Page 47 of Healing Hope

Tears rolled down Jess’s cheeks as she hugged Hope. “I thank you for that, Pigpen.”

For a moment Hope’s face lifted in laughter, then it fell again.

She fell asleep in Jess’s arms. Paul took Sophie out to go potty before joining Jess in tucking Hope in. “I’m going to miss this,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Taking her hand, he tugged her out of the room and to his own bedroom. There, he closed the door and turned to her. “I don’t understand why you’re being so hard-headed about this. We’re not asking you to change completely, but we are hoping that you’ll bend a little. I understand you don’t want kids of your own, but is Hope such a bad kid? Or am I the bad bet?”

Jess grimaced, shaking her head. “It’s neither of those. You’re both amazing.”

Paul held out his hands. “Then, what’s the issue? If you need to hear the words, I’ll tell you. I love the fuck out of you, Jessamy Swan. For so many reasons, not the least of which the love you show my daughter. I think I fell for you as soon as you walked in the door and pointed out the dog shit.”

She choked out a laugh. “I’m sorry about that.”

“I’m not. You’ve taught me so much about dealing with my daughter. I appreciate that more than I can say.”

“She’s a good kid. It’s not that hard.”

“Thank you,” Paul said, taking one of her hands. “I know you value your independence and the ability to wander the world, but you need to have a home base, too. I’m not going to demand that you stay home. If you do come back, we’ll keep Mrs. Brown on so that you have time to do what you want.”

“You make me sound spoiled,” Jess said with a frown. “I’ve raised more than my fair share of kids. And it’s not fair to bring them into the world or love them if you’re not going to be there for them. I love my dad, but he had kids for Mom, not because he wanted them.”

“I agree,” Paul said quickly. “But you do realize you’ve created the exact situation you’re describing here?”

Jess opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. He could see the wheels in her brain turning as she realized she was putting Hope in the same position she railed against. Her big, beautiful, sea glass green eyes filled with fresh tears. “You’re confusing me.”

Paul wrapped his arms around her, pressing kisses down her temple. “I don’t mean to. I just want you to see clearly. And I want you to see that we love you for who you are, and any time you come back, we’ll be here.”

Jess nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest.

“What time is your flight?”

“Ten a.m.,” she murmured.

He sighed into her hair. “We’d better get busy, then. We have a lot of loving to do.”

Incredibly, she laughed.

* * *

Paul madelove to her several times that night. He seemed determined to imprint upon her what she would lose when she walked away. And Jess was okay with him trying.

She lost track of the orgasms and even the positions, but she remembered every time he told her he loved her. And in the predawn morning, when she finally returned an, “I love you, too’, he had already slipped into sleep. Beyond sated, she let herself fall into sleep.

Paul, Hope and Sophie stood at the front of the Jeep as she loaded her bags. Jess was doing her best not to cry as Hope wept. Her face was red and splotchy, and Jess worried that she would have a headache. She told her as much, but Hope just shook her head.

Then it was time to go. She’d procrastinated as long as she could. As it was, she was going to have to rush to get to the airport, and her flight.

Hope looked up at her as she came to kneel before her. “Will you call me, or text me on Dad’s phone?”

“I will,” Jess promised. “You take care of Sophie. Have your dad make an appointment for her hair cut before she starts looking like a mop.”

Hope smiled, but didn’t laugh. “I love you, Ms. Jess.”

“I love you too, baby.”

Then Paul was there, big and handsome. Jess ran her fingers down his beard and leaned up to kiss him. She was going to miss this man terribly… Her throat was tight, and she had to fight to keep the tears back. “You take care of her and fight for her, no matter what.”

“You know I will. I love you, Jess.”