Page 10

JAMIE

It was an ordinary street, on an ordinary day…

And yet, to Jamie, it felt like she’d stepped into the pages of someone else’s story. She stood frozen on the sidewalk, her eyes wide as they roamed over every detail around her—each tree, each house, each sound. The wind brushed past her cheek like a whispered reminder that this was real, but it still didn’t feel that way. In her mind, a quiet, wry narrator seemed to take over—announcing scenes as if this moment had been choreographed and staged, the way actors hit their marks on cue.

That was how it felt. Unreal. Surreal. Like a play she hadn’t auditioned for.

This was her life now.

Her new home.

A husband she barely knew stood at her side—warm, solid, and impossibly kind. And his child, now her child, too, in some strange, legal twist of fate, ran excitedly across the lawn as if it were Christmas morning.

“Look, a purple flower…”

Jamie blinked and looked where Zachary pointed. There was, indeed, a bloom bravely pushing through the patchy lawn, and her heart squeezed at the wonder in his voice.

“Look, this is like a castle…”

She followed his gaze again. The house was stunning—intimidating, even—with bricks that stretched in thick, bold lines to form a tall, arched porch. A modern-day castle. She could already imagine it dressed up with straw bales and pumpkins come October or wrapped in twinkling lights for the holidays. Her hands twitched at her sides with the urge to decorate it, to make it warm… to make it hers.

“Ha ha, I found a river that goes around the castle…”

She looked up at Kenneth just in time to see him grin and correct gently, “The moat? No, son, that’s the French drain that leads the water away from the house.” He ruffled Zachary’s hair with an affectionate chuckle. “But it can be our special moat.”

Jamie’s heart did a slow, unexpected tumble in her chest.

Their special moat.

She wasn’t sure if he meant Zachary and him—or all three of them. She didn’t dare ask.

Kenneth turned toward her then and held a single, silver key in his palm. His other hand gestured with quiet formality toward the front door. Her heart beat faster, her fingers trembling slightly as she took it from him. That one key symbolized so much—change, hope, uncertainty, a future she wasn’t sure how to feel about just yet.

She barely had time to process anything before Zachary bolted past them, shouting something gleeful as he disappeared inside.

Jamie laughed in surprise, a genuine smile breaking over her face. She glanced at Kenneth, who was already looking at her.

“Zach-Attack,” he said with a wink.

Her smile softened. It felt like a gift to be included in that nickname, to be welcomed into the fold in some small, unspoken way. It wasn’t just a name—it was an invitation. She filed it away in her heart, precious and fragile.

Then, completely out of nowhere, Kenneth bent and scooped her up in his arms.

She squeaked, startled, instinctively reaching out to brace herself against his chest. “Kenneth!” she gasped, wide-eyed.

He was strong. Solid. And as she looked up at him, something flickered in his eyes. It wasn’t just politeness or obligation.

It was something more.

“I have to carry my bride over the threshold,” he whispered.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Bride.

She wasn’t used to that word yet. Not in reference to herself. Not like this. Not with this man who had married her out of convenience and kindness—but now looked at her like she mattered. Like she was wanted.

Her heart ached.

Kenneth set her down gently just inside the doorway, his hands lingering at her waist as if reluctant to let go. “I hope you like the place.”

She didn’t even glance around.

Jamie couldn’t take her eyes off him.

There was something so disarming about his quiet strength, the way he made her feel seen—when she’d spent so long feeling invisible. She’d come into this agreement with guarded hope, maybe a pinch of desire, and the practical understanding that this was a means to an end. She’d be a mother to Zachary, and Kenneth would fulfill his end of their arrangement.

But standing there, his gaze holding hers, her heart threatening to pound straight out of her chest… she couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

She wanted more.

She wanted him .

The little voice in her head—cold, cynical, and always so quick to remind her not to get attached—was suddenly very loud. But this time, Jamie didn’t want to listen. She was tired of protecting herself from something that might be real.

So she did something impulsive.

Something bold.

Without a word, she stepped forward, cupped Kenneth’s face in her hands, threading her fingers through the soft waves of his dark hair—and kissed him.

His whole body tensed in surprise. For a split second, she panicked, thinking she’d misread everything—but then he responded.

Oh, he responded .

His arms came around her, crushing her close. His mouth slanted over hers with hunger, with urgency, with something that tasted an awful lot like hope. He kissed her like he meant it—like she meant something to him.

