Page 155 of The Wayward Son

She pulled back a few inches and looked at him. “I’ll take it. Because with that, everything else will fall into place.” She laid back down. “With our new commitment to communicate better, I have something to tell you.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve been offered a job.”

He took a moment. “A job where?”

She laughed. “Right here in Castle Springs. There’s this great little inn that recently opened. And I’ve been offered a partnership. It’ll be kind of an O’Connell family enterprise. Well, mostly O’Connells.”

“You’re going to be Joey’s partner?”

“Yes. Sage, too. The three of us have big plans for the place.”

“That’s great. Seems you might get to work your dream job after all.” He rubbed her back. “You know, we could do something about you becoming an O’Connell someday.”

Jade sat up and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, then took his hand. “Growing up, I heard and read that girls in abusive family situations tended to seek out men who are just like their fathers. That they repeat the cycle. So I was afraid to let myself feel anything for anybody. I also decided early on, I wouldn’t have kids. Because if I didn’t, then the cycle would end with me. No more screwed up kids in the Emmerson family line.” She squeezed his hand.

“Then I met Seth. And he was a good man. A bit self-centered and chauvinistic, but he respected me. And I felt safe with him. I never loved him. But he offered me a way out of living alone. So I was prepared to settle for a marriage to a man I didn’t love.” She shook her head. “When that fell apart, which I’m so thankful it did, the first person I thought of was you. Even though I hadn’t seen you in years. I knew you were the friend I needed. And then it didn’t take long for me to realize I was in love with you.”

He raised onto an elbow and kissed her. “I’m so thankful you came back to me.”

She studied him for a moment. “I know we’re not there yet. But someday when we are, as much as I’d love to be an O’Connell, I don’t want to get married. I don’t need a ring and a marriage certificate to tell the world I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Is that okay?”

“Of course. You’ve always been an honorary O’Connell. How about kids? You seemed reluctant at the thought of having those two point five kids with Seth. Would you consider having them with me?”

She nodded. “I’d love to have kids with you.”

He grinned. “Good. Because you’ll make one hell of a mother.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“Trust me. Your childhood made you strong. You’ll give our children everything you didn’t get from your father. Love, support, understanding, and freedom to be themselves.”

She took a breath. “I hope you’re right. But in any case, how can a child not thrive with you as their father?”

“So, I guess there’s just one last thing to do.”

“What’s that?”

“Get your stuff from Sage’s house and move your ass into the loft.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for that? I can be a bit of a pain in the ass.”

“I’ve noticed that. But I’m willing to overlook your flaws.”

She scowled at him. “My flaws? Give me a few examples.”

He nodded. “Well, you’re a little bit obsessed with junk food. And then there’s the cracker thing.”

She pushed him onto his back. “But does my enthusiasm for spending time in bed make up for those flaws?”

He smiled. “Oh yeah.” He kissed her, then rolled them over so he was on top of her. “But once in a while, I’d like to take charge.”

“I’m all yours, Hercules.”