Page 33 of Curious Hearts (The Healing Hearts #2)
When she returned downstairs, the table was set with Vivian’s mismatched vintage dishes. Ali had found candles from somewhere and arranged them in the center of the table, their soft light lending the perfect warmth to the room.
“This looks beautiful,” Jessica said, the blue box suddenly heavy in her hand.
Ali turned, her expression still guarded but softening at the sight of Jessica standing in the doorway. “Just a little ambiance. What’s that?”
Jessica hesitated, then held out the box. “I got you something. A thank you, for everything you’ve done with the cats. With me.”
Ali’s eyes widened, surprise and pleasure mingling in her expression as she accepted the gift. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to.”
Ali opened the box carefully, her breath catching as she revealed the charm bracelet nestled inside. She lifted it gently, letting the charms catch the light as she examined each one with a growing smile.
“Jessica,” she breathed, fingers tracing the tiny silver cat figures. “This is... they’re all here. Every one of them.” She held up the Mr. Darcy charm, laughing softly at its haughty stance. “This is incredible.”
“Do you like it?” Jessica asked, suddenly uncertain.
“Like it? I love it. It’s the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me.” Ali looked up, her eyes shining with emotion, the earlier tension momentarily forgotten. “Will you help me put it on?”
Jessica took the bracelet, her hands steady despite the turmoil in her mind, and clasped it around Ali’s wrist. Her fingers lingered on Ali’s pulse point, feeling the quick rhythm of her heartbeat.
Ali turned her wrist, admiring how the charms caught the light, then noticed the heart-shaped tag with its inscription. Her expression softened as she read the words: “To Ali - Who helped me find home in the most unexpected place. With love, J”
“With love,” Ali repeated softly, looking up to meet Jessica’s gaze.
The moment hung between them, weighted with everything unsaid. Jessica felt the words rising in her throat—both the declaration of love and the revelation of the London offer—but before she could speak, the oven timer chimed, and her momentary courage dissolved.
“The tart,” Jessica said, reluctantly pulling away to rescue their dinner.
She served the tart and popped the soufflés into the oven, adjusting the temperature, and they moved to the dining room to eat. Ali chatted through her day while they ate, her passion infectious, and Jessica wondered if she had ever sounded that connected to her work.
The chocolate soufflé rose perfectly, a minor miracle after her previous failures.
“I can’t believe you made this,” Ali said, tasting the soufflé, wide-eyed in appreciation. “It’s incredible.”
“My grandmother’s recipe,” Jessica admitted. “I’ve been practicing all week. It’s taken four attempts to get it right.”
“Well, it was worth the effort. And thank you for this,” Ali added, the bracelet catching the candlelight as she moved. “It means more than I can say.”
After dinner, they sat on the sofa and talked more about the all-important presentation to the board.
Jessica listened, genuinely impressed by Ali.
This woman had rebuilt her life and reinvented herself after profound setbacks.
Every day, in everything she applied herself to, Ali made a real and tangible difference in people’s lives—people who didn’t have the advantages and privileges that Jessica’s own clients enjoyed.
“The thing is,” Ali said, her expression growing more serious, “this grant isn’t just about expanding the program anymore.
Without Vivian’s donation, we’re facing a significant shortfall.
If we don’t get this funding...” She trailed off, taking a sip of wine before continuing.
“The foundation is everything to me, Jessica. I built it from nothing after my breakdown. It’s not just work—it’s how I rebuilt myself. ”
Even now as Ali was opening up to her, sharing her fears, Jessica sat listening, lying by omission about how unremarkable her day had been…
and worse, as Ali explained her biggest fears, all Jessica could do was think about how this would complicate her decision.
How could she even consider leaving when Ali was facing such a critical moment?
“You’ll get the grant,” Jessica said with more confidence than she felt. “The work you’re doing is too important to ignore.”
Ali set down her wine glass, turning to face Jessica more directly.
“Something’s still bothering you. I know you talked to Vikram about it, and I understand if you’re not ready to share it with me.
” Jessica swallowed as Ali took her hands in her own.
“Whatever it is, I’m here to listen, to support you in whatever way you need—when you’re ready. ”
The simple offer sent a wave of emotion through Jessica that was almost painful in its intensity. She set her wine glass aside, needing to touch Ali, to ground herself in this moment rather than the uncertain future. She didn’t deserve a woman with such a pure heart, but how could she let her go?
She reached for Ali, who came willingly into her arms. Jessica slid her hands into Ali’s hair, drawing her close for a kiss that quickly deepened with barely contained need.
Ali responded immediately, her arms circling Jessica’s waist, pulling her closer until they were pressed together on the sofa.
When they broke apart, Ali’s eyes were questioning, searching Jessica’s face for answers.
“What was that for?” Ali asked, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Jessica shook her head slightly. “Just because,” she said, pressing her forehead against Ali’s. “Just because.”
As Ali’s lips found hers again, Jessica pushed thoughts of London aside. Those complications and potentially painful conversations were for another day.