by Kris Jayne
The sound of Jonah clearing her throat drew her attention to the doorway. He carried two chocolate-frosted cupcakes, one with a single lit candle. Shannon smiled as he began regaling her with a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
“You can sing,” Shannon gushed with surprise.
“My voice doesn’t send you running?”
“No.”
“Good because that’s your present.”
“Singing me ‘Happy Birthday’?” Shannon worked to keep the disappointment out of her voice.
“No. You’ll see. First, you need to blow out your candle and make a wish.”
The flicker of the candle matched the flutter in her stomach. What did she even want? A time machine? A magic wand? Her own personal genie? Magic. That’s what she hoped for. She wanted the impossible, but she closed her eyes and wished for it anyway. If her wishes had no chance of coming true, then there was no reason to hold back.
She opened her eyes, and Jonah reached beside the couch, pulling out a guitar case.
“So. Your present. I sing a little, and I play the guitar a little.”
Jonah lifted the guitar from the case and settled on the edge of the side chair, balancing the instrument on his knee.
“A few weeks ago, we were in the car, and this song came on the radio. Your entire face lit up. You looked so happy, and so I thought I’d learn this song. Maybe I can make you smile as much as Tim McGraw. We’ll see.”
Jonah strummed a few opening chords and then launched into his rendition of “One of Those Nights.” Shannon’s stomach flipped as his voice started nervously then grew stronger with emotion and intensity as he hit the chorus.
On a high note, his grey eyes slipped shut before he opened them again, looking directly into hers with a warming smile as he sang.
Shannon melted into the sofa and waited for the tears she knew would arrive. Dammit. It was the sweetest, most romantic thing a man had ever done for her. She didn’t deserve him.
When he finished, Shannon drifted off the couch, wound her arms around his neck, and whispered, “I love you.”
Maybe her admission would scare him, but it didn’t matter. Wasn’t that the point of the song? If they had nothing else, they’d have tonight, and she’d have the memory of telling the only man she’d ever loved—might ever love—how she felt.
Her heartbeat skipped, and he grinned.
“I love you, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
If exchanging “I Love You’s” frightened Jonah, he didn’t let on. Shannon spent the night wrapped up with him so tight, she couldn’t tell where he stopped and she began.
Eventually, they pulled themselves out of bed, and Jonah drove her home.
“I’ll be back at five fifteen to pick you up for the Halloween party.”
“Perfect.”
His silver gaze bored into her. “I hope so. Happy Birthday, Shannon.”
His goodbye kiss weakened her knees and twisted her stomach in knots. Could you be so in love that it made you sick?
Shannon shook off the sensation of being allergic to the love of a good man and ran through her to-do list in her mind. She had errands to run, and bills to pay, including her rent. Real life didn’t stop for real love.
That night, Jonah picked her up right on time. Shannon’s eyes roamed from his Resistol hat and tight faded jeans to his lizard boots.
“I’m digging the sexy cowboy look—even the bad boy black hat.”
“I’m just supposed to be a cowboy, but I’ll take sexy. The black hat made more sense for Halloween. Like black lipstick, I guess. I’m a little afraid, but I can’t help myself.” He brushed his lips across hers. “And you make one sexy witch.”
She grinned. In addition to the pale makeup with black eyeliner and lipstick, Shannon wore a short, black jersey dress with long, bell sleeves over fish net stockings with heeled knee-high boots. She spent most of the afternoon shoving her thick, curly hair under a stark ebony wig.
They took off and arrived at exactly six o’clock and rang the doorbell. Shannon heard the thunder of little feet stomping toward the door, which flew open, revealing a miniature witch in a tall, pointed hat very similar to her mother’s.
“Happy Halloween! And happy birthday, Mommy!”
Olivia launched herself into hugging Shannon.
“Thank you, sweetie. Happy Halloween. I want you to meet somebody.” Shannon stepped back as Jonah moved forward. “This is my friend, Jonah. He’s coming trick or treating with us.”
