“I love you, too. Better go back to bed and tell Mom we’re fine.”
“Good night.”
Dad’s words follow me back down the hall and into the bathroom, where I pause at the sink to splash water on my face. My eyes rise to the mirror, watching the water drip from my chin. The right side of the mirror. I’ve been there all along, but I was too jaded by my own conscience to be able to see it.
Thank you for my blessed life, and I’m sorry. Sorry for thinking I could somehow earn favor. For taking Your gift for granted. I won’t anymore, not a second of it.
I almost convince myself to return to my bed and try to sleep, but I can’t quite commit. Adrenaline is coursing through my veins, because suddenly everything makes sense…the reason I took this job, that Jake decided to follow us, that I rented the house on Wonder Lane. It’s all mapped out before me like a beautiful portrait that I couldn’t see, all because I’d made myself small enough to be stuck inside it like a maze.
Mirrors don’t tell lies, but they can’t see past the surface either. My mascara is smeared under my eye and across the top of my cheek, just like the red lipstick I tried to hide when I was still a girl. Nothing’s changed except the knowledge that I’m loved despite my imperfections.
It’s kind of like that lipstick itself, really. It has all the potential to be a complete mess if it isn’t in capable hands, but in the right hands the red can be made truly beautiful.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jake
The road welcomed me until I nearly ran out of gas, even though I had no idea where I was headed. At first I traveled in the direction of the motel, only to arrive at the parking lot and turn around, determined to go back to Wonder Lane and plead my case again. By the time I’d returned, though, I convinced myself that it didn’t matter. So I just drove, nowhere in particular, for hours.
Returning “home” wasn’t much better, because I’ve not been able to relax at all. Instead I’ve been sitting here, still wearing every stitch of clothes I wore for the date, minus my jacket. And it’s no good. If I can’t get it together in a few hours, I’m going to have a hard time showing up for Bailey, sitting next to Alexis in church.
The most pressing thought that keeps thundering through my brain is that this changes nothing. So Alexis doesn’t want me. Yeah, it stings way more than I thought it would, but it’s not going to alter the way I feel. It doesn’t mean I’m any less Bailey’s dad now than I was a few hours ago, so I have to pretend like nothing happened. Like I’m fine being a part-time family member.
My brain won’t calm down because I have no idea if I can put on that sort of show.
I can’t seem to stop my hand from shaking as I rub it across my cheek, feeling the roughness that alerts me that I’m due for a shave. I’ll need a lot more than that before I go out in public. Some kind of eye drops to combat the redness. A couple pots of coffee. Maybe something to fight deliria. I’d almost swear I just heard Alexis say my name.
A soft knock sounds in the room, followed by the sound again. Just my name, spoken gently. Picking up my phone, I bring the screen to life, seeing that it’s five o’clock in the morning. No wonder I’m imagining things. I’m probably exhausted.
That thought doesn’t keep me from rising out of the chair across from the bed. Not even from crossing to the door, and although I shake my head as I release the locks, it doesn’t stop me from opening it and peering out into the night. Finding my eyes on a white Mitsubishi.
“Where’s Bailey?”
Sure, it’s rude, but it’s the only thing the surprise and panic in my brain can come up with.
“She’s sleeping in her car seat,” Alexis says, glancing back at the car. “I needed to see you, and it couldn’t wait.”
A breath of relief escapes as I press the palm of my hand to my temple. The woman has no idea how she affects me, even now, her face free from makeup and wearing her pajamas. They’re at least two sizes too big, hanging from her frame. I’d like nothing more than to scoop her up in my arms and kiss her.
Get it under control.
“It’s pretty early,” I tell her, leaning against the door frame.
She nods, looking almost apologetic. “I couldn’t sleep. You’re still wearing your tie.”
Even though I know she’s right, I still look down out of instinct, as though I need proof.
“Couldn’t sleep,” I say simply.
