“It’s August. He’s not going for another few months,” I replied.
“Three weeks actually.” Jasper appeared behind us.
“Three weeks, what?” Callum asked.
“I’m leaving in three weeks. I found out last week, which is why we’re doing this tonight. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Ma after her losing Thomas and everything.”
“Jasper,” I sighed.
He held his hands up. “I know, I know. I’ll tell her tonight.”
Just then, Helen stepped up on the stage at the far side of the room, lit up like a movie star under the spotlight, confidence oozing from her. God, I loved this woman so much and it broke my heart that I’d never be enough for her.
“Can I have your attention?” she said into a microphone, making the room fall quiet. “Thank you. And I apologise in advance for my overly emotional ramblings. We’re all here for one reason; because we love Jasper. He was an unexpected blessing in my life.”
“A mistake, you mean,” Conner yelled, and Jas flipped his middle finger in reply.
“As I was saying…” Helen glared in Conner’s direction, even though she wouldn’t have been able to see him in the darkness of the room. “Jasper, we’re here because we love you and we want to wish you good luck on your adventure. I know you know this… well, I hope you do and if you don’t, I’ve done a shitty job as your mum, but I am so proud of you. I remember when I brought you home from the hospital. I was nineteen, terrified and clueless. I like to think we grew up together. I grew into a mum and you grew into an amazing young man. We spent so many nights where you’d refuse to sleep and I’d pace up and down, whispering stories in your ears about adventures on the sea and magical creatures that lived beneath the waves and now you’re off on your own adventure where you get to look at the mating habits of not so magical creatures.”
A ripple of laughter spread around the room, and Helen paused before continuing, “I hope you know that no matter where you go or how long you go for, you will always have a home here. We will always love you.” She wiped a tear from her cheek. “And no matter where you go, I will come and visit.” She raised her glass. “It’s time to spread your wings, baby boy. To Jasper.”
“To Jasper,” the room repeated, everyone turning his way and raising their glasses.
“Bloody woman made me cry,” he hissed while wiping his hands over his eyes before striding to the stage to help her down and hug her. They talked for a few minutes and I chatted withsome of the crew from work while keeping my eyes locked on Helen, because I guessed Jasper was telling her about his earlier leaving date.
I watched her press him into a hug and offer him one of her radiant smiles before she left him and walked to the bar. I made my excuses and followed her over there.
“I’m just going to say bye to Vee, Becks, and Lizzy and I’m going to head home. I think it’s about to get messy, and I don’t think Jasper wants his mum to witness it.”
“Can I come with you?”
“Course you can, but I don’t think I’m the best company. He’s leaving earlier. In a couple of weeks.”
“Come on, I’ll run you a bath and rub your feet.”
Her eyes fluttered closed, as if that was all she wanted. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
Chapter 30
Jax
We walked home in silence, hand in hand, Helen looking lost in thought.
“Sorry,” she said as we stepped into the house. “I’m emotionally exhausted.”
“Tonight was a lot. He’s your son. You’re bound to be emotional.” I hugged her, feeling her body sag into mine, as if her overwhelm was dissolving. “You want me to run you a bath?”
Helen shook her head against my chest. “No, can we go to bed? I promise I won’t touch you, but I want you to touch me… if you want.”
I kissed the top of her head. “I want.”
Upstairs, I flicked on a single lamp in Helen’s room so the light was low as she undid her belt, letting it fall to the side. She then pulled her dress up over her head, discarding that as well.
“And the rest,” I instructed, and Helen took her underwear and shoes off too.
“I get how hard it must be for you,” I told her as I skimmed my fingers along her collarbone and down her arm. “I’d go mad if you told me I couldn’t touch a part of you. If I couldn’t sink myfingers into your pussy or suck on your clit.” My fingers circled her nipple as Helen groaned.
