Page 48 of Healing Hope
Then he kissed her again, and she knew it was the last time. Turning, she walked to her Jeep. She couldn’t resist a last glance as she pulled away. They were holding each other, the tiny little family.
What the hell was she doing driving away…
Epilogue
Epilogue
The symphony was amazing. The theater audience was packed to the rafters, and gave them ovation after ovation. It was so wonderful to see the pride in Jordan’s beaming expression down on that little stage.
Jess shifted on her feet, the heels too high for her liking as she continued to clap. She preferred beach wear and sandals, but occasionally the need arose to dress up. This was one of those times. She wore a pale green silk layered dress that had cost way too much. To accommodate the expensive dress, she’d hired people to come to the hotel and do her makeup. She didn’t care. It was for a good cause.
“Wasn’t he amazing?” her mother breathed beside her.
“He was,” Jess agreed.
The crowd began to disburse, but they had an invitation to the after party, so they decided to wait in their seats until they could navigate through the throngs of excited people.
It had been a pleasant surprise seeing her mother. She and Dad were stationed in Alaska right now, so Jess knew it had been a trek to get here. They’d hugged and made small talk while they waited for the symphony to start, but her mother had been giving her looks. Those probing looks that moms had.
“So, what’s got you in the dumps so bad?” she said finally, as the theater emptied.
Jess sighed. She’d known it had only been a matter of time. “I met a little girl, and a man…”
“Ah…” her mother said, smiling. “That explains a lot. So, tell me about this little girl and man. Her father, I assume?”
“Yes. Carolina brought me in last minute because of staffing issues. This little girl barely talked when I met her. She’d been in the car crash that killed her mother a few months ago.”
“Oh, no,” her mother breathed, hand going to her chest. “Is she okay?”
“Yes. Physically, anyway. Emotionally, she still has some issues. She’s getting counseling, of course, and I should have known not to go into the situation and not expect attachment issues. Her father has custody of her now, and he’s doing an incredible job with her, but it’s been an adjustment.”
“Okay,” her mother said hesitantly. “So, did the daughter develop attachment to you? Or is it the other way around?”
Jess barked out a laugh that crumpled into a sob she choked back. “Funny you should say that. I love you guys, but you know I never planned to settle down with a family. I never felt like I wanted to be relied upon again like that. For so many years I watched the family, and I didn’t want to have to do it again.”
“Which is why I never understood why you kept taking these jobs for Carolina,” her mother huffed. “You’re doing exactly the same thing. And not getting paid for the trouble.”
Jess sighed at the familiar argument. “I don’t need the money, Mom. You know that. Carolina always manages to find a use for the donation.”
Her mother shook her head. “Still, you’re doing what you don’t want to do, care for a family.”
“Yes,” Jess argued, “but there’s a finite end date to these jobs. That’s why I can take them.”
“But this time is different,” her mother guessed.
“Yes,” she sighed.
Jess told her everything about the situation, and everything about Paul. “He’s the first man that has made me think about settling down.”
Her mother smiled, and ran a finger down her cheek. “I knew there would come a time when you would have to reevaluate your stance. Do you love him?”
“I do,” she breathed.
“Then what’s the problem? Obviously you love this little girl, Hope. Obviously you love this man. I can tell you even like the dog.”
Jess couldn’t help but smile when she thought of badass little Sophie. “Yes.”
“And most of the raising is done. She’s potty trained, right?”