Page 117

Jamie smiled down at her plate and then caught herself. Suprise washed through her as she took in the specifics of Siena’s words.

WHEN that happens. Not if.

Her smile widened and she had to bite back a small giggle that wanted to make its way out of her mouth. It wasn’t from freaking out, there wasn’t even the hint of panic in her. It was from the joy of knowing that Siena saw their future together. This incredible woman wanted her and loved her without strings or conditions.

“What happens at a wedding?” Harley’s eyes were wide with curiosity as she pulled Jamie back to the table.

“There’s kissing,” Jamie jumped in, unable to hold her tongue any longer. Siena’s glare was enough of a response to get her to bite her tongue on any more though.

“Yes, there’s kissing.” Siena sighed. “It depends on the wedding. Mama and Miranda eloped, so it’s just them and one other person. Very small. They say a few words to each other, usually about love and how they’re wanting to stay together for the rest of their lives, and then that’s it.”

“What about you and Mama? What was your wedding like?”

“We don’t have to talk about that now, Harley.” Siena slid Jamie a glance, clearly checking to see if this conversation was okay for them to have and trying to protect Jamie from anything uncomfortable.

“I mean, I’m curious too. Don’t you have a photo album or something?”

Siena winced. “No.”

“Oh, now that’s a lie!” Jamie pointed at her.

Harley jumped up from the table. “I know where it is!” She raced out of the dining room.

“Harley Quinn Frazee! You get back in here!”

“In a minute,Mom!”

“Oh that attitude!” Siena laughed. “I guess we’re doing this.”

“We’re definitely doing this.” Jamie was going to find out every damn thing she could about this woman and her family. She wanted to know everything, and she wanted to be a part of whatever was to come next.

thirty-seven

One Year Later…

“Well, now, this all feels a little bit odd if I’m going to be honest.” Jessie smiled as Siena stepped into the classroom and walked across to where Jessie sat at her desk.

With her hands on the back of the chair opposite Jessie, Siena looked around again at the colors and the artwork that surrounded them.

“Considering Harley’s no longer in your class, I suppose so.” Siena smiled and finally took her seat in the chair.

Harley was growing up so fast. Siena couldn’t quite believe how big her baby was getting. Time kept flying past, and she hated imagining how soon Harley would be in the world keeping her mothers awake with worry.

“Yeah, but also you’re Jamie’s partner.” Jessie chuckled softly. “Which is just another thing that’s truly odd. Being able to say that.”

“True.” Siena chuckled. “But I didn’t want to risk Jamie overhearing.”

“Overhearing what?” Jessie asked.

“Well.” Siena took a deep breath and forced herself to sit a little straighter in the uncomfortable chair. “I know you and Jamie cut off your parents several years ago.”

Jessie confirmed with a nod when Siena paused and looked pointedly at her.

“Well, I know it’s not as though I need to ask permission or anything, but…” Why the hell was she babbling? She wasn’t a babbler. Perhaps spending so much time with Jamie had rubbed off on her as much as Siena seemed to have influenced Jamie.

“Oh my God!” Jessie squealed and jumped up from her chair. She raced around her desk and wrapped her arms around Siena.

The entire reaction to words Siena hadn’t quite managed to say yet stunned her into stillness for a moment before laughter escaped through her mouth.