Page 65 of Hidden Desires

“So are all the loose ends tied with Gallagher?” the Major asked Jackson while they shared a beer on the back deck. Roscoe chewed on a toy at his feet.

“Pretty much.” Jackson grabbed a toy of Roscoe’s and pitched it out in the yard. The little puppy took off after it, running as fast as his little legs would carry him. Jackson tipped his beer to his lips. “His alibi fell through, and he was charged with arson for Autumn’s clinic on top of everything else. Two or three police officers made note that he tried to buy them off to cover his ass. I’d say Frankie is staying in the ole pokey for a while.”

The Major nodded. “Job well done, son. I guess I need to pay you for your time.”

Jackson set the beer on the table between them and picked up the toy Roscoe brought back and threw it again. “Use the money to buy Autumn the clinic she wants. She’s been talking nonstop about a doggy ambulance service and from what I hear it’ll be expensive.”

The Major took a drag from his bottle. “She has so much of her mother in her. She’s always wanting to help someone or something. Faye would be so proud of her and what she’s doing with her life.”

Jackson nodded watching Roscoe lay in the grass and chew on his toy. “It’s hard not to be proud of Autumn.”

They shared small talk for a while enjoying each other’s company. The Major talked about his time in Africa and all the work they were doing. Jackson asked him about getting a local job and the Major couldn’t have been happier to help him out.

“Hey, guys.” Autumn slid the door open and Roscoe immediately grabbed his toy and ran to her. “Hello, baby. You want to play?”

She grabbed the toy and threw it out in the yard. “The boys went to the movies without me. Mind if I spoil your party?”

Jackson waved her over. Autumn sat in his lap and picked up Roscoe. The puppy licked her face. “Roscoe, calm down.”

The Major laughed. “Someone’s happy to see you.”

She rubbed his head and kissed him. “He’s such a good boy, aren’t you?”

Jackson rested his hand against her hip. “I was thinking of a June wedding. Maybe at the ranch if the Major will let us. What do you think?”

She smiled. “That sounds great. Mom’s birthday was in June. We could have it on the twenty-third in memory of her.”

He drank from his beer. “Whatever you want.”

The Major rubbed his hands together. “Will I be getting a grandbaby anytime soon?”

“Dad.” Autumn groaned. “Jeffery told me two days ago he and Kristin are having a baby. And we got you a grand dog. Isn’t that enough?” She turned the puppy to face him, pouting as she positioned him against her cheek.

The Major laughed. “Not the same. You’d make an excellent mother and we all know it.”

Jackson grinned. “I think he wants a little girl. One that’s just like his little girl.”

“Damn straight I want a little girl. I’m already planning Jeffery’s to be a boy. Yours will be a girl.” The Major chuckled. “Got any names picked out?”

“I’m thinking Chloe.” Autumn set the puppy down and turned to face Jackson. “It’s a beautiful name. It would be perfect for our first child.”

Jackson smiled at her, feeling so much love in his heart. “Chloe Faye.”

* * * *

Autumn crawled into bed while Jackson took a shower. She pulled on a sexy red baby doll nightie she picked up at Victoria’s Secret around Valentine’s Day when she was feeling sorry for herself and her pathetic love life. If she couldn’t have sex, the least she could do was look sexy. Though when she brought it home, she found it pointless to put on such a erotic garment when there was no one to wear it for.

She lay back against the pillows in the middle of the bed, feeling giddy inside. Jackson turned the water off and she smiled to herself. She felt like a teenager on prom night waiting to have sex with the hot guy on campus for the first time. She forced herself to relax, to appear as if there was nothing out of their normal routine.

When the door opened, steam flowed out around him. Jackson stood with a towel wrapped around his waist and flipped off the light switch. The candles she lit earlier cast the room in a soft light, making the room romantic and sensual.

Jackson didn’t comment on her attire as he walked to the bed. She saw the lust in his eyes, something that almost overpowered his love. Almost.

“Where have you been hiding that number?” He dropped the towel and crawled across the bed toward her.

She smiled, crazy in love. “I bought it for Valentine’s.”

“But I wasn’t here for Valentine’s.” His hand slid along her stomach in between the two ends of the fabric. “God, your skin is so soft.”

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