The Heart - Kate Stewart Page 0,104

hair color was black on the top with blue and purple tips. I had compared her to a Who at first sight and stood by it now as I took in her wild, hot pink jewelry. She was overly animated, but it suited her.

I was smitten with the whole group and saw a little bit of each of them in Jack.

Rory talked a mile a minute, but I heard the last of her question, “... so will you come? They’re finally going to have a wedding.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I said, unsure if I would make good on my statement. Jack and I still had to talk, and for a brief second, I started to panic about whether or not he would be excited about the news of a baby. After a long meal filled with delicious food I devoured in abundance and wine that remained untouched only by me, the dinner party came to a close. One by one, Jack’s parents retired to their rooms, giving us our privacy. I could see each of them smile as they hugged Jack. Nadine whispered in his ear as she left the room, and I saw a small smile play on Jack’s lips. They were a highly unusual family, but a beautiful one that worked. I was glad Jack had this kind of mix of people to raise him.

They’d made him into the extraordinary man he was.

“You look tired,” Jack said as he rubbed my shoulders before he began to clear the last of the wine glasses from the table.

“That’s just a nice way of saying I look like shit,” I said as I felt the day catch up with me.

“No.” Jack paused as he looked me over in his expansive kitchen. “You look beautiful... and tired.”

“I still want to talk,” I said as he grabbed my hand and began to turn off the lights. “I didn’t say I was staying.”

“The hell you aren’t,” he said, looking back at me before he flipped the last light off and the room went dark.

Jack pulled me onto a large terrace adjacent to his massive living room, and I declined the tumbler full of fresh whiskey he poured us. I looked back into the house and noted a large stack of boxes in his living room but said nothing. It was time to ask the question and then really listen to the answer.

“I’m here because I miss you and no other reason. Well, there is a reason, but I’m here because—”

“I’m glad you’re here. I want you here.”

Suddenly nervous, I looked up at him as he finished his drink. I was sure I looked a mess considering my clothes, but from the way he was looking at me, none of it mattered. It never had. He’d always regarded me that way, and I loved that about him. Jack had the ability to make me feel needed and beautiful with just a simple look.

“You’ve pulled away from me.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement, and he knew it was the truth.

“I did,” he admitted. “I’m sorry, Rose. I got into my head.”

“Well, are you done yet?” I said as I took a seat on one of his comfortable chairs. “You about done being selfish because I don’t want to go another day wondering if you’re still in this relationship with me.” I stood again, my nerves getting the best of me as my stomach rolled.

Jack moved to stand in front of me, the soft light of the porch illuminating his perfect features. I didn’t want to be the only one having the conversation so I moved to touch the scar above his lip with my thumb. “Just tell me.”

“I love you,” he said gently. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any woman in my life. I got a little freaked out when I thought you couldn’t feel the same for me. It felt like ten years ago all over again. But you were right, it was my pride. So for the last week, I’ve done a little rearranging.”

“You’re moving.”

“I hope so,” he said, looking at the stack of boxes. “I thought it a little premature to fully pack for Dallas without talking to you first. I was coming to you after the wedding. If it wasn’t for that, I'd have already been there.”

“Dallas?”

“Yes, I got on with your brother temporarily until I was sure you wanted me there.”

My heart leaped in my throat as he put his arms around me. “I can love