Time stopped. The world melted. It was just them, wrapped in a kiss that said all the things neither of them had dared to speak aloud yet.

When she finally pulled back, breathless and dazed, her eyes caught movement to the side. Zachary stood a few feet away, watching.

Jamie froze.

But the little boy just grinned, shrugged, and walked off—completely unfazed. As if he’d known it was going to happen all along.

Like it was exactly the way things were supposed to be.

“He likes you, you know… and you’re good for both of us,” Kenneth whispered, pulling her back from the whirlwind of thoughts that had been clouding her mind.

Jamie blinked, turning toward him, and found his eyes already waiting for hers—still, steady, and impossibly deep. There was something about the way he looked at her that made the rest of the world hush. He wasn’t a man who demanded attention or filled silence with noise. No, Kenneth was the kind of man who simply was . Quiet like the woods in the early morning, unshakable like a mountain. Always there. Always watching. Always doing things without being asked—not for praise, but because he just knew .

Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected that from him. Not the words. Not the quiet conviction behind them. Not the way they landed like a soft hand on her back, reminding her she wasn’t alone anymore.

“Take a look around… and there might be something to surprise you in the house,” he added, his voice low and calm as if he hadn’t just unsettled her entire world with a single sentence.

“Oh?” she asked, her voice catching somewhere between curiosity and caution.

Kenneth only gave her one of those rare half-smiles—the kind that felt like it had meaning, like it held a secret he wasn’t quite ready to share. He shrugged effortlessly, then turned to lift a box from the growing tower in the middle of the large living room.

Jamie finally noticed it—the sheer amount of boxes that had appeared as if by magic. Her brow furrowed. She hadn’t heard a delivery. Hadn’t been told they were coming. But now their things were here… their lives tucked neatly into cardboard corners. The couches, mismatched but strangely compatible, sat pushed against the walls like they were still learning to settle in. Furniture was scattered through rooms—not arranged, not finalized—just waiting, like everything else in her life lately.

She didn’t question it. Not really. After yesterday, Kenneth must’ve decided not to push. He let the pieces arrive and left the rest to her.

Wandering deeper into the house, her steps slowed in front of an open door, and something tugged at her—gentle, like a string tied to her heart.

She stepped inside and froze.

It was… enchanting.

A soft gasp slipped from her lips as her eyes drank it all in. Zachary’s laughter echoed faintly, grounding her in the moment. He was already inside, sitting contentedly beneath what could only be described as a tree— an actual tree —rising up from the corner of the room like it belonged there. Her eyes widened in wonder.

The tree wasn’t growing, she realized, walking closer. It had been built there. Crafted and placed with care. The walls around it were painted with floating clouds and scattered birds like the sky had stretched down to kiss this little corner of the world. Branches extended outward, tied delicately to the ceiling, stopping just shy of the fan overhead. Low bookshelves lined the room, hugging the walls beneath the canopy.

It was magical. It looked like something out of Sherwood Forest or a fairytale glen where wishes might actually come true.

“I think we should get a beanbag so we can read together under the tree,” Jamie whispered, kneeling beside her son, her fingers brushing a branch like it might disappear. “And maybe we should get a little stuffed squirrel for our tree.”

“This is so nice,” Zachary said with a dreamy sigh, then promptly plopped into her lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Her arms closed around him instinctively, her heart full to bursting.

“It really is,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple. “I love you, buddy…”

“Love you too,” he murmured back, warm and small in her arms… and then, just as quickly, he was gone. Launching out of her lap with a burst of energy that only a child could summon.

“I’m gonna look at my room now—bye!” he called over his shoulder, already on the move.

Jamie chuckled softly, her heart still fluttering from his words. Zach-Attack , she thought fondly. The nickname fit him too perfectly. She rose to her feet, casting one more glance at the magical tree and the room that already felt like a haven.

Kenneth had done good. No—he’d done amazing . She hadn’t expected to love this house. Hadn’t expected it to feel like anything but temporary. But now, walking through it, letting herself explore with new eyes, she realized that maybe, just maybe… this could be home.

She wandered down the hallway, fingers grazing the smooth wall as she passed, and stepped into the master bedroom.

Her breath caught again.

There on the bed, perfectly centered, was a gift bag—tissue paper blooming out of the top like a quiet promise. The bed had already been assembled, standing sturdy and tall along one wall. The room was spacious yet intimate. Safe.

