“My grandson is smart, and trust me, he knows.”
Alarm bells ring in my ears. “Has he said something?”
“No. But the boy has eyes. Everyone can see the love and longing between you. Talk to Arlo, and then get your girl, Andrew.”
* * *
I’m still mulling over Mom’s words an hour later as we explore the Ford home with Vera and Arlo. The couple I’ve been paying to maintain the place greeted us when we arrived, making a fuss over Arlo and Vera and helping to settle any nerves. Athena and I are holding back, letting Arlo and his aunt lead the way.
“Is this hard for you?” Athena asks as we trail Arlo and Vera upstairs.
“It’s a little nostalgic, but I’ve been here before. I oversaw the renovations, and I pop in from time to time to ensure all is good.”
“You’re such a good man, Andrew Manning.” She clings to my arm and snuggles into my side.
My arm goes around her shoulders as we walk up the sweeping staircase. “I’m trying.”
Athena stops on the steps and beams at me.
“What?”
“You didn’t refute it.” Tears fill her eyes. “I’m proud of you, you know?” She presses her body up against me. “You’ve been going through hell since December, opening old wounds and dealing with your demons, but you’ve never faltered, and you’ve been so strong for me and Arlo. I love seeing you find all the true parts of yourself, Drew, and I fall more in love with you every day.”
I want to kiss her so freaking bad. Our mouths are inching toward one another without even realizing it.
“Are you coming or what?” Arlo shouts, and we spring away from one another like we’ve been electrocuted.
A cheeky grin lifts his mouth as he stares at us from the top of the stairs. “Get up here already.”
“I worried this would be too emotional for him, but his joy is obvious,” Athena says as we hurry up the stairs.
“I’m sorry I didn’t suggest he come here sooner. I think it’s helping to see all of this. To help make Jane more real in his mind.”
“You’ve talked to him about her. So has Abby. He’s seen the photo albums. I think he needed to be at this point to see this and feel joy not anger or sadness.”
Thena and I have talked extensively about Jane. I wanted to know all about her pregnancy and the months I missed out on. Knowing Jane thrived during pregnancy and she was excited and happy helps. She had plans to find me once things blew over, and that helped too.
I would never have forced Athena to share her stories if she wasn’t comfortable talking about my ex. But she’s confident of my feelings for her and not threatened by a ghost. She has specifically told me to talk freely about Jane and not to worry about upsetting her because she’s assured of her place in both our lives.
“You’re probably right,” I admit, breaking free of the thoughts in my head.
“I know. I usually am.”
I bark out a laugh before pressing my mouth to her ear. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
“That’s all?” She shoots me a saucy wink, and just like that, I’m hard.
“Not funny, sweetheart.” I adjust myself in my pants, glad the other two have already gone into Jane’s room.
“I think we should talk to him about us when we return to Cali.”
“Mom said the same to me at the graveyard.”
“The voice of wisdom has spoken, so it’s settled.” Mom and Athena get on like a house on fire, and I love how close they’ve become. Mom mothers Athena without suffocating her, offering maternal support that’s been lacking in Athena’s life since her mom was brutally murdered by her father.
“You’ve got to see this.” Arlo snags my elbow and pulls me into Jane’s room. I left it exactly as it was, figuring Vera could decide if she wanted to redecorate this room in time. It’s had a fresh coat of paint, but otherwise, everything is as Jane left it.
It’s like stepping into a time warp.