Her daughter stopped and looked at the tall man in front of her. Jonah tipped his hat.
“You’ve been here before. You’re a friend of my daddy’s.”
Shannon didn’t know how close Jonah and Jeff were, but they did know each other.
“I do know your dad. I was here for his party on Labor Day.”
“Is that how you met my mom?”
“Actually, we met before that.”
“Where?”
“Olivia, I think we should let our guests into the house before we grill them.” Jeff’s petite, blonde wife came clicking across the entry hall wearing a form-fitting black cat-suit with cat ears and a long swishing tail trailing behind. “Hey, Shannon. Hi, Jonah. Good to see you again, and you’re perfectly dressed for the occasion.”
“Thanks, Taryn. Good to see you. How are things at the new Midsummer Tech?”
“Great—as far as I know. I’m sure things haven’t taken a total nosedive in the two weeks since I left.”
Jonah’s brow shot up in surprise. “Really? I thought you and Micky loved working there.”
“We did. Micky’s there. Our old boss, Ben, left, and Micky just took over North American marketing. I told her I refuse to work for her.” Taryn chuckled. “Seriously, I’ve been thinking about leaving and starting my own private events company—doing weddings and parties. So, now that we’re through the merger, I took the leap.”
Shannon had forgotten Taryn told her about Jonah’s involvement in some intrigue that went on with his father, Micky, and Nick. He never mentioned it, but he and Taryn suddenly seemed very familiar with one another. Jonah’s easy smile at Taryn made Shannon stiffen.
“Plus,” Taryn paused and shot a look at Shannon. “Jeff and I are expecting a new addition to our family. It all just came together for me to leave now.”
Shannon would swear that her heart stopped for a moment. “You’re pregnant?”
A cautious smile emerged on Taryn’s face. “Yes.”
“Congratulations!” Jonah beamed at the news.
“Absolutely. Congratulations,” Shannon echoed in a hollow tone.
“And good for you starting your own business. I’ll take one of your cards if you have one. My mother hosts several parties a year.”
“Thank you. I’ll take any referrals I can. Come on back. We’re having Scary Sloppy Joes. Spoiler alert: They’re regular sloppy joes with tomato eyeballs speared to the bun.”
Shannon shook off the dampening of her mood. Taryn’s pregnancy was good news. Olivia would be excited, and Shannon wanted Jeff to be happy. She entwined her arm with Jonah’s and clung to him as they trekked through the formal living areas to the other side of the house. The large kitchen and eat-in dining area overlooked the pool. Jeff stood over a slow cooker, stirring something that smelled of cinnamon. The sweet spice made Shannon’s stomach rumble with hunger.
“That smells amazing. What is it?”
“Spooky Cider. Come look.” Jeff gestured to Shannon, who walked over to the cooker and grimaced. Peeled apples carved to look like shrunken heads floated at the surface.
“That’s incredibly creepy.”
Jonah peered over Shannon’s shoulder. “Well, it’s disconcerting, but creative.”
“Taryn’s work. We thought about hosting a party, but she’s been so busy with starting the business we decided to wait. Still, she’s testing out some ideas.”
“Technically, this is Martha Stewart’s idea. I think it’s fu
n.”
“Can we eat now? I’m sooo hungry!” Olivia jumped from one leg to another.
Shannon tugged on one of Olivia’s pigtails. “Me too. Let’s eat before we get angry and put a curse on people.”
As simple as it was, helping her daughter arrange her dinner plate thrilled Shannon. Olivia made her laugh with bold demands, like “No Doritos. They’re stinky. Only potato chips. Po-tay-to chips! Po-tay-to chips!”
They sat at the kitchen table, and her little girl insisted on keeping her hat.
One day, the mundane might bore her, but Shannon remembered the loneliness of her earlier life. The small family moments satisfied her like no drug or drink ever had. Her mind turned for a moment back to the weekend three weeks ago, making her heart pound. Suddenly, the tangy, tomato and onion taste of her sandwich soured in her mouth. Her stomach constricted.