That seems to loosen her up, and she takes a step in my direction, wrapping her arms around her midsection.
“You’re cold. Do you want to come in?”
She glances back at the car. “No, I don’t want to bother Bailey.”
Retreating into the room, I reach for my suit jacket, wincing when the door closes behind me. As I pull it back open, she’s standing stone-still in front of me, eyes wide. That’s enough to make me smile as I wrap the jacket around her shoulders. She blinks up at me through those long eyelashes, and it nearly undoes me.
“Listen, forget about all that earlier,” I say, straightening the jacket around her neck. “It’s unfair of me to try to give you an ultimatum. It’s not like I can’t control myself, because I can. And I don’t need to rush anything or push you. There’s no reason to put a label on us, because the fact is, this is whatever you want it to be.”
She grabs the side of my jacket, holding it closer. “You promise? Whatever I want?”
My heart wants to protest, but I know I can’t. A sigh slips out before I can say yes, but I nod my head anyway.
She moves closer and presses her hand to my chest, on top of my crooked tie and directly over my heart. “I want you.”
The deliria again. No other explanation.
“Come again,” I manage to mutter.
“It’s so simple I couldn’t see it, but it’s been in front of my face the whole time.” She smiles that irresistible smile she possesses, and I can’t help but reach up and wrap my hand around hers on my chest. “I’m so glad you followed us to Louisville. You’ve become the most important part of our lives.”
“Really?”
“Really. Do you remember earlier when we were talking about things we regret?”
“Of course I do.”
“I’ve been thinking about that all night. I had a ton of regrets, you know. So many different things that I couldn’t seem to forget, but now I only have one big one. Well, two, actually.”
My eyes dart to Bailey in the back seat of the car, her head tilted to the side as she sleeps. Who’d have ever thought the mere sight of my daughter could make me forget everything else I worried about before?
“Do I want to know your regrets?” I ask with a bit of hesitance.
“Yes,” she tells me with a smile. “My number one regret is that I didn’t realize I loved you until tonight. I could have been kissing you for weeks.”
It’s impossible not to laugh when I let that one sink in. My fingers tighten around her hand at my chest, but I don’t say anything, just letting her words sound in my mind a few times. Didn’t realize I loved you…
“The second thing,” she continues, “is that I want Bailey to have your name. She’s your daughter, and I want everyone to know she belongs to you.”
“My name?” I whisper.
“And maybe someday I can convince you to give me your name, too. I already belong to you, Jake.” Pulling my hand back, she presses our fingers to her heart instead of mine. “You wanted to know if I could see you in my future. The answer is, I don’t see a future without you.”
There’s nothing else I need to hear. I lean forward to kiss her, tasting a hint of peppermint lip balm as I draw her to me. She melts into my arms, and I can’t help but smile against her mouth as I hold her, just as I’d imagined doing earlier. Instead of protesting, she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me again. The peppermint takes on a salty taste, and I pull back, noticing the tears sliding down her face.
“What’s wrong?” Using my knuckles, I brush a tear from her ch
eek.
“I can’t seem to stop crying tonight,” she tells me, sliding her head down to my shoulder. “Just a side effect of loving you, I guess.”
That’s enough to render me speechless for a minute, so I simply hold her, careful not to release her from my arms. She doesn’t seem eager to leave either, snuggling against my chest.
“I hope the crying is short-lived,” I finally say. “I’d rather you smile when you think of me.”
“I already do.”
“And I should probably stop calling you Alex. I know it drives you crazy.”
“No.” She pulls back, staring up at me. “Please don’t stop calling me Alex. It sounds beautiful to me now.”
“Beautiful,” I repeat, studying her eyes. Fascinating, the way they don’t hold anything back. The way they tell me everything I want to know. “I love you.”
She laughs, hugging me tightly once more. “I love you back. I can’t even imagine what my life would look like right now if I hadn’t been that stupid girl chasing the wrong guy. Finding the right guy in the process.”
