Page 78

‘They’re fine.’

‘Does that hurt?’ He gently took her fingers in his.

‘No.’ She looked up at him with such honesty and passion that his breath caught in his throat. ‘Nothing hurts when you touch me.’

Heck, he could understand that; she managed to drive almost all rational thoughts from his mind. He stared down at her, suddenly incredibly aware of the blood pulsing through him, still fuelled by adrenaline. She met his eyes, and he couldn’t stop himself from dragging her into his arms and plundering her lips with a deep and hungry kiss. She responded eagerly, moulding herself against him as she twisted her hands through his hair.

‘You know, Summer will be happy hanging out with my mum. We probably won’t be missed for some time.’

That was more than fine by him. After seeing that jerk with his hands all over Evelyn, he was left with the primal urge to claim her as his, and leave his mark on her. The urge surprised him. He’d always considered himself to be an evolved and modern man, but then again he’d never been so passionate about anyone that he was – quite literally – willing to fight for them. If Evelyn hadn’t handled things herself, he was pretty sure he’d have flattened the idiot to keep her and Summer safe from harm.

Hours later, Summer had exhausted herself playing every stall in the fete, ice skating, and jumping around in the snow globe and on every bouncy castle she could find. With everything she’d eaten, it was amazing that she hadn’t been sick. She sat on the picnic rug, with a blanket draped around her shoulders, watching as the sun went down and the lights around the park flickered on.

‘Look …’ Evelyn stroked Summer’s hair. ‘Isn’t it pretty?’

‘Like where fairies live.’ Summer sighed happily and leaned up against Jake. ‘Can I have a hug?’

‘Always, princess.’ Jake shifted so she could lean up against him, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Evelyn watched as Summer got comfortable against Jake, and felt that pang of sadness that they’d be separated so soon. Jake couldn’t abandon his business for the many months that they’d be gone, and knowing how hard he’d worked to build it – Evelyn wasn’t willing to ask him to put it all at risk. The knowledge was a dark cloud over her, but she tried to remember her promise to herself and tried to focus on the moment instead of worrying about what the future would bring, or the unfairness of the situation. She was in a far better position than a lot of people, and was incredibly fortunate that so many people had done so much to help her and her daughter.

‘Mum, are you going to cuddle with us?’

There was no way she could refuse Summer’s plea, so she moved to sit beside them, stretching her legs out until they rested against Jake’s, with Summer wedged comfortably between them as they watched Santa and his elves climb onto the stage and read Christmas stories, tell silly jokes, and sing carols and festive favourites.

By the time the show was over, Summer had fallen asleep against Jake’s shoulder.

‘I hate to wake her.’ Evelyn sighed sadly. ‘She needs all the rest she can get.’

‘So don’t wake her.’ Jake shrugged the shoulder Summer wasn’t asleep on. ‘I’ll carry her.’

‘I can’t ask you to do that.’

‘I offered,’ he murmured. ‘And I can’t ask you to wake her when she’s such a little thing.’ Without waiting for an answer, he moved carefully to twist slightly and slip his arms around Summer. She muttered and stirred when he lifted her, but settled again once he was standing, seemingly happy in his arms. It was a sentiment Evelyn could agree with.

They walked home slowly, Jake being careful not to jostle his precious armful, while they talked softly. After she opened the door, Evelyn reached out to take Summer, but Jake just smiled at her. ‘I think she’s pretty comfortable, and it’s been a long day for you too. I don’t mind taking her up, if you’re OK with it.’

Evelyn smiled at his thoughtfulness. ‘Of course I’m OK with it.’ She led him up the stairs, held open the door to Summer’s room, and pulled down the covers. She watched as Jake slowly, carefully put Summer on the bed. She stirred and complained slightly, but settled almost immediately when Jake rested his hand on her shoulder and hushed her softly. ‘Goodnight, princess,’ he whispered as he left the room.

Evelyn worked quickly, peeling off Summer’s dress and sliding off her shoes with well-practised ease before pulling on her nightdress and tucking the covers loosely around her. When she was done she tiptoed downstairs to join Jake.

‘Thank you.’ She fought to stifle a yawn. ‘For today, for helping me bring Summer home. For everything.’

He leaned towards her, and she felt her pulse quicken, as it so often did around him. ‘You’re welcome.’ He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. ‘For today, for carrying Summer, and for everything.’ He laughed as she fought to stifle another yawn. ‘I would wrangle an invitation to stay …’

‘You don’t need to wrangle anything. You’re always welcome.’ Evelyn yawned again.

‘And you’re practically asleep on your feet. So I’m going to bid you goodnight, and see you tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow,’ Evelyn agreed.

Jake stuffed his hands into his pockets as he walked up the street. His mind was a confused jumble of contradicting thoughts. He had thought he’d made his peace with the idea of Summer and Evelyn leaving in the not-so-distant future, and being away for goodness only knew how long. But when he’d held Summer against him and she’d snuggled against his neck, trusting him to keep her safe, his heart had twinged painfully.

He’d done his best to keep his feelings buried deeply, so that Evelyn wouldn’t run scared again. He was in trouble; when he’d seen Charlie grab Evelyn, he’d wanted to beat the jerk into a bloody pulp for what Evelyn and Summer had suffered at his hands. When he’d carried Summer home, and she’d cuddled tiredly against him, his heart had all but melted. They filled his every waking thought, and half of his sleeping ones, and the thought of them leaving made him feel physically ill – even though he was well aware it was the only way Summer could get better. But he didn’t think he wanted to be with Evelyn for a couple of weeks – or even months. He wanted forever. With both of them. And that terrified him. He’d never wanted anything or anyone forever. Even his vet surgery was something he planned to retire from one day.

He didn’t know what to think, or do, but he did know there was only one person he could turn to. He pulled out his phone, and hit the speed dial.

Nick answered on the third ring. ‘Wasssssssup?’