Page 81 of Always on My Mind

She didn’t have time to pitch the idea before Stevie came in and herded everyone back to where Billie sat for the present opening. They all trooped in. Billie asked Tessa to sit beside her, with Stevie on the other side.

Presents seemed to go on forever. There were several that were too large, so Tessa or Stevie got up to open them for Billie. Those were the crib, stroller, and car seat. There were endless clothes and blankets and stuffed animals. Plenty of books as well. But when Billie unwrapped the vintage Winnie the Pooh from Tessa, she gasped, and her eyes watered as she looked at her best friend.

“Tessa, it’s gorgeous,” she sighed. “I love it.”

“I got it days after you learned you were pregnant,” Tessa said. “I wrote you a note inside.”

Billie blinked, but opened the book, where Tessa had taped the personal note inside.

“You can read it out loud,” Tessa said, as Billie opened her mouth to no doubt ask that question. Her smile told Tessa that was correct.

“Billie,” Billie began. “I can’t believe the drunk girl I rescued from some rando at a party became my best mate. I find it even more amazing that all these years later, heading into our thirties, we are still best mates. I am beyond happy that you found Ethan, your forever partner, your soulmate. You two deserve the happiness you found in each other, and I know you will be the most incredible parents to your wee fella. Most people would call this your happily ever after. But I know better. You are only at the beginning of your biggest adventure. I hope to be at your side for the whole journey, until we’re little old ladies in rocking chairs, reading this very book to your grandchildren. I love you, Tessa.”

Billie choked on a sob as she read the last sentence, and she yanked Tessa into her arms through a chorus ofawwwws fromthe other guests. Tessa’s own eyes misted over. She meant every word. No matter what happened with Jamie, Tessa would always have Billie, a soulmate of a different kind.

“Thank you,” Billie whispered. “I love you too.”

Tessa gave her a gentle squeeze. “You’re going to be amazing.”

Billie sniffled, and then Stevie was handing her the next present.

Once all were opened, Jamie and Tessa helped Stevie clean up. They made a game out of it. Stevie held open the bin bag, while Tessa balled up wrapping paper and tossed it to Jamie, who kicked it into the bin bag. The way she would chip a ball into the net at training.

“Rebecca will be pleased to know I’m still getting target practice in on my day off,” she joked.

“Gotta keep you match fit,” Tessa said.

Stevie chuckled. “Anything to help.”

She tied up the bin bag and carried it into the kitchen, where most of the guests had retreated to finish off the food and drinks. Jamie approached Tessa and took her hand. For the first time all day.

“That was a sweet gift,” Jamie said. “I got choked up watching you two.”

“Billie’s my best mate,” Tessa replied. “I’d do anything for her, and I am genuinely excited to be an auntie to her wains.”

“You’ve got such a big heart, Tessa. It’s one of the things I love most about you.”

Tessa opened her mouth to reply, but the sound of footsteps caused Jamie to yank her hand away. For nothing, it turned out, since it was only Billie.

“We’ve got loads of food. Do either of you want to take any home?” she asked.

Tessa swallowed the hurt once again and looked at Billie. “Sure. Thanks.”

“No problem. Jamie?”

“I’m alright, but thank you for offering,” Jamie said.

Billie disappeared back into the kitchen, and Tessa heaved a sigh. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

Chapter 25

Jamie hadn’t sat down for her entire therapy appointment. She paced back and forth across Lila’s office, the expression on Tessa’s face when she’d pulled her hand away still etched in her brain. It would haunt her for years. Especially if it cost her Tessa.

“I keep letting her down,” Jamie said. “I keep hurting her. I know we had an agreement for being back together this time, but I know I can’t keep hurting her or it’ll be over. Why can’t I get there?”

Lila peered at Jamie from over her glasses. “How has it been with your father since you pushed back with him at Christmas?”

“Fine, I suppose,” Jamie said. “He has sort of backed off. Not completely, and he’s still on my case about mistakes, but nothing I can’t handle. Or ignore.”

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