Page 57 of Shades of Mercy

“What’s that?” Interest sparked in the boy’s gaze.

“I’ll show you,” Jag tapped the glass front gently. “See, the needle always points north.” He held it up, demonstrating how it worked.

“That’s north,” the boy pointed.

“Yep. How I learned the points on a compass was…Never Eat Soggy Waffles. North. East. South. West.”

“Never eat soggy waffles,” Jacob worked the words around his tongue.

“Here, Batman. I need you to be my navigator. Point us straight north. Can you do that?”

“I can.”

The thunder rumbled in the distance.

“Are you ready for an adventure?” Jag asked.

Jacob stood, pulled the cold-weather blanket off and nodded.

Chapter Sixteen

The ride off the mountain was in silence.

Jag looked down at the boy, who had fallen asleep almost as soon as he settled into Jag’s lap. The rhythmic strides of the horse must have been soothing.

Jacob had his cheek pressed against Jag’s arm, and he was careful not to disturb the kid. He held the compass clutched in one hand and the stuffed animal in the other.

Jag’s mind wandered to Mercy.

His mind was in a state of disarray.

He wanted her, but maybe happily ever after wasn’t in the cards for them.

What if he was wrong? What if he was allowing his fear to misguide him?

His idea of a relationship couldn’t have changed that quickly.

Yet, it hadn’t been so quick.

For years, he’d thought of Mercy. On those lonely nights on the mountain, he'd even allowed himself to imagine, on occasion, what it’d be like to have her in his life. She was amazing. He’d never met a more beautiful, more intelligent woman. He’d never been around anyone who could make him feel like he was tied in knots.

She seemed to understand Jag more than anyone ever had.

But as much as he knew he wanted her, he also knew there was a risk of disappointing her.

Maybe he should stop being selfish and step aside, allow Mercy and Bones to see where their mutual attraction took them?

Why did Jag feel a punch to the center of his chest? Imagining Mercy with someone else was like a punch to his gut.

Sure, he’d seen her with men over the years. Men who were no threat. But Bones was a definite threat. He was a good guy, had his life in order, and would make great husband material.

Jag swallowed the realization, as if he had shards of glass in his throat.

He needed to do the right thing.

He needed to encourage Mercy to find happiness.

Jag needed to let go.