Page 60 of SEAL's Doorstep Baby
“Sure thing. Just bring the little darling’s things over on your way out, okay?”
“Right. I’ll be back soon.”
“Jakey, is everything alright? I can see that you are in a bit of a hurry, and I just want to make sure everything is okay.”
“I have to get to Allison before she leaves for good. I don’t know how exactly I’ll be able to convince her to stay, but I amgoing to do my very best. That’s why I need you to watch over Maddie for me now.”
“Well, hand her right over,” she demands with both hands outstretched. I thank her before hurrying back inside to get everything she might need.
I’m not planning on being away for more than a couple of hours, but it doesn’t hurt to have more than you absolutely need. After all, it’s better to have too much than to need something and not have it. I quickly gather everything I need into a carry bag and hurry back.
“Here’s everything you need, Sherry. Thanks again, especially for doing this with no notice.”
“I already told you I don’t mind. Just take care of what you need to take care of, and I’ll see you when you get back,” she assures me. “And Jakey…go get your girl.” She cheers me on, and I pump a fist in the air in response while I make the dash across the lawn and driveway to my truck.
“Go get your girl, Jakey!” She yells after me as I drive by her.
You heard the woman, Jakey…go get your girl!
Chapter twenty-two
ALLISON
As soon as I agree to the two-month tour, all I can think about is how much I’m going to miss Maddie.
I’ve been too afraid to call Jacob and tell him my decision. Afraid that he’ll tell me to get lost, that I can’t say goodbye to Maddie, that I shouldn’t bother coming back—
Afraid that I’ll break down and beg him to kiss me.
Afraid that I’ll say something awful, and he’ll say something mean, and we’ll be broken forever.
I busy myself with planning and packing. Most of my things are still at Jake’s, but I’d have to call him to get them, or risk running into him if I stop by unannounced. So, I’ve pretty much given up on retrieving them until I get back from New York.
But I know I’ll have to see him soon. I won’t leave without saying goodbye to Maddie—without letting her know how much I love her.
And I won’t leave without telling Jacob that he has two months—just two months—to get used to this new arrangement, to getNaomi, his likely new girlfriend, used to it. After that, I’ll be back in Maddie’s life, even if Jacob doesn’t want me.
But then fate intervenes.
I am just rounding the corner when I bump into him, and although I am completely shocked at his appearance, I decide not to let any of my shock show. I can’t imagine any plausible reason why he’s here.
Maybe he’s here to say he loves you, a part of me whispers with hope, but I crush it, pushing it deep down.
That will only be happening in my dreams, I remind myself.
“Allie!” He pants as he comes to a stop in front of me. “I thought I was too late and I wouldn’t see you. I was so scared you had already left.”
He hands me a bouquet of flowers and I take them without saying a word. He shuffles from one foot to the other, looking slightly uncomfortable as I take a good look at the bouquet he’s handed me. I had recognized the orchid at first glance, and now, as I bring the bouquet closer, I see it’s made up of bee orchids and another flower that requires a closer look before I can properly identify it.
Lobularia maritima, or as it's more commonly known, Sweet Alyssum. But honestly, I like to think of them as Sweet Allison.
The fact that he had found these exact flowers meant that he had gotten some help, but I can’t begrudge him that. The effort is… almost touching.
But I hold myself carefully. A kind gesture doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a romantic one.
“Hello, Jacob.” Just saying his name aloud sends tingles down my spine. “What are you doing here?”
Jacob steps closer. His stormy blue eyes burn into mine. When he reaches out to touch my hand, I inhale sharply.
