Such Great Heights - Sydney Logan Page 0,72
living room. It’s vacant, too, except for the piano. Eric, Angel’s boyfriend, sits next to Ryder on the bench as the two of them play some classical piece. It’s his last piano lesson in the penthouse, and the thought makes me sad. But then I remind myself that the piano—and the piano lessons—are coming with us, and the new house will be filled with beautiful music for years to come.
Just then, Jackson appears from the study. He walks over and gives me a kiss before heading over to the piano. Ryder smiles up at his father, and the sight of the two of them does crazy things to my heart.
“Have I thanked you?” Dana asks softly.
“For what?”
“For bringing my family back to life.”
I blink back my tears as she hugs me tight.
It’s nearly midnight by the time the piano is loaded and the penthouse is finally empty. Jackson tipped the movers well, hoping they’d agree to come early tomorrow to help us unpack at the new house.
When they saw the wad of cash in his hand, they eagerly agreed.
The four of us are headed to a hotel for the night. Hazel and Ryder are already there, sleeping peacefully. While Jackson finishes up with the movers, I decide to visit the balcony one last time. Truthfully, it was always my favorite thing about living here, with it’s beautiful view of the city.
As I gaze out at the Nashville skyline, I peer down at the sidewalk below, remembering how I felt the first time I stood up here. How did an unemployed college graduate find herself here . . . as a nanny in this penthouse apartment? I remember looking down at the people below, wondering what they must think of me. Would they think my life must be perfect, just because I live in a high-rise building with a doorman?
Maybe.
But what they couldn’t know is that, in this lovely penthouse with its panoramic view, I found everything I could ever want.
“I’ve always been afraid of heights.”
Jackson’s sweet voice washes over me, interrupting my mental musings. I sigh as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his chest.
“I didn’t know that.”
“I’m okay, as long as I don’t look down.”
“Then don’t. Look at the sky.”
His arms tighten around me as we gaze at the stars above.
“Aren’t you cold?”
“A little. I just wanted one last look.”
“It’s definitely a gorgeous view,” he says softly. “Will you miss it?”
“Maybe a little, but I guess I’ll just have to be content with my wraparound porch.”
“And the swimming pool. Can’t forget that.”
We laugh, and then Jackson slowly peers over the edge of the balcony.
“Don’t look down!”
With a chuckle, Jackson points to the sidewalk below us.
“Look at those people down there,” he says. “What do you think they would say about us?”
“You mean if they could actually see us?” I ask teasingly, and he nods. “I was just thinking about that, actually. I wonder if they would assume our lives were perfect. That we don’t have a care in the world?”
“Probably. Our lives aren’t perfect, though. Not yet, anyway.”
Releasing me, Jackson takes a step back and gazes at me with a look so full of love that it nearly makes me weep. Then he reaches into his pocket, and I gasp as he kneels before me.
“I love you, Olivia. You are the love of my life and the mother of my son. I could never thank you for everything you’ve done for my family—for our family—but I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to show you just how much you mean to us. And look, I have a ring this time.”
I laugh through my tears as he takes my hand and slips the ring on my finger.
“Thank God it fits,” he says, laughing softly. “This was my great-grandmother’s ring. She gave it to my mother, and my mother gave it to me . . . but not until I met you. Mothers really do know best. This ring was only meant for one person . . . and that’s you. Will you marry me?”
My heart races as I gaze at the beautiful princess-cut diamond surrounded by a white-gold band.
I can’t speak. All I can do is nod. But then I realize I’ve waited all my life for this. And Jackson deserves to hear the word.
“Yes.”
He lifts me in his arms, kissing me frantically, until we’re both breathless.
“Now I know,” he says, pressing his forehead against mine.
“Know what?”
“If those people down below could