Such Great Heights - Sydney Logan Page 0,71
into my account. How did you even do that?”
“I called the bank and told them to transfer it.”
“You have my account number?”
“No, but I have the name of your bank. It’s on your financial form . . . the one you filled out when you applied for the nanny position, remember?”
Oh, yeah. I didn’t see the harm then . . . back when I only had fifty bucks to my name. What was he gonna do, steal it?
“Why didn’t you cash the checks, Olivia?”
“I cashed some of them.”
“Why not the rest?”
“Because this stopped being a job a long time ago. Our lives are completely different now. This is my life. Our life.”
“I know that.”
“And it’s not like I need the money. I live here, rent free.”
“Everyone needs money, Olivia. And for all practical purposes, you are still my employee. You’ve earned every dime, and then some.”
My eyes narrow. “I’m your employee?”
Jackson sighs. “You know what I mean.”
“I quit! Effective immediately. And don’t even think about hiring another nanny!”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he says, trying very hard not to laugh. “And I accept your resignation. But that money is yours. Donate it to charity if you want. Better yet, put it in your savings account. After all, you’re going to have a wedding to plan very, very soon.”
I’m just about to argue when that last sentence registers in my brain. Jackson takes advantage of my shock by lowering me down onto the bed. My entire body trembles as he buries his face against my neck.
“Guess what?” he whispers against my ear.
His lips slide along my throat, making me moan. It’s the only sound I can manage. Does he really expect me to answer questions when his mouth is doing such wonderful things to my skin?
“It’s official,” he says, as his mouth makes a trail to my lips. “I’m a single man. And you are going to be my wife.”
Ecstatic, I slide my arms around his neck and pull him close, kissing him frantically. Finally, finally, I’m kissing someone who’s allowed to kiss me back. Someone who can propose if he wants to. And I can say yes, if I want to.
And I want to.
As wonderful as that is, there’s something that’s even more amazing. Something that makes me happier than I ever thought possible.
“Jackson?”
“Yeah?”
“Ryder called me Mom today.”
Jackson smiles down at me.
“Sounds like we’ve had a pretty perfect day,” he says. “And I have even more good news.”
I honestly don’t think my heart can take anything else. I couldn’t possibly be any happier than I am right now.
“The realtor called. That house you love went on the market today.”
“The one with the wraparound porch and big backyard?”
“Yep.”
I grin. Okay, maybe I could be a little happier.
“Are we ready to make an offer?” he asks.
Are we? I mean, I’m in love with the house. But is he?
“Do you love it?”
“I love you. I can live anywhere as long as I’m with you.”
“That’s sweet. But do you love it?”
Jackson grins.
“I do. The commute to work’s not bad at all, and Hazel gets a state-of-the-art kitchen. Ryder gets a great school, a swimming pool, and a big backyard. And you get your wraparound porch.”
“But what about you? What do you get?”
“I get my family . . . in a house that’s ours.”
“But is that enough?”
He smiles softly.
“Are you kidding?” he asks, gliding his nose along mine. “That’s everything.”
“Is that all of it?” Angel asks.
I look around the bedroom. The closet is bare, the dresser is empty, and the bed is gone. All that’s left is an overnight bag and my laptop.
“I think so. Honestly, I didn’t have much when I moved in.”
“Look at you,” Dana says. “From a studio apartment to a penthouse. And now, to a big, beautiful home in Franklin. I can’t lie. I’m a little jealous.”
Angel nods. “Me, too. Now show us the house again.”
My best friends and I sit down on the carpet of my empty bedroom and scroll through my phone, looking at pictures of my dream house. It took nearly a month, but we finally closed on the house last week. The penthouse had sold quickly, thanks to Jackson’s lawyer who’d always wanted the place for himself. He’ll give the keys to Marcus tomorrow, and Ryder will say goodbye to the only home he’s ever known.
He doesn’t seem too sentimental, though. He’s too excited about the swimming pool.
After taking one last look around, I grab my overnight bag and laptop and follow the girls into the