Page 25 of Hooked on Lane (Hooked #1)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Lane

A s I helped Mom out of the car in front of Home Away from Home , all the walking we had done in the past few days had gotten to her and she was stiff.

I blinked the tears away, trying to be strong for my mom.

I hated to see her hurting like this, knowing I had to drive away and leave her here after spending Christmas together.

My mom reached out and grabbed my hand. “It’s okay, love. We’ll have plenty more Christmases together.”

I smiled, but it was a weak effort. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she replied. “Thank you for taking me home. It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Don't forget to bring Jennifer back next time. Although, I think y'all will be married before this time next year.”

My heart felt like it was breaking in two as I watched her go.

The hour drive back to Amesbury felt like forever. Tomorrow, we would take the bus to the airport and then begin our journey back to New York City. Would our relationship hold up once back in front of prying eyes?

As the sun set that evening, I held Jennifer close. “I want to be with you. I want it all. Marriage, kids, a dog, a white picket fence. All of it with you. My job means nothing if I have to spend every day alone.”

Jennifer smiled, her eyes misting up as she looked into mine. She reached out and took my hands in hers, squeezing them gently. “I want that too.”