Page 87 of Owen

I keep reminding her that it’s his loss. He’s missing out on all the good stuff. From the new words she’s trying to say toexploring new foods. She’s even started walking. Crawling was too limiting for her and just like her mother, she hits every milestone like a champion.

Jade signed Poppy up for nursery for a few hours a week to get her used to mixing with other children,but I worry about her during her three-hour morning session in the same way I worry about Jade and her dangerous job.

It terrifies me to think about what could happen to her should a stunt go wrong.

It happens. Gregor informed me ithashappened. Twice. One being fatal.

And while I love my daredevil vixen, she equally fucking terrifies me.

My world would implode if anything were to happen to her. In a short space of time, she’s set up camp in my heart and I never want her to vacate it.

The thought of losing my mirror soul, my twin flame. I couldn’t go on without her.

I love her more than life itself and there is nothing I love more than waiting at the door for her to come home if she’s been away overnight. When she comes home from work, I get giddy and happiness bubbles low in my stomach at the sight of her.

This is all new to me, and I’m basking in every moment I can.

The way I feel about Jade has nothing to do with her providing security and a roof over my head because I would happily sleep in a tent if I had to in order to be with her. It’s the joy, hope, and excitement she brings to my once soulless existence.

She’s introduced me to a world I knew nothing about. Beingwithin the confines of a military base is like living in a village where everyone pitches in and looks after one another.

It’s fucking mind-blowing how these talented people and their families pull together to become a complete unit.

I can’t deny how much I miss Castleview Cove, which I never expected. I miss the beaches, surfing, running along the cliffs, the golf courses, and most of all, I miss my friends. Part of me wishes we were closer and another part of me wishes Jade’s flying schedule wasn’t so jam-packed because I reckon we would have already visited my hometown.

Although they assure me they have all been busy, too, which is why they haven’t squeezed a visit down to us either. However, next week we are driving up to Scotland where I’m excited to finally introduce Jade and Poppy, in person, to my friends.

There is also another exciting reason to visit. Skye and Jacob welcomed their daughter, Aurora, into the world four weeks ago, and it kills me that I still haven’t been to see them all. Had I still lived in Castleview Cove, I would have been the first one on their doorstep.

Knowing how important my friends are to me, Jade is equally nervous and excited to meet them. They will all adore her. I know it.

I’ve yet to meet anyone who says a bad word about her.

Except maybe Cobra.

Following the review, Cobra was dismissed and a variety of training has now been implemented to improve the values throughout the Air Force. Jade helped to make these changes possible, and I’m so proud of her for speaking out.

It’s been a busy few weeks as I have also started an online qualification in Youth Mentoring in the Community.

Jade has been extremely supportive, offering to pay for mycourses and retraining, but I want to do this my way. The last thing I want anyone to think is that I am after her just for her money. Jade isn’t rich, but her salary isn’t too shabby either. They call her salary “danger money” for a reason, with more emphasis on the danger part. She reassures me she is safe but I’ve seen something flash behind her eyes that I’ve not put my finger on yet. I think it’s the unknown of who will look after Poppy should anything happen.

It can’t be Michael.

I don’t have a legal leg to stand on where he is concerned. After all, he is Poppy’s father, so I hope that weneverhave to venture down that alley.Ever.

A sudden cold chill sweeps through my body at the thought of Jade having a crash.

If the universe is listening, which I hope it is,look after her for me.

Please.

“You look deep in thought.” Jade’s voice trickles into my consciousness.

Laying the kitchen knife down, I turn from chopping the vegetables.

“Hey, Hotshot.” Wrapping my arms around her, I squeeze her tightly, splaying my hand to the back of her head to keep her close. “I missed you today.”

“You saw me at lunchtime.” She chuckles, squeezing me back. She missed me, too. I know she did. The days she’s here for lunch, like today, are my favorite days.

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