Driftwood Lane (Nantucket #4)(88)

“Not unless . . .” Jake lowered his voice. “Not unless Meridith Ward agrees to stay.” His gaze beat a path to her heart. “In fact, not unless Ms. Ward agrees to marry me. Only then will I agree to share guardianship of the kids.”

What? Meridith’s mind couldn’t assimilate the facts. But the love shining from Jake’s eyes said more than his words. Her eyes burned.

“As it turns out,” Jake continued slowly, staring right into Meridith’s eyes, “I’m wildly, madly, and passionately in love with Ms. Ward, and I want us to be a real family.”

“Me too!” Benny said loudly.

“Me three,” Max called.

“Ditto.”

Noelle. Even Noelle. Had they known? She turned and looked at the children. Noelle’s eyes were teary. Benny and Max stared back, hope and worry lining their faces.

She turned back to Jake, got caught in his eyes. He blurred in front of her. Her lip trembled, and she bit it still.

The judge cleared his throat. “I see. This is most unusual. Well, I think a recess might be in order. Would you like to take a moment, Ms. Ward?”

He loved her. Jake loved her and wanted to—

Could she find the courage to love, to walk in uncertainty? To risk being hurt? She knew her foundation was stable. Everything else she had to take one day at a time, right?

“Ms. Ward?”

“Uh . . . yes. A recess, please.”

The judge and bailiff exited, and Jake stood. She watched all six feet of him close the gap between them. Somewhere behind her, the children were as quiet as fireflies.

Meridith stood, her legs trembling beneath her.

And then Jake was there, standing in front of her, his solemn brown eyes shining. “I’m so sorry, Meri. I was a jerk. I’m sorry I hurt you, sorry for everything.”

He took her chin in his hand. “And I do love you,” he whispered. “I want you to be my wife. Not for the kids, but because I want you with me every day for the rest of my life.”

It was enough. More than enough. She swallowed hard. “I want that too. So much.”

Jake drew her close, his lips brushing across hers, the softest of touches. She ran her fingers along his freshly shaven jaw and savored the feel of him, the smell of him, the taste of him.

Feelings could be good. So good. The ones coursing through her at the moment were off the scale. He could stir her up, no doubt. Yet his love had a way of calming her fears, soothing her worries. It seemed illogical that he could do both.

From the edge of consciousness, whispers intruded.

“Are they fiancéd now?”

“Engaged.”

“Well, are they?”

“What d’you think, runt?”

Meridith pulled away, her lips curving into a smile that mirrored Jake’s.

“Yeah, little man,” Jake said, not taking his eyes from Meridith.

“We’re engaged.”

Before he finished speaking, they were swallowed by the children’s arms.

“I’m sorry,” Noelle whispered in Meridith’s ear. “I’m sorry I was so mean and that I lied to you.”

“We’re all sorry,” Max said. “We acted like spoiled brats.”

“It’s okay.” Everything was okay now. More than okay.

“I love you, Meridith,” Max said.

“Me too,” Ben said.

“I love you guys too.” She wouldn’t have to leave them. Would get to see them tomorrow and every day afterward.

Even while happiness flooded her soul, a lone thought dampened her spirits. “Summer Place,” she said. “After all this, we’re going to lose their home.”

“Nuh-uh!” Ben said. “Tell her, Uncle J!”

Meridith looked up at Jake’s handsome face. “Yeah, tell me, Uncle J.”

He smoothed her hair back, tucked it behind her ear. “Talked to Mr. Goldman yesterday and explained everything. If you want to keep Summer Place, they’re willing to forfeit the property.”

“But they really wanted it.”

“Apparently Mrs. Goldman thinks all this is terribly romantic. And I think between the two of us, we could stay afloat. But it’s your call.”

The joy that bubbled up from inside overflowed in the form of a smile. “As long as we’re together. That’s what matters.”

Noelle whooped, and a group hug followed.

The rapping of the gavel drew them apart.

“I hate to interrupt a good reunion,” the judge said, allowing a small grin. “But I have a schedule to keep. Can I assume we have a happy ending here?”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Jake wrapped his arm around her waist. “A very happy ending.”

“Well, congratulations are in order then. But there’s still the matter of immediate guardianship . . . unless you’re planning a spontaneous visit downstairs to the Justice of the Peace.”

Meridith looked at Jake and found his eyes on hers, his brows lifted. What do you think? his eyes asked.

What did she think? She thought life was full of changes and upheaval. She thought that sometimes love could hurt and feelings could be messy, potentially painful. But she also knew Jake was right. That the wonder and joy of the love that filled her now was worth that risk.