Jamie stood still for a long moment, staring at the bag like it might hold more than a simple gift. Kenneth had bought her something. He thought of her, surprised her, and oh, was she surprised! Peering in the bag, she hesitated and blinked.

He bought her a satin nightgown?

Her lips parted in silent awe.

It wasn’t just a gift—it was a gesture, a tender whisper of vulnerability that felt like a turning point. Something had shifted between them. This wasn’t a house they were just cohabiting anymore. This was becoming something more… something real. A marriage that had started with walls was slowly being filled with little, meaningful bridges.

Cradling the nightgown against her chest, she pressed it to her heart like it might anchor her spinning emotions. And then—she smelled something. A light, airy scent drifting on the stillness of the room.

Flowers?

She turned slowly, almost in a daze, her bare feet padding softly against the bathroom tiles. And there it was—another gift bag perched on the counter. Jamie let out a breathy laugh, full of disbelief and delight. She shook her head, smiling wide, and stepped closer to investigate.

Her fingers rustled through the tissue paper, parting it with care, and inside, she found a few bath bombs nestled like treasures and a bottle of glittery lotion tucked beside them. Her smile deepened, but her heart… her heart cracked wide open when she caught the scent again.

“He likes lily of the valley…” she murmured aloud, half to herself, still stunned.

Of all the scents, that was the one he chose? It was delicate, feminine, and oddly nostalgic. He wasn’t the kind of man who paid attention to things like that—or so she had thought. The fact that he did? That he noticed, remembered, or even cared enough to choose something so uniquely beautiful?

She felt her knees go a little weak.

And just then, she looked up—drawn by something stronger than instinct—and saw him standing there in the doorway. Watching her.

“Hi,” he breathed, his voice rough, uncertain. “I hope you don’t mind…”

She shook her head slightly, warmth flooding her cheeks. “Not at all,” she whispered, the words barely audible past the emotion swelling in her throat.

“I thought you might like something pretty…”

“I love it,” she replied, clutching the satin to her chest like it was something sacred.

His smile was soft, genuine. “And it’s been a while since I dated, but I thought you might like that too…”

“It’s a lovely choice.”

“It reminds me of you.”

“Oh?” Her voice was quiet, intrigued.

“Simple and unassuming—but once you know more about it, then you realize just how potent and incredibly sweet the precious flower is…” he said, the words hanging in the air between them like a shared secret. Then he hesitated. “Jamie?”

“Yes?” Her pulse quickened, sensing something more behind his tone.

“I know this is strange to ask…”

“Yes?” she interrupted quickly, breathless, with the hope building inside her.

“I’d like things to be different between us.”

“Me too,” she blurted, her hands tightening around the fabric she held.

“But I may have put my foot in my mouth again.”

“Uh oh…” she teased gently, trying to balance the sudden shift in mood.

“One of my former teammates, a good friend, needs a place to sleep for two days while he looks for a place and…”

“Of course,” she replied almost instantly, though her heart sank quietly in her chest.

She’d thought— hoped —this was a prelude to something deeper between them. A nightgown, a scent, a flower that reminded him of her… she’d let herself believe this was leading to a turning point in their relationship. That maybe tonight would mark a change in their marriage. Something intimate. Something more. But instead, it was just a courtesy before his buddy showed up. Was he softening her up so she wouldn’t be upset?

“Boucher is really nice…”

“Kenneth, it’s fine.” She tried to smile, to sound supportive, but disappointment sat like a stone in her stomach.

“I don’t want it to affect you being comfortable in our new home.”

She swallowed hard, trying to collect herself. She wanted to tell him it wasn’t just about space—it was about them . She had imagined, just for a moment, that they were ready to take that next step, to lean into what this could become. But now… now she wasn’t sure.

“And I don’t want it to affect you wearing that gown tonight,” he added in a husky tone, and her eyes lifted to meet his.

There was a flicker of something unmistakable in his gaze. Longing. Need. Hope.

“Maybe we can talk more later once the boxes are put away, and I’ve cleaned out someplace for Boucher to sleep. It’s a lot of change, but I want you to be happy here with me.”

That… that made her heart ache. Because beneath his practical words was a man offering her a piece of his heart. He wanted her here. With him. Not just in the house—but with him .

She stared at him, drinking in the sincerity written all over his face. He wanted to try. He was showing up in his awkward, beautiful way, trying to build something with her.

When had anyone ever chosen her like this?

Not just once—but again and again?

