Page 117 of The Making of Marnie Jones

Sometime later, her weeping eased. Tiny tremors replaced her tears. Eventually the tremors gave way to soft, deep breaths.

With the greatest of gentleness, he stood, still holding her in his arms. She seemed as if she'd barely weighed anything, but he knew it to be deceptive. She had a spine of steel, and a heart of gold.

He followed the path toward what he assumed was the master bedroom. The hallway light provided enough illumination for him to see the bed. When he placed her on it, she stirred briefly then resettled. With reluctance and a heavy heart, he laid a blanket across her, then stepped back and closed the door.

***

The key in the lock had Jake moving to stand near the entrance. Olivia came in first, followed by a handsome young man.

“Uncle Jake!” Olivia threw herself into his arms.

“Hey, kiddo.”

“You're here. You said you wouldn't be here until tomorrow.” Her blue eyes sparkled.

“I made better time. Still a long drive, though.”

She shook her head. “Toronto to Vancouver? You're nuts, but never mind. I'm glad you're here.”

A young man stepped forward, holding out his hand. “It's nice to meet you, Mr. McGrath. My name is Tristan.”

Jake shook his hand. “Please call me Jake, seeing as I’m probably only half a dozen years older than you.”

“Jake.” Tristan stood a little straighter. “I was bringing Olivia home.”

At the mention of her name, Olivia glanced around. “Where's Marnie? She usually waits up for me.”

What do I say?

“She's had an episode. She's in bed, resting.”

Those same blue eyes narrowed in concern. “I have to go to her.”

“In the morning, Olivia. There’ll be plenty of time tomorrow.”

Her enthusiasm didn’t wane as she met Tristan’s gaze. “I had a great time.” She pressed a light peck on his cheek, and the young man blushed. She whispered something too soft for Jake to discern.

With still-flushed cheeks, Tristan waved to Jake and left.

Olivia locked the door and gave Jake a wide grin. “I like him.”

“You're allowed.” He eyed her carefully.But how are you really? Will you tell me the truth?“And I'm entitled to be a concerned uncle.”

“Which I appreciate.” Her enthusiasm was infectious. “We’re taking it slow. He knows. He understands.”

“Knows what?”

She met his gaze head-on. “That I'm going to need a lot of work in counseling before we can even move to kisses.”

“I’d be happy if you never moved to kisses—let alone anything else.”

She patted his cheek. “I bet you would. Don't worry, Uncle Jake, I'm not in a hurry. This is new for me, and I want to take it slow. I want to savor it, and I appreciate your concern. Marnie has said the same thing.” She yawned, stretching. “Well, I'm off to bed.”

He watched as she headed to her room.

What do I do now?

He planned to stay in a motel, but now he couldn’t bear to be too far from Marnie.

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