Page 120 of Jagger

“Now, I go purchase a business.”

She clapped her hands. “I’m glad you didn’t change your mind.”

“No, I couldn’t be more certain of my decision than I am. Danger Falls is where I’m meant to be.”

“What did you just say?” I asked, shocked at what I’d just heard. I was sitting across from Doc Welby and instead of a sheepish look, he seemed pleased with himself.

“I’m sorry, Bella. But it was an all-cash offer I couldn’t refuse.”

The clinic had been sold to someone else. “But we had a deal.”

“As I said, I’m sorry, but it was too good to pass up.”

I knew what was really happening here. Poppy had been able to put on a good face, playing an actress, but I wasn’t wanted in this town. Not after…

Swallowing, I tried to collect both my thoughts and my emotions. “Is there any chance the buyer will back out?”

“I don’t think so. I already have the money in my bank. I tried to call you, but all I got was voicemail.”

He had my old phone number. I’d been the one to fuck this up.

“I see. Well, thank you for your time.”

“Of course, Bella. I just hope… Well, I just hope you can find happiness. You seem like a very nice girl.”

A nice girl who’d made a porn film. Why would anyone bring their kid to be examined by me?

I couldn’t get out of his office fast enough. The knot I’d felt before was nothing in comparison to what had permanently attached itself to my stomach lining. I made it to my vehicle, but I had a feeling I’d stumbled half the way.

Tears had already formed, angry and bitter ones that stung as they leaked from my eyes. After everything, Joel had won a portion of the battle. I’d be damned if he was going to win another one.

Thankfully, Cally wasn’t here to see this, still in daycare. I wouldn’t be able to pick her up for another couple of hours. Right now, I needed the comfort of being alone.

Very much alone.

Even Xena was with her. I had the house to myself in case I needed to throw a tantrum.

Heading back to the cabin was really my only option.

Only it wasn’t my house. No matter how many subtle changes I’d made.

I allowed the tears to fall as I slipped into the SUV, taking no comfort in the plush leather seats or the fact a part of my nightmare was over with. Now, if I stayed, I had no idea what I’d do and how I’d make a better life for my daughter.

The drive was terrible, my vision blurry from tears and all I’d wanted was to catch a little break. All the bad decisions I’d made had come back to bite me.

Maybe it was best if I moved on, but how could I leave Jagger?

I passed his driveway, forced to go another mile before I could turn around. At least I could laugh at myself for being so stupid.

I finally managed to pull in, taking it slow up the slight hill. Seeing Jagger’s vehicle in the driveway had an entirely different effect than before. How was I going to tell him I wasn’t certain I had any choice but to leave town?

Idling in the driveway wasn’t a good thing to do. Only when I noticed an express package on the front porch did I finally cut the engine. Who knew. Maybe there was some good news inside the envelope.

My legs felt heavy as I walked up the stairs. But when I noticed a logo from Williams and Mullins, I was pushed into another layer of emotions. My hand shaking, I picked up the package, forced to sit down on the step before opening the flap.

The stack of papers was fairly significant, but inside was a final copy of my divorce decree and notification from the adoption courts that the adoption would not be going through as requested. There was also a letter stating my funds were in the process of being returned. It was the last line of the letter that brought another wave of surprise.

My bill had been paid in full.

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