Forbidden Love with the Marine(53)
“Thank you,” Jessica said calmly. “Looks like everyone has been doing stuff in Jamie’s interest. Except me.”
Makayla looked at her quizzically, and Jessica continued, “I realized I’ve been as manipulative as Blade once accused me of. I got pregnant and tried to pin it on him. And when the real father died, I kept Blade on a guilt trip just so I could have him around. But not anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“Jamie will always have Blade,” Jessica said with a deep sigh and a smile. “Even I know that. Whatever happens, Blade will never turn away from Thomas’s son. I’m happy just knowing that. What I couldn’t stand was Jamie growing up and some day realizing the kind of woman I was, conniving and deceptive. Each time Blade did something selfless for Jamie or me, it made me hate myself more. When I found out he lost you, probably because of me, I suddenly realized how low I’d sunk.” She let out another sigh, and this time her eyes had a glint of moisture. “I don’t want to be that woman anymore. And I don’t want to stand in the way of Blade’s happiness anymore either.”
Makayla didn’t know want to say, shocked by Jessica’s change of heart. “Now, don’t take me for a saint either,” Jessica said with a shaky smile. “But for once, I’m thinking of someone besides myself. Jamie’s getting healthier every day. I’m also choosier now about the kind of men I date so Blade doesn’t have to worry I’ll be with some loser who’ll put Jamie or me in danger. Blade will always be a part of Jamie’s life. I’m happy knowing that Jamie has a mother he can one day be proud of.”
Makayla nodded, her heart swelling at the tremulous look on Jessica’s face. “I’m sure he will be.”
“Yeah, thanks. So how do you plan on getting Blade back?”
Makayla’s eyes widened, even as a stone the weight of a ton settled on her chest. “I can’t.” Makayla’s tone was factual. “I blew it. I know that. He’s never going to want me back.”
Jessica shook her head. “He will, if you explain that it was to keep him from being caught in the middle,” Jessica said sensibly. “I knew in a flash that you were using that new promotion of yours as a ruse. If you’d told him you’d left him for me he’d never have let you go.”
Makayla sighed raggedly. “Be that as it may. I wasn’t joking about the job. I did get the promotion and I fully intended to leave for London after Gina’s wedding. Gina’s his stepsister and my roommate.”
“I know,” Jessica said with a nod. “And Blade’s going to be at the wedding. I’m thinking that’s a perfect situation for some serious making up. Nothing like a joyous wedding to put everyone in a good mood.”
“You’re so wrong,” Makayla said with a firm shake of her head. “Blade’s mood is going to be far from good when he sees me. He’ll never want to hear what I have to say.”
“Do you want him back or not?”
Makayla blinked back hot tears of the regret and pain she’d borne these past weeks without him.
“Of course I do! More than anything! I never stopped wanting him back. Every day,” Makayla muttered, brushing her knuckles over her eyes.
“Then you’ve got to at least try,” Jessica told her firmly. “That’s one cause that’s worth fighting for if you ask me.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Blade had to admit that the pristine beach provided the most stunning backdrop for a wedding. The beach and the unbelievably gorgeous sunset which glowed warmly as Gina and Ray exchanged their loving vows in front of the fifty-odd guests.
The sound of applause and laughter filled the air just as the newly wedding couple kissed. Blade thought his stepsister looked fantastic and he’d never seen her so happy.
The wedding continued with the reception beneath the decorated gazebos and Blade found himself drawn into the endless photo-taking, dancing and cake cutting. There was no denying that this was a beautifully planned occasion and he was happy he could be there to celebrate with Gina. No matter how messed up his love life was, Blade could still find it in himself to be glad for others who’d been fortunate to find happiness with someone else.
He managed to snag a dance with the new bride and she was gazing up at him with a warm smile as he swept her around the platform while the live Caribbean type music played.
“I hope we get to dance like this at your wedding, Blade,” Gina teased.
“Not the marrying kind, sis,” he said drily. “Not anymore.”
Gina’s look was gentle. “Makayla’s here, you know. She’s been waiting to see you.”
“I’m not in quarantine; she could have come up to me and said hello at any time,” Blade said gruffly. He couldn’t bear the mention of her name without flinching. He’d seen her of course, on different occasions during the ceremony. Always just a glimpse but always enough to make it feel like his gut was getting wrenched.
He’d known she’d be here so he’d been more than prepared. He had no cause to avoid her and if anything it looked like she was avoiding him. He wasn’t a grudge-filled teen so he’d be civil with her if necessary but so far, she’d kept out of his way and damned if he’d go seeking her out.