Page 97 of Done Waiting

Tears are on her cheeks as she says, “I was so afraid I was either a game or an obligation to you. That your feelings weren’t real…”

Fuck. I can’t tell her that she was originally a means to an end, part of my game to lure her mother in, until I realized I’d fallen for her.

Instead, I squeeze her ass. “I love you so damn much.”

Her smile is like a full moon, brightening the dark skies. “I love you, Jagger.”

We stand there, gazing at one another, goofy smiles on our faces, beneath the cold November sky. And then she shivers and I know I need to get her inside.

“Let’s get you dressed.” I stoop down, adjusting her thong and pulling her pants up. Then I grab my boxers and sweatpants, pulling them up.

She smiles at me, shaking her head.

“What?”

“You. You always take care of me, first.”

I grin, leaning down and giving her a quick peck on the lips. “And I always will.” Then I bend down, lifting her into my arms. “How about a nice, hot bath?” Turning, I carry her along the trail leading us from the edge of the woods. A long, content sigh comes from her as she whispers, “Perfect. Just like you are for me.”

I smile, pressing my lips against hers. “And you for me.”

Maddie tilts her head, looking at the stars in the sky. I lift my head, taking them in, then back down at where I’m walking.

“My dad used to tell me that if you wished upon the first star you saw in the sky, your wish would come true. For the longest time, I didn’t believe that to be true.”

“Why not?”

“I wished upon a star a long time ago. When it didn’t come true, I made the wish again. And again. Always the same wish, but it never came true.” The wind blows her hair in her face and she pushes it away, her gaze locking on mine. “After I met my ‘dark hero’ at Falls Creek Park, I was disappointed when Dad took me back there, but he—you—never showed up. That night, I wished upon a star that the next time I was at the park, he’d—you’d—be there. As you know, that didn’t happen. But it didn’t stop me from wishing on the first star I’d see in the sky every chance I got.”

My heart bangs inside my chest.She wished for me. To see me again.“Maddie.” My voice is thick, throat choking on emotion. “I wished on stars, too. To see you again.” I swallow hard. “I would look at the night sky, filled with stars, believingmy mom could somehow look down and see me. And I wished to her that I’d see you again.” I suck in the cold November air, trying to calm myself. My eyes move back to Maddie’s. “It took years, but my wish finally came true.”

Her honey-brown eyes sparkle, brighter than the stars in the sky. “Some things are worth waiting for.”

My heart bursts inside my chest. “Yes, they really are.”

38

MADISON

Afew days later, I sit on the couch beside Jagger, sipping on some hot chocolate. Abby sits beside me on the recliner, her swollen feet propped up, while Bryce and Jagger sit across from us.

“I shouldn’t have put in a fourteen-hour day in the ER,” Abby whispers. “But there was a bad accident and they were short-staffed.” She shrugs, her gaze shooting to Bryce. Luckily, he’s busy in front of his laptop, his fingers flying over the keys.

“You have a huge heart, Abby. Just make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your little one.” I nod toward her baby bump.

She grins. “Now you sound like Bryce, except he says, ‘Our little one.’ And just like I do with him, I promise you, I’m taking care of her and me.”

“Good.” I squeeze her hand, giving her a smile. It’s amazing how quickly I bonded with Abby. She feels like the sister I’ve never had.

Jagger’s quizzical expression draws my attention to him. He’s staring at his phone, muttering, “Did either of you call me and leave a message?”

Jason shakes his head. Bryce’s head snaps up from his laptop. “Nope. But let me log in here…” his voice trails off as he exchanges a quick look with Jagger that’s loaded with meaning.

He suspects it’s Ben.Fear lodges inside my chest as I stare at Jagger.

Jagger’s brows furrow, his gaze locking on mine. “Are you okay if I put this on speakerphone?”

I nod. “Please. I’d like to hear it.”

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