Page 25 of The Only Road Back

Jack hovers. Again.

I adore my husband, but if he doesn’t stop fussing over me, I might actually scream.

“I can carry bags, Jack,” I say, already halfway out of the car. He’s at my side instantly, intercepting the grocery bags before I even touch them. His green eyes sweep over me, protective and vigilant, as if pregnancy has turned me into a ticking time bomb.

“You’re pregnant,” he reminds me, dead serious. “You shouldn’t be lifting heavy things.”

I set a hand on my belly. “Pregnant. Not made of glass.”

He ignores my protest and carries the bags inside. I trail after him, rolling my eyes hard enough to see last week.

This is our new rhythm. Since the pregnancy test turned positive, Jack has become a full-time bodyguard. It’s sweet. It’s suffocating. Sometimes, I want to remind him that being pregnant hasn’t erased my ability to function.

Still, I can’t stay annoyed. His heart’s always in the right place.

By the time I reach the kitchen, he’s already halfway through unloading the groceries, lining up apples and carrots like he’s prepping for battle.

I lean on the counter, watching him. “Most husbands don’t treat grocery storage like a competitive sport.”

He glances over, grinning. “Most husbands aren’t lucky enough to be married to you.”

I snort, but my heart gives that helpless swoop. I wish he didn’t know the effect he has on me.

He shuts the fridge and turns toward me, his eyes softening. “Sit down, sweetheart. You’ve been on your feet all day.”

I surrender and claim a kitchen stool, rubbing my belly in slow circles. He notices, and his whole face softens. He steps closer, covering my hand with his.

“I still can’t believe it,” he says, voice thick. “We’re going to be parents.”

I pet his cheek. “Sometimes, it feels like a dream.”

He kneels and kisses my belly. “Hey, baby,” he whispers. “It’s your dad. Just so you know, I already love you more than anything in this world.”

My throat tightens—hormones, maybe, or just Jack being Jack.

He lifts his gaze to mine, and the whole world seems to narrow to just the two of us. “And you,” he says quietly. “I love you, Beth. More than I ever thought I could love anything.”

Tears prick at my eyes. “I love you, too.”

He grins and kisses me, then stands. “Let me make you something to eat.”

“I’m not helpless,” I protest, but my voice is weak. I could use the rest. “Grilled cheese?”

He nods, already grabbing the bread. “Grilled cheese it is.”

While he works at the stove, I glance at my phone and freeze. A new text from Lori flashes across the screen.

Lori: You’re not going to believe this.

I text back: What happened?

Her reply is immediate.

Clark left town.

I stare, not quite believing it.

Wait, what?

Lori: Yep. Packed up, left Stephanie, and ran off with a waitress from Benny’s Diner.

Jack notices my silence and frowns. “Everything okay?”

I set my phone down. “Clark left town. Broke it off with Stephanie and disappeared with a waitress.”

Jack laughs, flipping my sandwich. “There’s a shocker.”

I shake my head, still processing. “It’s just…wild. I almost married him.”

Jack’s hand pauses on the skillet. “You regret not marrying him?”

“What? No.” I walk over to him and rub his back. “If I had, I would’ve left him. I would’ve found my way to you.”

His grip tightens, reassuring and confident. “Damn right, you would have.”

I laugh, a little choked up. “No need to be jealous, Jack.”

He gives me a sidelong look. “Not jealous.” But there’s a glint in his eyes.

I arch an eyebrow. “Sure, you’re not.”

He bends down and kisses me for longer this time. “I got you. He didn’t.”

My heart flips over. “Jack Connor, you’re impossible.”

He grins. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, go sit down.”

I do as I’m told, and he plates the grilled cheese and slides it in front of me, then takes a seat himself.

As I eat, I look around our kitchen—our imperfect, beautiful life. I used to feel trapped, suffocating in a life I never chose. Now, I have a husband who loves me, a safe home, and soon, a baby.

I never thought I’d get here. Now that I have, I’m never letting go.

Jack shifts his chair around and rubs my tummy. His touch is gentle, reverent.

“You’re happy?” he asks.

I meet his eyes. “Very much so.”

He smiles, those green eyes shining, full of hope and love. “Good.”