Page 42 of Rescue

"Someday," he mumbles after kissing me senseless.

I smile, leaning back against the pile of cushions as he resumes the movie. But my mind is miles away now.

Someday.

The word lingers in my head, wrapping itself around my thoughts. It’s not something I’d ever considered seriously before, not after everything that happened. But now, sitting here with Owen, the idea doesn’t seem as impossible as it once did.

As he laughs at the movie, his arm draped casually over my shoulders, I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. He’s messy and infuriating and doesn’t always think before he speaks—but he’s also kind, steady, and makes me feel safer than I have in years.

And maybe, just maybe,somedaydoesn’t sound so bad after all.

Jon

The wedding reception is in full swing, laughter and music filling the air as couples twirl on the dance floor. Layla and Phoebe are darting between tables, giggling and twirling with wild abandon, their energy seemingly endless. Watching them, I can’t help but smile. Layla’s cheeks are flushed with excitement, and her laughter is the kind that makes the entire room feel lighter.

I glance over at Abigail. She’s sitting beside me, her hand resting lightly on my arm, her gaze fixed on the dance floor. The soft glow of the fairy lights catches in her hair, and there’s a quiet contentment in her expression that makes me want to drag her away from all these people so I can kiss her thoroughly.

“You look beautiful,” I say, leaning closer.

She turns to me with a smile, her cheeks warming slightly. “You’ve already told me that.”

“And I’m telling you again,” I reply, my voice low.

The song changes to something slower, and the bride and groom take to the centre of the floor. Will looks at Katie like she’s the only person in the room, his hand resting protectively on her waist. They sway together, completely lost in each other, and for a moment, the chaos of the world seems to fade away.

I lean over and press a kiss to Abigail’s temple. She turns to meet me, her smile soft and questioning.

“Mum called,” I say casually.

“Oh?” Her brow arches in curiosity. “What’s she got to say now?”

“She asked me when we’re getting married.”

Abigail freezes for half a second before laughing lightly, a little incredulously. “Did she now?”

“She did.” I grin. “She’s subtle like that.”

Abigail shakes her head, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on the tablecloth. “And what did you say?”

“I told her it was too soon,” I reply, watching her closely. “And that’s true, isn’t it?”

She nods, her smile a little softer now. “It is. We’ve only had a few months, Jon. We’re still figuring things out.”

“Agreed.” I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. “But... Layla’s asked me the same thing.”

Abigail blinks at me, clearly caught off guard. “She has?”

“She’s six,” I say with a small laugh. “I think she just likes the idea of more sleepovers and fairy tales.”

Abigail laughs, her tension easing, but I don’t miss the flicker of something deeper in her eyes.

“Don’t worry,” I assure her. “I told her it’s too soon as well. But...” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “Is it too soon for me to move in with you?”

Her head snaps toward me, her eyes wide. “What?”

I take her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I’ve been doing some research. Contacted a few GP practices in the area. Turns out the Yorkshire Dales Medical Practice is looking for a paediatrician.”

Her lips part, but no sound comes out. I press on.

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