Jonah looked at her with concern. “Are you alright, sweetie? You look a little green. Or maybe that’s just the makeup. It’s hard to tell.”
“I’ll be fine. I think maybe something I ate at lunch didn’t agree with me.” Shannon put down her sloppy joe and pushed the plate away. “I’ll have some of that disturbing cider.”
Taryn eyed Shannon carefully, but jumped up and poured her a large mug of the warm apple cider. The essence of cinnamon and ginger relaxed the churning in the pit of her stomach.
“Mmm. This is really good, bobbing apple head and all.”
“Glad it’s helping. We have some candy begging to do.” A smile spread across Taryn’s face, her eyes steady on Shannon.
* * *
By the end of the second street, Olivia’s pillowcase of candy sagged respectably. The girl’s salesmanship impressed Jonah, and he laughed.
“We could use someone like you at my company. You’d be our number one account manager overnight.”
“You are hauling it in, tonight, Liv.” Jeff high-fived his daughter.
Shannon and Jonah followed behind father and daughter with travel mugs of cider, courtesy of Taryn. Micky came over, and the two of them stayed behind to pass out candy.
The trick-or-treating crew stopped on the corner to assess whether to continue.
“One more street!” Olivia begged.
Shannon squeezed her daughter’s shoulder. “I don’t know that you’ll be able to finish the candy you already have.”
“I can save it for later, and you can take some home with you, Mom.”
Jonah admired her tenacity, but could tell it would get her nowhere with her parents. Shannon exchanged looks with Jeff, silently mulling together if they should continue.
“It’s getting late, Liv. We should head back to the house,” Jeff decreed.
Olivia whined and worked herself up to near tears. Shannon dropped to one knee and stroked her cheek. “Hey, they’ll be more candy in your future. Your dad is right. We need to go home.”
Olivia jumped and stomped, screeching, “Why?”
Her tantrum strained Shannon’s tired nerves. “Enough, Olivia. We’re going back. We still have to sort through your bag and check it over.”
Jonah watched Jeff and Shannon drag their daughter back to their street, glad for a moment that he had no children. He often found himself in this position when he spent time with friends who have kids.
He would start off jealous of the familial companionship and how they get to experience the world all over again through the eyes of their offspring. The wonder of childhood inevitably gave way to some form of self-obsessed behavior driven by the childish belief that one is the center of the universe. The high-pitched yowl of a child made his sperm run and hide.
Seeing Shannon with her daughter made him consider what kind of father he’d be—or what kind of stepfather he might be. What if he married Shannon? Overnight, after a lifetime of self-indulgent freedom, he’d be a father figure to a little girl.
Of course, Olivia had a father already. He wouldn’t have to take full responsibility for her, but he’d still be a role model. What if he negatively impacted her life? What if she turned out like Shannon had been?
The thought came to him out of nowhere. All he knew of Shannon was the woman who loved and doted on her daughter, but Jonah reminded himself that this was a new Shannon. Old Shannon had abandoned her family. The details of his father’s investigative report jumped up and hit him sporadically. She’d told him almost everything he’d read, but still, in black and white, the facts made him nervous.
He’d all but decided to make a run for a seat in the U.S. House. Ironically, it was Shannon who’d pushed him toward that decision. He could be whatever kind of representative he wanted to be and work for those who don’t have access to power. Still, he wondered how she’d fare as a political wife.
Once they got back to the house, Shannon and Jeff went through Olivia’s candy piece by piece, throwing out ones with compromised wrappers.
“You can have two pieces tonight,” Shannon instructed.
“Only two?”
Jeff piped in and turned on his most paternal glare. “Yes. As it is, this much sugar before bed isn’t the best idea, so don’t push your luck.”
The power of the dad spoke, and Olivia meekly chewed her bottom lip.
“The little M&Ms aaand…the peanut butter cup.”
Shannon handed over the two chosen items and swept the rest of the candy back into the pillow case. “Time for bed. Why don’t take your candy upstairs and your father will help you get ready for bed?”
