Page 62 of Mind Pucked

I can’t imagine not having Amelia in our lives, and I nearly ruined that with my mouth.

I don’t know when I’ll ever learn, but something tells me with Amelia around, I’ll learn soon enough…I just hope it will be enough.I hope I’m enough.

15

AMELIA

The next morning after the incident at the hospital, we’re sitting at the table eating breakfast when Jackson speaks for the first time that morning. He seems to be deep in thought before the words tumble out of his mouth.

“Hayden, how about we go out of town for a long weekend and maybe go to the zoo?” Jackson asks. “Grandma and Grandpa might be able to come with us.”

I try not to let the fact that I’m not included in his suggestion hurt me, but deep down it does. I know I can’t expect to be involved in everything they do, but I’d thought maybe he would want me with them. I tell myself not to be insecure about it, that he isn’t used to having a woman in his wife other than his wife, and I don’t need to be ridiculous about it. Hayden’s voice breaks me from my thoughts.

“Sure, Daddy. What about Amelia?” She looks up at him with wide eyes. “She needs to come with us.”

“Oh, no, Hayden. It’s okay,” I say, putting down my fork. “You and your daddy can go and have fun. I’ll be okay here.”

“No, I want you to go with us,” Hayden insists.

My eyes meet Jackson’s, and I can tell he’s worried. He bites his lip as he looks at Hayden and then at me.

“Would you like to come with us, Amelia?” he asks me, soft and low. “We’d love it if you’d come with us.”

I do want to go with them, but knowing that he’s hesitant about it makes me hesitate to answer. It feels like doesn’t want me to come along, but I know it’s most likely all in my head since my insecurities have a hold on me at the moment. I sit back in my chair, pushing my empty plate away, my thoughts running wild. It’s the first time we’d be doing anything as a family—of sorts—since getting together. It makes me nervous to think about it. Once again, Hayden’s small voice brings me from my thoughts.

“Melia? Pwease come with us,” she pleads with me.

I can’t deny her. I love her too much. I take a deep breath in and let it out as I look at her and smile.

“Okay, Hayden. I’ll come with you,” I tell her, making her smile. “You’ll need help keeping your daddy out of trouble.”

“Yay!” she squeals in excitement.

“Hey! I take offense to that!” Jackson exclaims in mock offense.

Hayden laughs at his teasing and the sound makes my heart squeeze in my chest. I can’t believe how fond of them I’ve become in the short time I’ve been with them. My eyes gravitate to the laughing little girl.

I can’t help but smile at her joy. Jackson’s eyes meet mine and he moves closer to me, taking my hand in his. My heart thuds in my chest as his warm hand covers mine. His skin feels so goodI want to feel more of it, but I know I can’t do that with Hayden right here. His voice brings me from my dirty thoughts.

“I don’t want you to think that I don’t want you to come with us, I just wasn’t sure if you’d want to do something like that, since everything is so new between us still,” he says as he draws circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.

“I know, Jackson. I wasn’t thinking anything bad,” I say softly, fibbing a bit.

He smiles, and I feel bad for even thinking he didn’t want me to go. Maybe one day I’ll get the nerve to tell him how insecure I’ve been when it comes to him, to us. I clear the table of breakfast dishes and load them into the dishwasher as he busies himself packing bags for himself and Hayden. I finish in the kitchen and then head home to pack a bag for myself, and a few hours later, Jackson is loading the bags while I buckle Hayden into her car seat. I climb into the front seat next to Jackson and we head off toward the highway.

“Did you book a hotel or are we just going to find something when we get there?” I ask, looking over at him.

“While I was packing, I found a beautiful Airbnb that’ll be perfect for us. I think you’re going to like it,” he says, excitement lacing his tone.

“I’m sure I will—you’ll be there.”

The radio plays softly as he drives, his hand resting on my thigh. His thumb strokes lazy circles as his fingers rest on the inside of my bare thigh. He likes it when I wear this skirt, since it’s a little shorter than what I usually wear. One of his love languages is physical touch, and I’m not sure if he even realizes it. Everything feels so right and good in this moment and I feel blessed to bewith him and the precious little girl in the back seat. I lean my head against the headrest and close my eyes as I smile to myself, thinking about how good things are between us.

We haven’t been on the road for much more than an hour when I hear a soft snoring sound from the back seat. “I can’t believe Hayden’s asleep already,” I say softly, not wanting to wake her. “She must’ve still been tired from all the excitement at the hospital yesterday.”

“Already? That is fast for her. I’m sure you’re right—that’s the first big hospital visit she’s had since she was born,” Jackson says, chuckling as a devilish smirk appears on his face. “That gives me plenty of time to have fun with you.”

I look over at him and see the smirk widening. In the time I’ve been with them, he’s never been very spontaneous or demanding, so whatever he’s up to is going to be something new—I’m sure of it.

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