“That doesn’t matter,” Aidan assured her. “We’d budgeted a sizable amount to launch the project, and this won’t come anywhere near that. Any money we have left over will go straight into the trust. This’ll be an incredible event, and it’s all because of your hard work.”
Jackie smiled. “Daniella and I don’t mind how much time it’s taken to get this far. The trust will make a huge difference in many people’s lives.”
Aidan frowned. “Like the Wilsons. I talked to David before he left with Andrea. Josh and Sandy are his cousins. Josh was driving his work vehicle when he hit a concrete truck. The impact of the accident crushed one side of the vehicle. Grace was in the back seat and almost didn’t survive.”
“That’s terrible. They must be under so much stress.”
Aidan nodded. “They’ve used all their savings to pay for their medical expenses.”
Jackie studied the worried expression on Aidan’s face. “How do you feel about what they said last night?”
“It brought back a lot of memories about my brother’s accident.” He sat back and sighed. “I dreamed about James last night. He was sitting with me in my living room in Manhattan, talking about losing his leg. He wasn’t upset or angry. I guess he’d accepted what had happened and had moved on with his life.”
Jackie tilted her head to the side. “He’s at peace.”
“I guess he is,” Aidan said slowly. “Do you think it’s unusual to talk to my dead brother?”
His question surprised her. “I think it’s wonderful. There’s so much about the world that we don’t understand, so anything’s possible. When we’re sleeping, our mind is relaxed and open. It would be nice to think that people who’ve gone to heaven can pop back and say hello.”
“Has the same thing ever happened to you?”
Jackie shook her head. “I wish it had, but no. Apart from Mrs. Green, Mom and I didn’t stay anywhere long enough to get that close to anyone. How did you feel about your dream when you woke up this morning?”
Aidan thought about her question. “Sad. James has been gone for nearly twenty years and I still miss him.”
“It’s because you love him. How you feel about a person doesn’t disappear just because you can’t see them. He’ll always be an important part of your life. I bet he keeps a careful eye on what you’re doing.”
A smile softened the grief on Aidan’s face. “Knowing James, that’s a definite possibility. Are you ready for a cup of coffee now?”
“More than ready. If you want something a little more decadent, I have a special blend of hot chocolate powder that’s amazing.”
Aidan held out his hand. “That sounds good to me.”
Jackie placed her hand in his and stood in front of him. “This reminds me of our impressive shuffle around the dance floor.”
Aidan chuckled. “And we didn’t step on each other’s toes once.” He looked into her eyes and his smile disappeared. “I had fun last night.”
“I did, too,” Jackie whispered. A warmth spread through her body, and she felt an overwhelming urge to kiss Aidan. So she did, soft and sweetly.
His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. The hot chocolate and gala preparations faded from her mind as she lost herself in the moment.
Her hands traced the muscles of Aidan’s back while his lips moved to her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
They broke apart, gasping for air, and Aidan rested his forehead against hers. “I’m not sure that was the wisest thing to do.”
“Neither do I,” Jackie admitted, her heart beating wildly in her chest. Aidan wasn’t staying in Montana, and rushing into a relationship wasn’t good for either of them.”You’ll be leaving Sapphire Bay soon.”
“Would you consider moving to New York?”
Jackie kissed his cheek and stepped out of his embrace. “This is my home. I’ve never felt like that about any of the cities I’ve lived in. New York City is too big, too much of everything I’ve never wanted in my life. Even if I could afford to move there, I wouldn’t.”
Aidan’s eyes filled with disappointment. “I thought you’d say that, but I had to ask.”
“We could still be friends. It’ll just be more difficult to see each other once you go home.”
With a gentleness that didn’t surprise her, Aidan held her hands. “Would that be enough?”
Jackie took a deep breath. “Probably not, but it’s a start. I don’t want to let go of what’s between us, but I can’t see any way we can make it work.”
