Page 79 of Their Forever Daddy

“Thanks, Court.”

Her sister pushed the door open, holding it just long enough for Jesse to step through before she turned away and headed deeper into the house, Sophia hot on her heels firing off questions about why Aunt Jesse was here, and how long was she going to stay. Perfectly content to put off any more awkward conversation as long as possible, Jesse took her time following her, taking in the toys scattered across the floor, the very well-loved looking couch in the living room, the family portraits hung on nearly every wall.

All in all, the house felt like a home. More so, in a lot of ways, than her house back in California. Maybe she should see about getting some more pictures of her and Grant to hang. And Edie.

When she finally made her way to the kitchen, where Courtney was busy cooking something that smelled delicious while her daughter ran circles around her, Jesse hesitated. “Um. Need any help?”

The look Courtney sent her way was nothing short of withering. But after a moment, she sighed and pointed to the dishwasher. “You can set the table. We’ll need four, if you’re planning to stay awhile.”

It was the closest thing to a warm welcome she figured she was entitled to, so Jesse made herself useful, pulling out colorful plates and equally colorful cups and silverware to lay out on the table in what felt almost like a companionable silence.

“Done. Anything else I can do?”

“Sure.” Tapping her spoon against the pot on the stove, Courtney turned and pinned Jesse with one of those ‘big sister’ looks that never failed to make Jesse squirm. “You can tell me what you’re doing, showing up on my doorstep with no warning after I haven’t heard a peep from you in over six months.”

“Oh, shit.” Jesse winced. “Has it really been that long?” She knew she wasn’t the best at keeping in touch, but she didn’t think it had gotten that bad.

“It has. And watch your language.”

“Sorry.”

Courtney’s brow lifted toward her hairline. Geez, what was it about Jesse that made everyone around her give her that look? “Which one are you apologizing for? Not being around, or swearing in front of your niece?”

“Both.” It took every ounce of courage she had to cross the kitchen and take her sister’s hands in hers, but she managed it somehow. “I’m really sorry, Court. More than I can tell you. I know when I left I… I didn’t handle things the way I should have. And I should have made more of an effort to keep in touch.”

“Why didn’t you?” Nothing could have shocked Jesse more than the tears shimmering in her sister’s pale eyes. Jesse had expected anger, maybe even annoyance, but not sadness. “Ten years, Jess. You didn’t even come to my wedding. And I so appreciate you buying out half our registry for Sophia, but you know what I would have appreciated more? My baby sister actually coming to see me and my daughter.”

“I should have.” Jesse’s words were hoarse thanks to her own tears clogging her throat. “I should have been there for all of it, and I’m so sorry I wasn’t.”

“You still haven’t told me why.”

Leaning back against the counter, Jesse closed her eyes, willing back the tears. Crying now would just make it look like a bid for sympathy, and that was the last thing she wanted. “You know Edie. Widow McDowell.”

It was a statement rather than a question, since she was fairly certain everyone knew Edie.

“Of course,” Courtney said, confirming her thoughts. “What does Edie have to do with you disappearing for ten years?”

“The summer before I left for California, Edie and I… we were… together.”

“Yeah, I knew you two were hanging out—oh.” Jesse didn’t have to be looking at her sister to know her eyes had just gone wide as saucers. “You mean like, together, together.”

“I don’t just mean together.” Forcing her eyes open, Jesse turned to her sister. “I was in love with her, Court. I still am. Ridiculously, insanely, stupidly in love with her.”

“So that’s why you're back.” Hurt filled Courtney’s eyes. “To win back the love of your life. It has nothing to do with your family.”

“Not exactly.” Jesse held up her left hand, where the diamond Grant had given her weeks ago sparkled on her finger. “I came to tell you and Edie I’m getting married. I wanted you both to hear it directly from me instead of the tabloids.”

For several long moments, Courtney simply stared at her, before she turned and walked over to open the fridge. She emerged a few seconds later holding a large bottle of pink wine. “I have a feeling this conversation is going to call for something a bit stronger than water.”

Chapter 29

Grant

* * *

Dinner was delicious, or he assumed so anyway. Everything seemed to pale in comparison to the vision across the table from him, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her long enough to actually pay attention to the food. Or the wine. Or the music.

There was only Edie.

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