He brought laughter back to me and my kids.
“I hate romance novels.”
He taught me that magic, just might be real.
“And I love you, too.”
CHAPTERFIFTY
POLLY
The day when love is stronger than fear is the day we’ll begin to discover our true power.
April White,Marking Time, The Immortal Descendants
Ifell asleep holding Jace’s hand in our makeshift tent next to my children.
We didn’t sneak upstairs and make passionate love after saying we loved each other for the first time. We didn’t post about it on social media. We simply kissed, my heart and body trembling, my soul light.
In the middle of the night, Ryla tapped me awake to use the bathroom, which woke up Max, so Jace and I, giving each other contented, happy looks, helped the kids up to bed. Ryla was wired, requiring back rubs and singing to fall back asleep.
The hallway was empty when I left her room a half hour later, but saw there was a small light on in my room. Going to the doorway, I saw that Jace was sleeping on top of the covers on my bed, a small lamp on.
There was a note on my e-reader.
I didn’t open this.
I thought we could open it together, tomorrow.
Turning off the light, I grabbed a fleece blanket to put over us and burrowed into Jace’s side, not waking until morning.
* * *
When I opened my eyes the next morning and registered that it was Sunday, I wasn’t immediately filled with the normal dread of seeing my father. I was high on love, and I wasn’t going to let anything bring me down today, which included, my father.
I wore a flowery midi dress with spaghetti straps and yellow wedges. I knew my father wouldn’t approve of the colorful pattern or neckline. But I felt beautiful in it. That was enough.
“I’ll call you after brunch when I’m on my way to your parents’ house. What time are you getting there?” I asked Jace as I walked into the kitchen. He was coloring with the kids at the kitchen table. While driving to our hiking spot yesterday, Jace’s parents had called to invite us all over for brunch this morning. At that point, since we had already discussed telling them about us anyway, we thought we’d take them up on their offer.
“Around eleven-thirty. And you’re sure?” Jace asked, pausing his crayon masterpiece of a rainbow-colored kraken.
“Anything is better than having brunch with my father. Besides, you already told them I’m coming. No backing out now.”
I kissed my two little loves, then paused next to Jace. Deciding to hell with it, I leaned in close and brushed a very quick kiss over his lips prompting kissing noises from Ryla behind us.
“I’ll see you soon,” Jace whispered, eyes soft and adoring. It’d be nauseating if I didn’t find it so goddamn sexy.
When I arrived at the club a half hour later, my father predictably frowned as he half stood when he saw me approaching the table.
“Polly.” He nodded, sitting back down.
“Sir,” I responded, then picked up my menu. I was thinking about ordering the twice-baked French toast again, but this time with a side of bacon, when I heard my father clear his throat.
“Polly, we need to speak about a serious matter.”
“Ok,” I answered plainly, though I was wary. This wasn’t his typical pattern. He’d usually attempt small talk then spring things on me when I was swallowing. Perhaps this was preferable as it carried a significantly smaller risk of choking to death.
“A member of the community has come forward to describe some unprofessional behavior you’ve displayed as well as some indelicate comments you’ve made, in public, about the school system. I have been advised, in no uncertain terms, that should your behavior continue, any funding to my campaign from this source will immediately cease. I have assured this person, with absolute certainty, that your behavior and opinions will be nothing but appropriate and professional from now on. After all, that is how you were raised.”