“I don’t mind… and I’m glad we are talking about this,” she whispered, her voice trembling with everything she couldn’t quite say. “I cannot wait to try this on—or try any of that lotion.”

“I hope you like your gifts.”

Jamie clutched the satin fabric tighter against her chest, her fingers trembling slightly as the delicate material bunched beneath her grip. Her breath caught in her throat, emotion flooding her system with an intensity that almost brought her to her knees. Everything in her life—the heartbreaks, the loneliness, the doubts—had somehow led her to this moment. To him. He was standing right there, and he was real. Tangible. And more than that… he was hers.

He was the real gift.

Tears shimmered in her eyes as her gaze met his, the words catching in her throat as she realized what he was offering wasn’t just silk and ribbon—it was his heart. His trust. His love.

And somehow, impossibly, against all odds…

“I do,” she whispered, stunned by the certainty in her voice. The words had come without hesitation; like her soul had spoken before her mind could catch up.

His lips quirked upward, the smallest smile appearing on his face. “Then I guess I’m on the right path, maybe?”

Jamie felt her heart twist in her chest at the vulnerability in his tone. His voice was hopeful, unsure, like he was asking for permission to believe in something beautiful again. She nodded, emotion clogging her throat.

“Very.”

He exhaled deeply, and she watched as the tension in his shoulders eased. His eyes—those expressive, dark eyes—remained locked on hers, unguarded. They were full of things he hadn’t yet said aloud. She saw it all: the fear of being hurt again, the ache of past betrayal, and the fierce, trembling hope that maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.

“Good,” he said openly, his voice steady but raw with feeling. “If you’re okay with little things here or there – I like giving them. It makes me feel good to treat you if you don’t mind.”

Jamie’s lips parted as she tried to find words strong enough to match the emotions swelling in her chest. He wasn’t just talking about gifts—she knew that. The sweetness of his gesture went far beyond the silk in her hands or the carefully planned surprises. These were tokens of devotion. Personal. Intimate. They were love, wrapped in a thousand tiny packages.

“I love surprises, and these are wonderful ones… gifts for both of us,” she whispered throatily, her voice thick with emotion. She saw the flicker in his eyes—recognition. He understood that she got what he meant by that gift… and that she saw him . That she saw this for what it was: not obligation or showmanship, but tenderness—a giving of himself.

“Then I’ll make sure you always have a little something special… for us .”

Jamie couldn’t help the smile that curled her lips, wide and heartfelt. Her pulse raced, blood roaring in her ears as the next words slipped from her mouth, bold and full of joy.

“Gift away… husband .”

The moment the word left her lips, she felt a shift between them—something soft and seismic all at once. They were going to try to change the dynamics between them… tonight. Kenneth’s eyes widened slightly, then darkened with emotion as he dragged in a sharp breath. A visible shiver rolled through him like he’d been struck by the weight of it all.

Jamie held onto the gown tighter, not to shield herself but to keep from running to him, flinging herself into his arms like a starved woman. Her skin tingled. Her heart pounded so fiercely she was sure he could hear it. The depth of what she felt scared her—but more than that, it thrilled her.

“Jamie…” he rasped, his voice hoarse with emotion—and then, piercing through the moment like a sharp needle to a balloon, the doorbell rang.

Kenneth’s entire body stiffened – and he muttered a foul word swiftly under his breath.

Jamie blinked at the unexpected curse, caught off guard.

He looked at her sheepishly. “Sorry.”

Her brows lifted slightly, her expression curious, almost amused. “I had no idea you ever used that word. It’s a good thing Zachary didn’t hear that.”

“I don’t – because of Zachary… and I should have said ‘fudge’ instead. I apologize if I offended you.”

Despite the sudden interruption, Jamie laughed softly, the sound breaking some of the tension still lingering in the air. “Honestly,” she chuckled nervously, her smile blooming, “the doorbell offended me because I think you said exactly what was on your mind… and it sure wasn’t chocolatey, husband.”

He laughed, too, the tension easing from his frame as his cheeks darkened with a faint blush. She had caught him. And he knew it.

He leaned in, quick and tender, to brush a kiss on her cheek. It was feather-light and reverent, full of everything he wasn’t saying out loud.

“I’ll get the door,” he murmured, then turned and left the room.

Jamie stood there in silence, the satin still clutched against her chest, heart beating wildly as she watched him go. Something inside her shifted permanently at that moment.

Tonight would be a new beginning.

* * *