Page 48 of Forgettable in Every Way

I stilled, resisting the urge to lean into his hand and fully embrace this unforeseen twist in the plot. Years-old habits filled my mind with doubt. I worried Simon would eventually forget about me. But then I thought about how for years I had longed for this day. To walk away now would be tantamount to foolishness. It would be like forgetting who I was. And if I didn’t remember myself, it didn’t matter who remembered or forgot me.

With trepidation, I leaned slightly into his hand, not sure I could trust him in this new role yet. But I had to try. I had to be me.

Simon strengthened his hold by weaving his fingers into my hair as if to say he had me.

I closed my eyes and allowed myself to feel the comfort of his touch for just a moment.

“How did I miss this?” Simon whispered.

I opened my eyes and straightened my head, loosening his hold. In his eyes, I saw the same bewilderment I felt. We stared at each other in wonder, a thousand unanswered questions between us. I wasn’t sure what all the answers were. But ... I knew for sure I didn’t want to miss this.

Simon

“WHERE DO FAIRIES COME FROM?” Jack asked while swinging between Jules and Simon as they walked around the island’s shore before they ate lunch and searched for fairies. The island’s majestic pine trees stood tall, casting shadows on them. The rocky beach crunched beneath their feet as a gentle, warm wind rustled their hair. Winston waddled next to them, grunting his displeasure.

Simon found himself quite content just gazing at Jules and his son. He had a hundred questions he wanted to ask Jules about herself. But for now, he was happy to watch Jules enthrall Jack. There was something magical and princess-like about her. He grinned, thinking about how on the canoe ride over, Jules had taught Jack more silly songs. This time about loving bananas and Camp Grenada. She had Jack giggling and Winston howling.

“No one knows for sure, but I believe they come from Northwood in England,” Jules answered.

Jack wiggled out of their hands, amazed by this information. “I’m from England.”

“I know.” Jules smiled.

“Have you been there?” Jack was eager to know.

Jules nodded. “Yes. And I’ve been to the fairy sanctuary.”

“What?” Jack was astonished. “Did you see any fairies?”

“I think so, but it’s hard to tell. Fairies can turn into flowers and trees, even rays of light. Some can even turn into humans when they want to.”

“They can?” Jack asked.

“Oh yes. They can be tricky.”

Jack stood tall and puffed out his chest. “I won’t let them trick me.”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Jules reached out and tousled Jack’s hair.

“When did you visit England?” Simon was curious to know.

“A few years ago. I did a ten-day tour there that took us to several castles and other historically important landmarks.”

“Did you go to Berkshire?” Simon asked, thinking of how he would love to give Jules a tour of his homeland, all while regretting he’d forgotten they had once talked about taking a trip across the pond together. He wished he could have visited Northwood with her. It didn’t surprise him in the least bit that Jules was drawn to Northwood. The place screamed her very essence. One of his favorite quotes came from the creator of the fairy sanctuary, Dr. Harvey John Howland: “Rarely have I seen loveliness in control and order. All the beauty I know on earth comes from the wild places: from the rambling flowers and tangled trees, on savage moors, in soaring skies and the raging sea. It comes from dancing with wild abandon, from the unrestrained laugh of a child and the messy tresses of a lover’s hair.”

Simon couldn’t help but imagine Jules’s messy tresses lying on a pillow next to him. That would be true beauty to him.

“Yes. I loved Windsor Castle,” Jules replied.

“What did you think of the greatest country on earth?” Simon smirked.

“Honestly, I wanted to get lost there. It was amazing to be around so much history. Although, it disappointed me that I never saw Tom Hiddleston or Idris Elba.” Jules giggled the most delightful laugh.

Simon reached for her hand, eager to touch her, although she seemed tentative about physical affection. He could understand that. This was unfamiliar territory for them, and he hadn’t exactly been a prince among men. “They have nothing on me, darling.”

“I don’t know,” she deviously sang. “Have you ever heard Tom Hiddleston recite the alphabet or read bedtime stories?” She fanned herself. “The ABCs have never sounded so good, and I’ve never drifted off to sleep so happily.”

Simon pulled Jules closer and whispered low enough in her ear that Jack wouldn’t hear him try to seduce the beautiful creature. “If you’re looking for someone to read you bedtime stories, I would be happy to meet the need.” He reveled in the way his words elicited a shiver from her in the warm air and the way the skin rose on her elegant neck. Simon, unable to help himself, kissed her cheek.

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