From This Moment - By Alison Chaffin Higson Page 0,19

afternoon will finish that, and you both can move on. If it helps I’m going to come with you, but stay in the background so that he doesn’t know I’m there.”

I kiss both of Cade’s eyes shut then place a hot kiss on his lips. “I have already moved on, I’m happier here with you than I ever have been.”

“Good! Because you mean the world to me.” Holding my face between his hands, “I know this is fast, but I love you Rona. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I can’t fight what you make me feel anymore.”

“I love you too.” With a tearful laugh, “You make me so happy.”

My phone ringing interrupts a perfect moment. Wiping the tears from my face, I answer, not bothering with politeness, “I’ll meet you at one, inside the Silver Dollar Grill. Do you know where that is?”

“I’ll find it.” Hanging up on him again, I turn to Cade and I just start to move in for another kiss when Jake appears.

“Get a room,” Jake says, heading towards the kitchen, “Anyone want a refill?” he shouts waving a cup in his hand.

“No thanks.” We reply back in tandem.

I don’t quite believe how casual Jake seems to be about Cade and me. I was expecting, well I’m not sure what, but not this.

Jake comes over, sitting opposite us looking slightly distracted, “Lucy the friend I mentioned who has the bed and breakfast in Jackson, said there was a guy in there asking for a Rona Jameson. She told me this when she was asking about the girl she saw me with the other day getting onto ‘Big Red’, I mentioned your name and she told me about this guy.”

I move from Cade and sit in the chair next to him, “Thanks for telling me Jake, but don’t worry about it. I think it must have been Nick trying to find me. He wants to talk to me; we’ve arranged to meet later today in Jackson.”

“You’re going to meet the bastard?” he says to me.

“Dad, you’re not letting her go alone are you?” Jake asks getting pretty steamed.

“No, he isn’t, your father will be with me, but in the background.”

Standing up to put his cup in the dishwasher, “What time do we leave?”

Stunned, “We’re meeting at one inside the Silver Dollar.... you’re coming too?”

“Sure am.”

Chapter 6

~~ Cade ~~

Heading into town, I can’t help but feel on edge. The woman I’m in love with is on her way to meet her ex. She has a lot more history with this guy than she has with me, which makes me feel as though a rock is lodged in my stomach.

She insisted on sitting in the back of the car, so as Jake is driving, I turn around to look at her, “Rona, are you okay?”

She looks back at me looking really pale, “I will be when this is over. I really don’t want to have to do this, because it just drags the whole thing out.” Sighing, “As far as I’m concerned I’ve moved on, I just wish he would too.”

Parking one block over to the hotel, I start to climb out of the car to help Rona, “Can you just give us a minute Jake?”

With a wry smile, “Yeah.”

I stand to the side of the car with my hands on Rona’s shoulders, “I just want you to know that I’m here for you, anytime during your discussion, if you want rescuing just wave over to me.” Smoothing my hands up her neck to her face, I lower my head to kiss her, “Okay?”

She returns my kiss, “I promise. I feel better knowing you and Jake will be close by.”

After a quick hug, she turns to head towards the hotel. Jake walks around the car and stands next to me, watching her walk away, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

I sigh – heavily. “I don’t know, but unless she does this the guy said he won’t stop with the constant messages, so I guess, providing he keeps his promise, then she should be able to switch her phone on without it beeping every two minutes.” Moving away from the car, “Come on, we better make a move.”

After a minute or two, I notice Jake keeps passing sly glances over to me out of the corner of his eye, “What’s wrong Jake? I know that look; you have something on your mind.”

“Yes, I do.... kind of,” laughing slightly. “You really have fallen for her