�
��re going to be a big daddy bear on me, aren’t you?”

  “If you want me to. I mean, I won’t be complaining about it.”

  “I’m sure. Come on, then. Let’s see what you’ve made for dinner.”

  I take his hand in mine and lead him out of the bedroom.

  This is my life now—being loved and loving Jackson.

  I’ve never been happier.

  By the end of the evening, all my personal things are packed, and I’m thankful that we’re flying on the jet because my excess luggage costs would have been insane.

  “All done?” Jackson asks. I sigh at the sight of him half-naked and in my bed. From now on, this is what I’ll get every night, and I have no complaints.

  I nod. “Tomorrow, Molly and I will get all our work stuff sorted out, and then we’ll be ready to go. There are a few more things to pack like Mr. Snuggles’ bowl, and my clothing, but I’m mostly packed.

  “The kitchen’s sorted too. I’ll take over whatever’s left in the freezer for Mrs. Creedy before we leave, but the fridge is all cleaned out of everything but essentials.” His lips twitch. “If you show me where it goes, I’ll even put the garbage out.”

  I laugh. “The one true way to my heart.”

  “Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow’s another big day.”

  I climb into bed beside Jackson, and he wraps his arms around me.

  “You’ll miss this place,” he says. “Whether you’ve had time to realize it or not.”

  I nod. “I know. But I have no regrets about my decision to leave.” Wriggling out of his grasp, I roll over toward him. “I’m going somewhere better for me.”

  A smile spreads across his face. “Better for me too. I promise you that our life together will be amazing.”

  “I know it will.” I run my fingers through his beard.

  “All I ever needed was you.”

  I smile as he plants a kiss on my lips and cuddle into his side. Tomorrow, we’ll start our new life together.

  Nothing could be sweeter.

  Epilogue

  Miranda

  Two months later

  I take a deep breath and inhale the scent of the stew that’s been slow-cooking all day. When I left this morning, Jackson was preparing it, and now I’m home and tired and just want to eat and sleep.