“Edward will be attending his current school. The thing is, there’s more to an education than book smarts. Edward needs to learn integrity. To grow in the guidance and steadfast love of his own mother. Here, he’s gonna learn about science right in his back yard, and more than that, he’s going to learn that family isn’t only who you are bound to by blood, it’s the people you choose to surround yourself with. There is nothing stronger than a community, and ours has it tenfold.”
“His education is none of your concern.”
“Well, the thing is, it is. Rosalie is family, and family takes care of each other. Edward is intelligent and thriving. That’s because he has the love of his mother. I know that, because that’s how I was raised. This woman would do anything for him, and I’d do anything for her. Do you understand?”
“I only suggested she consider a higher education. That child is gifted. He could do amazing things with the right support.”
Now it’s only a suggestion. The change in Beckett’s word choice sends a wave of relief through my body.
“You’re right about that.” Jackson smiles at me. “And I can assure you that your nephew has all the support he needs here.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
“And Beckett? One more thing before I let you go.”
“Yes.”
“If you ever try to use manipulation and fear to intimidate Rosalie again, you and I will have a problem. She’s a wonderful mother, and you should count Edward the luckiest child in the world. There are no issues with her competence; you and I both know that. So, be a fucking man and treat her with more respect the next time you call.”
The line is silent. I am, too. I cannot believe Jackson said all of that.
“Now, if there’s nothing else, I’ll let you get back to your evening.”
“That quite covers it.”
I can’t believe it, but Beckett almost sounds nervous. Or maybe intimidated. I didn’t think it was possible.
“Y’all have a good night, then.” Jackson ends the call and drops my phone onto the bed. His gaze hasn’t left mine the entire call, but it’s only now that his face shows a tenderness that’s only for me. “Was that okay?”
I nod. I can’t quite find the words to express how I feel. No one has ever stood up for me, or for my child, in this way. I’ve always felt alone in dealing with Beckett. Now, I’m not.
“You sure? I didn’t want to overstep”—Jackson runs his hands up my arms, checking my expression with concern—“But that man needed to be told.”
Jackson Wilder is one of the most attractive men I’ve ever seen in real life; that’s never been debatable. But right now, I’ve never found him more appealing.
“I love you.” The words burst from my mouth, the truth behind them so powerful I couldn’t hold them back even if I tried.
“Oh, Rosalie.” He wraps me in his arms, pulling me into his strong embrace. “I love you, too.”
Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe things won’t always feel so easy between us. But I know with complete certainty that no one will ever love me the way this man does. Right here, in his steady arms, I’ve finally found my forever home.
EPILOGUE
JACKSON
SIX MONTHS LATER
It’s a crisp Wednesday morning,mid-March, and the sun is breaking over the horizon, casting glittering rays across the lake. It’s Edward’s spring break, and while Rosalie has to work, I took the day off to spend with my favorite kid.
“I got it!”
Edward beams, showing me the end of his line. He baited the hook himself, something he couldn’t even stomach last summer. I assess his work and clasp him on the shoulder.
“Good job.”
“I wasn’t even scared at all.”
I bite back the urge to laugh. I’m sure he was, or he wouldn’t have mentioned it.
