Page 70 of Where We Promise

I had just the thing.

TWENTY

ONE WEEK LATER

I stayed with mom for the duration of the anniversary and then headed back to Richland. On the way I had stopped by an open field and gathered as many wildflowers as I could find and wrapped the stems in burlap.

I’d showered, changed and even found a nice button-down shirt. I knew it wouldn’t make a difference to Pen, but it mattered to me.

Miles’ house looked recently painted and fresh with new flowers planted out front.

I shoved down my nerves and walked toward the house, sliding open the gate and taking each porch step one at a time. But before I could knock on the screen door, it swung open and Wanda stepped out.

“Jameson, what are you doing here?”

Wanda’s gaze was cold as she searched my face, my shirt and then dropped down to the flowers in my hand.

“Hey, Wanda, I’m looking for Penny.”

Deep down I assumed she’d be proud of me for taking some action, but her entire countenance fell.

She wore a simple blue dress with matching flats, which revealed her quickly thinning figure. Her curves had diminished, and her skin looked pale. My steps slowed, taking her in. Something was wrong. I hadn’t heard anything, but I knew something was wrong with her.

“Jameson, Penny isn’t here. She’s out.”

The flowers went lax in my fist as my arm dangled, my eyes roaming over Wanda’s features.

“What’s wrong?”

She cleared her throat and straightened. “Nothing, just some headaches…feeling a little under the weather.”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen her around the club in a while.

“You need anything?” I wasn’t sure why I offered it, but something in my gut told me she needed someone to ask her, or offer it.

“Why are you here, Jameson?”

I studied her a little longer before lifting my arm once more. “Would you mind giving these to Pen, with this note?”

She accepted the folded paper and bundle of wildflowers. Her eyes crinkled the smallest bit like she was trying to work out what I was doing.

“I’m ready for her. I know I’ve made her wait, but if she’ll forgive me, then I’m ready.”

Wanda’s face pinched and that should have been my warning. I should have realized what she was trying to say.

TWENTY-ONE

PENELOPE

PRESENT DAY

Something bright and warm was wrapped around me, like a fluffy cocoon or a burrito made of blankets.

I smiled at the way it felt against my closed eyelids and how relaxed I felt…then I snapped them open and sat up.

The hotel. The honeymoon.

Jameson.

---