“The right guy,” I repeat, resting my chin against the top of her head. “I like the sound of that.”
“The only guy,” she clarifies. “Thinking God wasn’t answering my prayers, when He was really telling me I had it all wrong. What if I had met you back then?”
That question sinks deep as I shake my head. “You’d have met a messed up kid who wouldn’t have realized how much he’d one day love you.”
She steps back and smiles. “I should probably take Bailey back home. Definitely not a mom of the year moment, but I don’t think she would mind me making sure you don’t miss any more time with her.”
“Or time with you,” I add, returning her grin. “Just let me get my keys.” Her eyes widen in surprise, and I quickly hold up my hands. “To follow you home, that’s all. Make sure you get home okay. You are my girls, remember?”
She pulls open the door to her Mitsubishi. “Of course I remember. I’ll never forget.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Alexis
It’s a funny thing, starting over. Forging a new identity. Embarking on a new adventure. It’s what I expected all along, from the moment I accepted the job in Louisville. When I first toured the little house on Wonder Lane. When I considered stepping out on my own for the first time.
My eyes drift to the rearview mirror, spying Bailey sleeping in the back seat. The same as the day we first pulled onto Wonder Lane, and if I thought she filled my heart then, that feeling’s even deeper now.
I can’t help but smile when I think about that day last fall, every part of my heart filled with dread, simply because that red pickup truck was behind me. Simply because my past was following me out of town.
It’s the same view this morning, with the night trying to fade into the day, that red pickup still in my rearview. Curiouser and more perfect than I ever could have imagined.
My future, following me home.
Epilogue
Annie straightens the tulle at the end of one of the folding chairs on the lawn, peering ahead at the large oak tree. The whole thing is simple. Simple enough that her parents would probably balk at the presentation, but it’s what the bride wanted.
“What do you think, wedding planner?” She turns and locks eyes with Maddie, who places one hand on her hip.
“Seriously, stop calling me that.” Maddie straightens her violet dress and glances around at the few people milling about the yard. “I don’t want to take any responsibility if this whole thing falls apart, especially since they didn’t want a rehearsal last night. Who does that? But I suppose it’s just as well, since Harley and Ryan have vanished into thin air.”
Annie drops her arm casually over Maddie’s shoulders, the long side of her asymmetrical haircut hitting Maddie on the right arm. “They’ll be here, okay? Don’t worry so much.”
Maddie sighs and glances at her friend, giving a half-hearted smile. “I like your hair like that. It suits you.”
“Thanks, me too,” Annie says, moving to adjust the tulle on another chair. “So does Denton, which is an added bonus. Where did Josh run off to?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Maddie’s eyes drift to the house, where more people are moving in and out. “He’s inside resigning himself to being the third string best man.”
Annie simply laughs and heads in the direction of the house, with Maddie following on her heels. The crowd on Wonder Lane certainly isn’t large. Some people from church and a few family members, but nothing like the crowd her parents would invite if she ever got married.
As they reach the front porch, they’re almost bowled over by the young woman charging outside, who quickly straightens when she sees them, one hand clenching the top of her light blue dress.
“Hey! One of you gals have a safety pin? Wouldn’t want to go busting out of my dress, and I seem to have a strap problem.”
Maddie lifts her eyebrows at Annie, who gives a simple “yes” and heads inside and up the stairs. Heather turns and marches back inside and into the dining room, where Alexis is standing along the wall as she places a jeweled headband on Bailey’s head. Maddie follows, her eyes darting between the two sisters, who definitely look like they’re related. Heather’s hair is falling over her shoulder in curls, while Alexis has her hair in an updo.
“Mad!” Bailey announces, turning to look at the newcomer. “Am I pretty?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
“She does,” Heather states. “She asks every single person who comes into the room, because she’s trying to hog all the attention.” Heather winks at her niece, who sticks out her tongue in response. “Holy whiskers, you’re just like your mother. Cheeky little thing.”
