Page 50 of The Only Road Back
“I’m not helpless,” I protest, but my voice is weak. I could use the rest. “Grilled cheese?”
He nods, already grabbing the bread. “Grilled cheese it is.”
While he works at the stove, I glance at my phone and freeze. A new text from Lori flashes across the screen.
Lori:You’re not going to believe this.
I text back:What happened?
Her reply is immediate.
Clark left town.
I stare, not quite believing it.
Wait, what?
Lori:Yep. Packed up, left Stephanie, and ran off with a waitress from Benny’s Diner.
Jack notices my silence and frowns. “Everything okay?”
I set my phone down. “Clark left town. Broke it off with Stephanie and disappeared with a waitress.”
Jack laughs, flipping my sandwich. “There’s a shocker.”
I shake my head, still processing. “It’s just…wild. I almost married him.”
Jack’s hand pauses on the skillet. “You regret not marrying him?”
“What? No.” I walk over to him and rub his back. “If I had, I would’ve left him. I would’ve found my way to you.”
His grip tightens, reassuring and confident. “Damn right, you would have.”
I laugh, a little choked up. “No need to be jealous, Jack.”
He gives me a sidelong look. “Not jealous.” But there’s a glint in his eyes.
I arch an eyebrow. “Sure, you’re not.”
He bends down and kisses me for longer this time. “I got you. He didn’t.”
My heart flips over. “Jack Connor, you’re impossible.”
He grins. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, go sit down.”
I do as I’m told, and he plates the grilled cheese and slides it in front of me, then takes a seat himself.
As I eat, I look around our kitchen—our imperfect, beautiful life. I used to feel trapped, suffocating in a life I never chose. Now, I have a husband who loves me, a safe home, and soon, a baby.
I never thought I’d get here. Now that I have, I’m never letting go.
Jack shifts his chair around and rubs my tummy. His touch is gentle, reverent.
“You’re happy?” he asks.
I meet his eyes. “Very much so.”
He smiles, those green eyes shining, full of hope and love. “Good.”
