Page 92 of A Very Merry Mistake

Goose bumps trail up and down my body. “Most people don’t know that,” I explain.

“Oh, honey, most people don’t know their ass from their elbow.”

Jake’s eyes widen, and I burst out laughing.

“Pardon my language, but the truth is the truth. Anyway, I was just checkin’ on you two. I learned a long time ago that when the kids are quiet, they’re gettin’ into trouble. But I’ll let y’all get back to it.” A wide smile fills her face. Then she makes her way down the hallway.

When she’s out of sight, Jake chuckles. “Glad I didn’t do what I wanted to do to you. Grandma might’ve had a heart attack if she’d walked in on that.”

I step forward, grabbing his shirt and pulling him against me. “And what would that be?”

“Just let your imagination wander.” His hand trails down my body and presses between my legs. I buck my hips forward, loving his touch.

“My imagination is a dangerous place,” I warn, and he chuckles.

“By the way, I think you might’ve already won my mawmaw over. That doesn’t happen often. She’s usually real hard on anyone I’ve ever brought to meet her.”

“Really?” He takes my hand and leads me into the living room.

“Yeah, she hated Lacy with a passion. And Lacy knew it, too. One time, I left them alone together, and when we left, Lacy said she’d never come over again, and she stayed true to that. Was very awkward at family get-togethers.”

I tilt my head at him. “That’s ridiculous.”

His grandma returns carrying an orange soda. “What’re your plans for the rest of the day?”

Jake shrugs. “Not sure. Claire wanted to see the ducks and geese, so we might go skip some rocks in the back.”

“You should. Be careful, though.” She raises a brow. “Goober is a jerk.”

“Who’s Goober?” I ask, looking between them.

“Just a silly goose,” Jake says. “But he has been known to chase people around. I’ll keep you protected, though.”

“Jakey, you better not let him get her or you’ll be dealin’ with me.”

He gets up and gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, Mawmaw. I won’t let anything happen to Claire.”

I lean over and hug her.

“Don’t be a stranger,” she tells me.

“I won’t.”

Jake gives her a wave and leads me into the backyard. While it’s chilly outside, it’s calm. I follow him to the small dock. He holds his hand out for me, and I take it. We walk with our fingers interlocked to the edge of the shore. There’s an upside down canoe a few feet away, and I wonder what summers are like here when the grass is green and the trees are full of leaves. I can almost imagine children playing and splashing with evening bonfires in the fire pit that’s a few feet away.

I wish I knew if I am making the right decision.

I just need a sign: do I choose my career or Jake? If I don’t finalize what needs to be done in Merryville, I’ll lose my father’s respect, but I’ll gain Jake’s. If I could look up spoilers on my life, I would do it in a heartbeat.

It’s one of the most complex decisions I’ve ever made. Is the risk of potentially being loved and loving in return worth losing it all? Some people search their entire lives for this and never find it. They don’t know what it’s like to kiss someone and feel butterflies or have sex that feels good. Or have cookie crumbs all over their shirt while they eat and laugh because they’re that comfortable together. These are all things money can’t buy. It’s what my father has been searching for since my mom passed away.

The wind gently blows, and I close my eyes as the coolness brushes against my cheeks. I swallow hard, wanting to stay strong.

“You good?” Jake asks, noticing my reaction. Something as simple as him seeing me in that moment makes my heart pound.

“Yeah. I’m okay. It’s just…” I try not to choke on the lump that forms in my throat. “My mother used to tell me that when she was gone, I’d know she was close because I’d feel her in the wind.”

I’ve never shared that with a single soul, and my tears threaten to spill over. My entire body tenses, and I try to hold it back.

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