“How do I make it up to her?”
“Just be there. Be open when she’s ready to talk.” Jake kissed my temple. “You have a big heart, Mare, and she’ll see that you make me happy. Don’t worry, I’ll call her tomorrow, and we’ll sort it out. Trust me, she’ll be at our wedding.”
Around and around I went, my past choices circling back to bite me when I least expected. As I clung to this man I loved, I sent out a new wish to the universe. Please, please make it all okay. Now that I was here, I never wanted to leave.
At least when we arrived at Dara’s an hour later, I received a warm welcome, though our hostess was feeling down.
“My parents flight was cancelled. They’re hanging at Pearson, hoping to catch the next one.”
“It’s okay, Bunny,” Dean said, cuddling his wife. “If they don’t make it today, they’ll be here tomorrow. It’s supposed to clear up by then.”
With Dean’s encouragement, Dara headed to the table and we all gathered for our family breakfast.
Jake nudged me. “Should we tell them? You know, the thing from last night?”
I nodded. “They should know.”
Dara perked up. “Big news? Oh!” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Are you pregnant? You are, right?”
“No. You really have baby on the brain, Dar.” Jake cocked his head, looking at Dara then at me, then around the table. “I asked Mar to adopt Sari. We’ll start the proceedings in January.”
“Still pretty big news, and it’s a fantastic idea. You’ll be an amazing mommy to our baby starfish,” Dean said.
Marisol patted my hand. “Yes, Sari needs both of you. It’s wonderful watching you with her, sweet girl.”
“Well, I approve, even if I still think you two need to get on it.” Dara bit into a slice of toast slathered with strawberry jam.
Right then, I knew. I’d have to have a conversation with Dara, and soon.
At eleven-thirty, the doorbell rang, and Jake rose, taking the tablet from his daughter and setting it aside. “Come on, Sari. Nana and Papa are here.”
This moment was expected, but still, I clenched my hands in my lap, nervous it had arrived so soon.
Jake tucked Sari on his hip and held out his hand. “Ready?”
I rubbed my thighs then reached for him, taking comfort in his warm grip as we walked down the hall.
Jake’s reassuring smile eased my nerves a little as he opened the door, letting in a blast of winter. “Come in out of the snow.”
“There she is.” The tall grey-haired man stepped inside, waving a massive hand at his granddaughter, followed closely by a woman with silver hair who could only be Alysa’s mother. The woman had the same crystal eyes and petite frame.
“Hi, Sarina.” Unlike her husband, Stella didn’t wave or smile, but focussed directly on me, her brows rising.
“Ben, Stella, this is Amara Grant.” Jake wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Amara? Unusual name.” The woman’s eyes narrowed, but she seemed to catch herself, a tight smile appearing. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You too.” I swallowed hard, fidgeting with my ring as I looked at Jake.
“Well, we should go. We’ll drop Sari tomorrow afternoon, Jakob. You’ll be home?” Stella reached for Sari, but the little girl turned away, burying her head against her daddy’s chest.
“Yeah, we’ll be home.” Jake kissed his daughter, then set her on her feet, crouching to her level. “You have fun with Nana and Papa, and I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Can you give hugs?”
Sari nodded, but she screwed up her face as she latched onto Jake.
“Aww, thank you. One for Mar?”
I held out my arms, cuddling the little girl, rubbing her back before I tucked her stuffed bunny into her arms. “I love you,” I said, signing along as I spoke. “See you tomorrow, okay?”
Ben smiled as I stood, but Stella tilted her head, staring at my left hand as I fluttered my fingers at the little girl.
“What is that?” She pointed. “Is that …?”
“Yes, it’s an engagement ring.” Jake’s arm slid around my waist again. “Amara is my fiancée.”
Stella stepped back, squinting as her gaze travelling over me from head to toe, that look becoming steelier, her lips pursing, arms crossing, and lip curling. “It’s so soon. This is not a good idea. Not at all.” She scooped Sari into her arms and turned to Jake. “We’ll discuss this later, Jakob.”
“Stella! It’s none of your business.” Ben extended his hand. “Congratulations. It’s good to see you happy, Jake. Best wishes, my dear.” He smiled at me and took the overnight bag Jake held out to him. “Time to head home and let Sari open her presents from Nana and Papa.” The man shooed his wife into the blustery afternoon, her hysterical tone carrying into the house until Jake closed the door.
“Well, that went as well as could be expected,” Jake said.
“She detested me at first sight. Finally? What was that about?”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that Alysa had things to say to her mother. She found a bunch of pictures of us, and she knew we’d lived together. Don’t worry about it.”
“She plans to make my life hell, I can feel it.”
“No, Ben will rein her in. I’ll reassure them that they’re always welcome to see their granddaughter, and in the end that’s what matters.”
“You seem so certain of everything.”
“Just taking things one step at a time.”
Yes. One step at a time. Any more than that, and I might freak out, and that absolutely could not happen. Forgiveness was already proving harder to obtain than I every imagined. Asking for it again would be impossible.
The next morning, Jake sat on the bench by his front door, tying his running shoes. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“No, no.” I yawned and stretched. “I’m exhausted. Next time, though.”
“Let’s go for lunch later.” A hopeful smile appeared. “Sari won’t be back until mid-afternoon.”
“I’ll shower.” I kissed him and patted his tight butt. “Enjoy your run.”
“Back soon.” The