Olivia scampered off as Micky and Taryn came into the kitchen.
“Hi, Micky. Taryn, I don’t know where you want to put the candy stash.”
Taryn took the sack from Shannon and walked to the pantry. She yanked a stepladder over and climbed up to get the candy on the top shelf.
Jonah stepped in. “I can do that. You want it on the top shelf?”
“Yes. Thank you. I can barely get it outside of Olivia’s reach.”
When Jonah turned around, Micky’s eyes slipped from him to Shannon, the wheels in her head clearly turning.
“It’s good to see you two again. We didn’t get to talk much at the Magnolia ball. How did you two meet?”
His girlfriend anxiously clutched her stomach so Jonah answered for them both. “We met at the bistro where she works and then ran into each other here at the Labor Day party. We’ve been…getting to know each other. We never got to answer Olivia’s question earlier, Taryn. You’ll have to fill her in.”
“I will. She rarely lets a topic go once she’s interested.”
“I hope I make the cut. She pressed me pretty hard, and now that I’ve seen her in action in the field, I’m intimidated.”
Shannon rubbed her stomach and laughed. “She’ll make a good CEO or president or mob boss one day.”
“I hope when I’m running for Congress I can have half her chutzpah.”
The quip fell out of Jonah’s mouth, and he instantly regretted it. Blurting out his decision in front of others wasn’t how he wanted to tell her.
“You’ve decided then?” Shannon asked, sweeping the back of her hand across her forehead. She opened her mouth to say something else, but could only mumble an “excuse me” before she took off down the hall toward the half-bath.
Jonah strode after her, pushing open the bathroom door. She cradled the toilet bowl, heaving. All he could do was remove her wig and hold back tendrils of her hair that had escaped the knot she had atop her head.
“Maybe we should stop by an urgent care on the way home.”
Rocking back on her heels, she lifted her flushed face, breathing hard. “It’s official. I must have eaten something bad at lunch.”
“That, or I know how you feel about my running for office.”
The corners of her mouth turned up weakly. Then, she lunged for the toilet again, making it just in time.
Taryn’s voice came in from the hall. “You want some peppermint tea or something?”
“No.”
Jonah helped Shannon
to her feet and over to the sink, turning the water on for her. As she rinsed her mouth out, he again thought about taking her to the doctor.
“There’s one of those doc-in-a-box places right as we exited the highway. We’ll stop in and get you checked out.”
Shannon leaned into him, and he cradled her head on his shoulder. He could hardly tell the difference between the ghostly makeup streaked across her face and the pallor beneath it.
“I’ll be okay. Just take me home. If I don’t feel better by morning, I’ll go to doctor.”
Her confidence didn’t allay his concern for her.
“The sooner you get food poisoning treated, the better. Plus, wherever you ate needs to know they served tainted food.”
“It’s not so bad. I already feel better.”
She moved out of his arms and back out to the kitchen. Jonah examined the toilet-dampened synthetic hair clustered in his hand and tossed it in the trash on his way out of the bathroom.
“So sorry about that. I think it’s time for me to head out.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to brew you some tea for the road?”
“I think that’s a good idea, Shannon.” Jonah prompted, and she nodded.
He held her while Taryn made her some mint tea and poured it into another travel mug. He’d have to follow up to make sure she saw a doctor—as well as to gauge her reaction to his political decision. Jonah needed to know she’d be okay on both fronts.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Shannon felt better when she got home but woke up the next day feeling off, so she called her doctor first thing in the morning.
“We had a cancellation so we can squeeze you in if you get here in the next half hour.”
“Done.”
Sitting in the doctor’s office crinkling in a paper gown, Shannon thought back to the fast food hamburger she’d had the previous day and got queasy. Then, the door opened, and her doctor, Angie Franklin, came in.
“Tell me what’s going on.”
Shannon described her recent bout of nausea, running through what she’d eaten in the past forty-eight hours.