I pulled back and looked at him, confused.
"Now you know that I love you,” he said. “It's you, Penelope, and not because of a child we created."
What was a girl to do after hearing those words? I burst into tears and pressed myself against Jessop, not wanting to let go. He held me tightly and whispered sweet nothings into my ear. When I sniffled, he lifted me into his arms, and I wrapped my legs around him.
He carried me to an armchair and sat down, rocking me gently. "I love you, babe. We've got this, okay?"
"Aiden needs to be locked up before we can have anything. I can't spend my days looking over my shoulder because of that asshole."
"He won't be free for long. I promise you. We'll make sure he pays for everything he’s done.”
He squeezed my hand and said, "Talla sent some food. We should eat it while it's still warm."
Dodge read something on his phone at the end of the table while Rosie sat beside me. Talla sent us some excellent warm chicken sandwiches, which were exactly what I needed today. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm also relieved that Jessop knows the truth. It was as if a burden had been lifted from my chest. The man seems ecstatic about becoming a father. I still have a hard time accepting that I'm going to be a mom. But I was thrilled. I suppose I have Aiden to thank, as Jessop wouldn't have returned to my life if he hadn't fled and threatened to pursue me. Then again, maybe he would have.
I looked at Dodge once more and saw that he was frowning at his phone. Rosie watched him, too, and then shrugged when I caught her eye. "How's Rhodes doing?" Rhodes, Jessop's younger brother, played ice hockey with the Boston Bay Vikings and had a hectic schedule most of the year.
Rosie gave me a small smile as her face brightened. "This year, he's performing at his best. He doesn't really care about accumulating points. He simply enjoys being on the ice."
"I occasionally watch his games. It was a shocker when he got hit in the face with the puck," I said.
"Yes, that infuriated him. Three stitches. It could have been worse." She shrugged. "He's not happy with me being here." She spoke more softly. "This will be my final assignment. We hope to start a family within the next year or two." She edged closer. "Don't mention anything to his brothers.”
"My lips are sealed."
"What are you two gossiping about?" I hadn't realized that Dodge had focused all his attention our way. I think he heard that he was going to lose his partner, because he narrowed his eyes at Rosie.
Rosie grinned and cleared her throat. "I was telling her about the very hot Dover Hilton and how all the women throw themselves at him." She laughed. "Condoms were thrown onto the ice during the most recent home game I attended. The poor man was flushed with embarrassment. According to Rhodes, the guys teased him a lot. They gossip worse than women."
Dodge's gaze gradually tightened on Rosie during her outburst. I saw his ears turn red. "What's going on here?" I waved a finger between them.
After giving Rosie one last look, Dodge complained, "Nothing," and walked away from the table.
I furrowed my brow as Rosie shook her head. "He likes Dover. For him, age is a major concern." She shrugged. "Dover likes him, too."
I chuckled. "Dodge and Dover. Perfect."
"Levi is his first name," Rosie informed me.
“It's the same name as the investigator working on Aiden's case. Tallulah is friends with him.”
"I heard.” Rosie pushed the plate away after finishing her meal.
“Carlisle is jealous. It bothers me some because Talla and Riley have this strange connection. Talla doesn’t know why.” I shrugged. "Aiden escaped, and then Jessop whisked me away before Talla and I had a chance to talk about it."
"Aiden has caused a lot of problems. His freedom won't last long." She winked.
I squinted. "What do you know?"
"I know he's been seen. Two detectives and the sheriff are involved. Riley is clinging to Tallulah like glue."
I laughed. "How is Carlisle handling that?"
"From what I heard, Jessop told him to suck it up, considering how much his silence had hurt Talla," Rosie informed me. "Men, huh!"
Dodge cleared his throat.
Rosie smiled. "Present company is the exception."
