Straight Up Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbor #2)(90)

My phone buzzes in my purse, and I grab it just to make sure it’s not Ellie having some problem alone in the big city. When I see Jake’s name on the display, my heart skips a beat.



Jake: I hope you’re having a great time and that the musical was incredible. I just wanted to let you know we got two pieces of good news today. Veronica had her baby—a little boy she named Jackson—seven pounds, and cute as a button. And Mom’s cancer is in remission. The Jacksons have a lot to celebrate tonight. Thought you’d want to know about both.



I reread the text several times and take in big gulps of air in relief.

“What is it?” Molly asks.

“Mrs. Jackson is in remission.”

She throws her hand over her mouth. “That’s wonderful. When Brayden was here, he told me how hopeful they were.”

I nod, my elation at the good news tempered by this off feeling. I should be there celebrating with him. With the whole family.

“So, you and Brayden . . .?”

Molly rolls her eyes. “My superpower is getting drunk and believing I’m good enough to land a Jackson brother.” She shakes her head. “Brayden’s my boss. That’s it.”

“But you two shared something when he was in town?”

She smirks. “I’m easy, remember? It’s not a big deal to me.”

“I don’t believe either of those things,” I say softly, but I’m not going to push her about Brayden. Not today, at least. I return my phone to my purse and trace the flower on the tablecloth with my fingertip. “I miss Jake.”

“You belong with him,” she says, and when I meet her eyes, she adds, “I mean it. I’m not denying that I would’ve liked to have Jake for myself, but the fact of the matter is he’s mad about you. Always has been.”

“It’s just that I . . .” I trace the flower again. “Jake has been there for me longer than anyone. Every time I needed someone, he was there—when Dad left, when my first boyfriend dumped me, when Harrison left.”

She laughs. “God, Ava. For a girl as smart as you are, I’m impressed you’re stubborn enough not to see the pattern.”

I meet her dancing blue eyes, and I can’t help it. I laugh too. “Sometimes it seems like my relationship with Jake is so one-sided. He gives and gives, and I don’t have any idea how to balance the scales.”

“I suppose now’s not the time to suggest sexual favors.”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “That’s not the kind of balance I was thinking.”

“I bet you can figure something out.” She tilts her head to the side, studying me. “Do you know what he said to me that night? After he took me up to his apartment?”

My stomach turns. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

“It’s true we messed around, but we never had sex. I wanted to, but he pushed me away. When I reminded him you were marrying Harrison, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘I’d wait forever for Ava.’ I knew he meant it.” She shrugs. “I know you’re supposed to be the older and wiser one here, but I have to tell you I think you’re an absolute fool if you’re going to walk away from that kind of love.”

I swallow hard. “I might be pregnant.”

She opens her mouth, then closes it. “Does Jake know? Have you taken a test?”

“No, and no. I took so many stupid pregnancy tests during my marriage that I think I developed a phobia. Nothing but disappointment comes from those stupid sticks.”

“But your period is late?”

I laugh at that. “I don’t exactly have a regular schedule. Late is relative. And probably meaningless.”

“I’m kind of jealous, you know.” Her voice is thick with emotion. “I wanted to be happy when I found out I was pregnant, but I was only terrified—terrified what everyone would think and how it was going to affect my future. I’ve always been so jealous of your ability to take what you want from life. You’re so brave, Ava.”

“I don’t feel very brave.”

She gives me a soft smile. “Figure out what you want with Jake before you take a test. Don’t wait to make your decision based on what’s going on in your uterus.”

I nod, having already decided this for myself earlier this week. “I think I already know.”

“Of course you do.” She grins. “You might be stubborn, but you’re not stupid.”

“I love him so much it hurts. I think maybe that scares me.”

“It only hurts because you’ve pushed him away. I’ve seen you two together. Your love doesn’t hurt. It’s like your favorite blanket. You always find each other for comfort.”

I stare at my beautiful little sister. “Thanks, Molly.”

“For what?”

“For letting me in and talking to me.” I swallow hard. “For being so wise.”

We stand and head into the living room, where I sink to my haunches and open my arms to Noah. “May I have a hug, handsome?”

He looks at his mom, who nods once, then he crashes into me with the enthusiasm only a kid can put into a hug.

“I’m so glad to meet you, little man,” I say, mussing his hair. “I’ll come again sometime, okay?”