Page 57 of Happy Trails & Honey Pots

“Jackson Stone,” he said in awe.

Jackson Stone was my character onHappy Trails. I used to correct people, but now I just went with it.

“Hey, Toby. I’m here for AJ’s birthday.”

“You know my name?” he said in disbelief.

I pointed to his chest. “It’s on your tag.”

“Oh, right.” He looked down at his chest.

“AJ’s party,” I reminded him.

“Oh, right, it’s in the back, in the King Arthur suite.”

“Okay, thanks.”

I started to walk past him, but he stopped me.

“I need to stamp you.” He held up a large rubber stamp that had what looked like a castle on it.

“Right.” I held out my hand, and he pressed it on the back of it. The back of my hand had a bright red stamped castle on it.

“Okay, you’re good to go, Jackson. All the way down the hall. Purple double doors, you can’t miss it.”

“Thanks, Toby.”

The wide hallway that led to the back room was painted on both sides with medieval landscapes. There was a large recreation of the Knights of the Roundtable with several dragons flying above.

I was halfway down the corridor when someone came through swinging doors carrying a cake. I had to stop on a dime so I didn’t run into them. My hand landed on the small part of their back.

“Oh, sorry.” The person glanced over their shoulder and apologized.

When our eyes locked, recognition dawned on both of us. It was Zoe carrying AJ’s cake. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she had on jeans and a green T-shirt that matched the color of her eyes exactly. It was the same shirt she was wearing the day I’d come over to work with AJ on his audition.

My fingertips flexed of their own accord slightly on her lower back. I needed to feel her to know that she was real. I knew that I missed her, but being this close to her, smelling the sweet floral and fresh scent that was uniquely her, and seeing the golden flecks floating in her emerald eyes surrounded by thick, dark lashes caused all of the feelings I’d bottled up to explode in me. I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.

“What are you…how did you…you’re not supposed to be here for two more days.”

I smiled widely. I couldn’t help it. I was so happy to see her. “I asked Harlan when the party was and changed my schedule.”

“But…why?” Her brow furrowed deeply.

It wasn’t exactly the reaction I had hoped for after not seeing her for a month.

“So, I could come to AJ’s party.”

She shook her head. “Harlan didn’t tell me that you were coming.”

“I wasn’t sure that I could make it, and I wanted it to be a surprise. I hope that’s okay.” I’d just assumed it was since she’d sort of invited me, but now I was getting the feeling that was not the case.

The door at the end of the hall opened, and Nadia stuck her head out. Her mouth made the shape of an O when she saw me. “Oh, hello! I was just seeing what the holdup was. Carry on.” She shut the door again.

“I can go if this isn’t a good idea.” I dropped my hand and instantly missed touching her.

“No, no. Don’t leave.” She shook her head. “I’m just… I just wasn’t expecting to see you. Um, here, why don’t you take the cake.”

“Oh, no. I don’t want to do that…you’re his mom. You should take it.”

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