Bailey retreats to her grandmother, reaching up to take her hand.
“If she’s hogging attention, she’s taking after you,” Alexis adds, smiling at her sister. “Do I look okay?”
“Way better than okay,” Heather tells her, taking her hand.
“Safety pin!” Annie announces, stepping into the room. Heather pulls her hand back and allows Annie to grab the top of her dress.
“Let the record state that I was about to get all sentimental and mushy and stuff, but your handsy friend is being borderline inappropriate with me so it’ll have to wait.”
“Careful, or I’ll stab you,” Annie warns, mischievously smiling to herself.
“When Sadie Lou gets back from getting Jonah his potato chips she’ll cry all over you, I’m sure,” Heather adds. “I’ll wait to do my crying until after I see if Jake has any good looking friends.”
“For goodness sake, Heather,” Bailey’s grandmother says, lifting the girl to her arms.
“Oh, Mom. You know I’m only kidding. I’ve already staked the place for good looking friends, but they’re all taken. You don’t see me crying, do ya?” She cranes her neck a little to peek out the window. “Never mind, who’s the motorcycle guy? I haven’t seen him yet.”
“Taken,” Annie states, seemingly deriving a bit of cheer from Heather’s misfortune.
“Sorry!” Harley yells as she steps through the doorway. “Got held up at the airport.” She barely pauses as she begins a sprint up the stairs.
Ryan comes in right behind her, placing his helmet by the door before running his hand through his hair. “Annie, you care if I wash my hair in the sink?”
“Yes I care! That’s disgusting and there’s food in there.”
He cringes but then points upstairs, a small smile creeping onto his face. “I can just go up there. We’re married.”
Annie rolls her eyes as he begins to march up the stairs. “Stay out of my bedroom, and hurry up would you!” She drops her head into her hands as she groans. “I’m going to have to move out. I can’t take the two of them.”
“What was that about?” Maddie asks, eyes wide as she stares at Annie.
“Ryan and Harley went to Vegas to get married. I was sworn to secrecy. If they
would have come back when they were supposed to, no one would have even known they were gone.”
“I can’t believe it.” Maddie settles herself into a chair. “It’s like this whole neighborhood has gone totally nutty. You got any other surprises up your sleeve, girls?”
Annie glances at Alexis, but the two of them just laugh as Bailey’s grandma places her on the ground, where she spins to make her dress float out around her.
“Looks like the right place,” Cole says, opening the door of the rental car.
Camdyn smiles at him over the roof after she steps out onto the pavement. “It looks a lot like Rosalie’s house. Different vibe being at the end of the subdivision instead of nestled along the river, but I like it.” She stands perfectly still, staring at the home in front of her, lost in thought until Cole steps up to place an arm around her.
“Hmm, it might take a lot of convincing.”
She glances over at her husband, raising her eyebrows. “What exactly are you talking about?”
“I’m sure this would be a great setting to write, and since you’re not far from Sybil Brantley and all your old family records…”
“Because I randomly crash houses of people I don’t know so I can use them to write my books? Be reasonable.” She pauses to give him a sheepish grin. “Rosalie’s place doesn’t count. She runs a B&B, so she welcomes strangers into her home. Besides, when do I have time to write? I’m always following you around making sure you don’t need pointers on your batting stance.”
“Oh, please.”
“Don’t you think you’d better find Jake? We’re pretty late, after all. I can go inside and try to find him if you like.”
“Absolutely relentless,” he says with a laugh, kissing her cheek. “Go ahead inside and snoop, if you’re so determined. I’ll just wait out here.”
She blows him a kiss as she glances back, tossing her blonde curls over her shoulder before she begins up the steps, admiring the Corinthian columns on the porch. She stands before the double doors for a moment, letting her eyes sweep over the house before she knocks and pushes the right door open.
Curiouser (Girls of Wonder Lane Book 3) Page 29