Page 46 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets
“Take up painting again,” Jade said softly.
“What?”
“Maybe it’s a stupid suggestion, but I haven’t seen you paint in ages. Maybe it will help. I’m not trying to say it’ll distract you, but it’s always been an outlet for you.”
Heather sighed and raked a hand over hair that needed to be washed. “I’ve been so busy with work and…the wedding…” She drew in a shuddering breath. “What is it with me and men? My first fiancé left me practically at the altar and now Frank—” Tears spilled over her lashes and onto her cheeks. “It’s not fair,” she whispered. “None of this was supposed to happen. How could he do this to me?”
“I know. But you’re strong. You survived that jerk and went on to prove it was his loss for leaving you. This isn’t Frank’s fault. He didn’twantto leave you.”
“But he did, didn’t he?” The flash of fury faded as quickly as it appeared. Heather sighed and shook her head, swiping the tears from her pale cheeks. “Sorry. It doesn’t matter whether he did or didn’t. He was working a story that got him killed.”
“And now he needs us to get him justice. Keep fighting, Heather.” She walked over to kneel in front of her friend. “Keep fighting and together, you…we’ll…heal from this loss, too.”
Heather jumped up and Jade fell back onto her hip. The woman reached down and helped her up. “Sorry. Thank you. I don’t know why I came here. I guess I just needed to vent a little. And… I’m angry at him,” she whispered. “For letting this happen.”
“I know.” Jade hugged her once more. Then Heather slipped out the door, climbed into her car and left.
“Everything okay?” Bryce asked from the door of the kitchen. Sasha stood at his side, her big head swinging back and forth between him and Jade.
“No, not really. She’s hurting.”
“We all are.”
“No, I mean, she’sreallyangry. She was engaged once to a guy named Chance Little. He waited all the way up until the rehearsal dinner to back out of the wedding. Heather was devastated.”
He winced. “I didn’t know.”
“But she managed to overcome it with the help of her friends and family. And Frank,” she said slowly. “Frank was a great friend to her. Maybe that’s when their friendship developed into something more. I don’t know. But this…losing him? I’m afraid it might be too much for her. I think she’s not just angry at the person who killed him but at Frank for taking on something so dangerous and leaving her out of the loop.” She shrugged. “After the funeral, she’s going to need us more than ever. Whether she realizes it or not.”
He nodded, and started to say something when Jade’s parents walked in. After a round of thanks for watching the children, he and Jade and Sasha stepped outside. It was cold, but clear. The snow had stopped, but the ground was covered in white. Bryce started to his car then turned back. “Jade, I…”
“What?”
“Is…”
She lifted a brow when he stopped.
“Does Mia live with your parents or you?”
She sighed. “My parents, mostly. She has a room in our apartment, of course, but with my work hours—and the twins’ arrival—she’s been staying with Mom and Dad more than with me. I don’t necessarily like that, but it’s the way it has to be right now—although maybe not as much as it has been—but she likes staying with Jessica and Gage, and I don’t fight her on it. Mom and Dad are going through the process to adopt them, so Mia is beyond excited. She’s already started calling them her brother and sister even though that’s not technically correct. It doesn’t matter. We all want them in the family.” She ducked her head and let her eyes roam the landscape. “I love this place. It’s my home—and Mia’s. But I’m a single parent and a cop. I’ve had to accept that the combination comes with certain limitations—and that includes having my parents take care of Mia a lot.”
“They don’t mind.”
“No, they don’t.”
“But you do?”
She scrubbed a hand over her face. “Sometimes. I wonder if it’s the best setup for her. If it’s stable enough. If running back and forth between two places is any way for a little girl to grow up.”
“I know I’ve only seen Mia for a few hours, but she’s an amazing kid. She’s confident and outgoing and very well adjusted. I’d say whatever you’re doing, you should keep doing it.”
Jade huffed a short laugh. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Today was wonderful,” he said. “Thanks for allowing me to be included.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you wanted to be.”
His eyes dropped to her lips, and her heart nearly stopped. His head started to lower. Her chin lifted. Sasha stepped between them and gave a low woof. Bryce let out a laugh, cleared his throat and stepped back. Heat flamed in her cheeks, and she ducked her head. He tilted it once more and let his lips cover hers. Jade froze for a brief moment and then allowed herself to enjoy the moment, taking comfort in his presence and the gentle exploration of his kiss.
