Page 76 of June: Jess' Story

“Hi, babes,” I say gently, walking over to her.

“Hi,” she says back around her paci that she lets hang out the corner of her mouth. The sound of her talking back is still amazing. I want to cry every time I hear it. I know that’ll fade, but it’s just so fucking amazing that some day this little being is going to be having a full-on conversation with me.

“Alright, let’s go up.” Eden lifts her arms up in response and I lift her out of the crib. We do a quick diaper change and straighten out her hair, then head downstairs.

It’s quiet. Obviously he’s not in here, but I double check outside. Jeep is gone and he’s not at his wood-chopping station. (Which, guys, wood chopping, 100% an aphrodisiac. Good lord. I watched him from the bedroom window and ended up needing to change underwear.) (Yeah, that fucking good.)

I hope he comes back.Don’t love that thought. Don’t love that hemightnotcome back, or the fact that I sound a bit desperate.

Walking back into the house, barefoot and with Eden still on my hip, I pull out my phone and hit Britain’s contact. It rings and rings until I end up in her voicemail, so changing course, I call Caroline instead.

“Hi.” She answers on the second ring.

“Hi. How’s your mom feeling?” It’s silent for a beat.

“Yeah, I think she’s all better now.” There’s that sour feeling in the pit of my stomach. “Your fiancé is here.” Oh.

“Oh really? Would you ask him what time he’s planning to be home so I know when to start dinner?” I ask in the sweetest voice possible.

Caroline’s voice only dims slightly like he’s right beside her. “Jess wants to know when to start dinner, so when are you leaving?” Again, it’s silent for more than a beat.

“Um, I’ll be home in 15 minutes,” I can hear Alex eventually say, maybe sounding a bit surprised. Good.

“Did you hear that?” Caroline asks.

“Yep. Thanks, babe. Now, your mom though…” That’s not for Caroline to deal with. “You know what? Nevermind. I’ll see you tomorrow, sweets. Tell Elodie I said hi.”

“Okay, love you,” is all she says back.

“Love you, too. Bye.” And then she hangs up.

I send a quick text.

Jess

Hi, heard you’re feeling better. Can’t wait to hang out tomorrow. Can I come early and help? Or just hang out?

Ten minutes later, a text comes through.

Britain

Do you want to meet me at The Grounds for coffee around 9?

Why do I feel like she’s breaking up with me?

Yeah, I’d love that.

Great, see you then.

Great.

Steaks are on the counter coming to room temp, arugula salad is tossed, and the Prince playlist is hitting.

“I would,”pause, “die for,”pause, “you.” I sing with his highness into my wooden spoon while pointing to Eden who claps for me.

“Ahem.”Right. Alex clears his throat from the entrance to the mudroom. I smile and he doesn’t return it. A second later, Caleb is right behind him. I immediately kill the music playing on my phone and set down the wooden spoon.

“Hi,” I say generically to both of them. “Do you think we could talk for a quick minute?” My question is directed at Alex. He nods, and Calebgrabs a beer from the fridge and heads out to the back deck. Alex leans against the entryway, arms crossed over his chest, looking closed off.