Page 88 of Forbidden Kisses
Pain and affection bubbled up as he obeyed and sat down at the small round table, meant to seat only four, but he’d known it to seat up to seven or more. “I’m sorry I haven’t been here in a while.”
“You’ve been busy. I understand.” Mrs. Watson busied herself as she’d always done. She seemed to be doing surprisingly well, although he hadn’t expected her to be sitting in a dark corner sobbing. She was a strong woman. Even at the funeral, she’d kept a positive attitude, claiming that Chris was in a better place.
Jack had held on to her beliefs, adopting them as his own. He needed to believe that Chris was okay, too.
A moment later she slid a plate of cake in front of him along with a cup of coffee.
“Thank you.” He watched as she settled herself beside him.
“I’ve been wondering if you’d ever come see me again,” she said.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m just glad you’re here now. It’s too bad Harry isn’t home to see you. He’s mentioned you quite a lot since Chris’s accident.” She didn’t flinch at the words. She really was doing okay.
“I didn’t want to impose. I always came over with Chris. I just—”
“You’re family to us. I saw all your baby teeth fall out and even took you to the doctor a few times. You’re like a son to me.” Her eyes teared up. Patting his hand, she sighed. “It’s like the prodigal son has returned.”
Jack shook his head. He had no idea she’d felt that way about him. “I came because I wanted to tell you about a new venture I’ve started. It was Chris’s idea, actually.”
“Oh?” She pulled her own cup of coffee to her. Her soft brown eyebrows bounced lightly as she drank and waited to hear what he’d have to say.
Jack took a deep breath, then he proceeded to tell her all about the plans that he and Chris had made together. They didn’t want to be commercial fishermen forever. They’d dreamed about opening their own coastal building business. And now, Jack was turning that dream into reality.
“This is just wonderful,” Mrs. Watson finally said, visibly fighting off tears. “He’s still accomplishing things beyond his grave. Because of you.”
Jack swallowed. “This was his idea. He started this.”
“And you’ll finish it.”
Jack looked down at the table, willing his own emotions to settle down. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be happy about this.”
“Of course I am. I couldn’t be prouder. Harry and I will see you Friday at the grand opening. We wouldn’t dream of missing it. Then you’ll come back for dinner one night next week, and maybe bring someone special.”
Jack shook his head. “No. There’s no—” Grace filled his mind.
“You’re hesitating. There is someone,” she said, winking at him.
“Not anymore.”
She gave him her infamous assessing look. He and Chris had sworn the woman had been born with a lie detector inside her. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Jack forked the last piece of cake into his mouth and drank the rest of his coffee while he caught up with Chris’s mom. Then he stood, ready to leave.
Mrs. Watson held open her arms and gave him a big hug. “Once family, always family. Those are unbreakable bonds, Jack. You remember that.”
Jack pulled back and looked at her, surprised at a thought that had struck him as quick and unexpected as lightning.Once family, always family. Unbreakable bonds.“Right. I’ll see you and Mr. Watson on Friday.” He walked to his truck, his heart pounding painfully in his chest.
Once family, always family.
What if he extended the same hand to Tammy that Chris’s mom had just extended to him? She wasn’t his stepmother anymore, but she’d been family once. And she would always be Grace’s family. He’d claimed that he’d tried to forgive Tammy, but had he really?
Jack climbed into his truck and drove toward Mrs. Smith’s house. He nearly turned around before pulling into the driveway of the old house where Tammy Donner was staying these days. Parking, he climbed the steps and rang the doorbell. He had no idea what he’d even say when he saw her. All the things he seemed to say around Tammy were accusative and angry.
Ms. Smith opened the door. “Hello. You’re one of the Sawyer boys, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was hoping Mrs. Donner was home.”
