Page 79 of Free to Believe
Tears burn behind my eyes before they slide down my face. It’s been a little over two weeks since Mugsy died of a brain aneurysm. Dr. Hillman not only assured me this was common, but there was absolutely nothing I could have done to have saved him. “Thank you,” I manage to get out.
The receptionist clears her throat. “Unfortunately, I also need to inform you that in order to release Mugsy’s ashes to you, we need to have you come down and sign some additional paperwork. Either it was misplaced or not signed the night you came in.”
While I want to spew outraged fury, all I feel is bone tired. “I understand. Mistakes happen.”
Her relief is evident. “I am so incredibly sorry about this, Ms. Freeman. Truly. After this, we should have Mugsy’s ashes back to you within a few days.”
A shot through the heart might be less painful. “What time are you open until?”
“Five today. If we can’t get the papers signed today, Ms. Freeman, it will mean more of a delay since we don’t handle things on the island…” I cut her off.
“I’ll be by.” After hearing her thank me again, I disconnect the call. I’m buried under a pile of rejected sketches I’ve been working on since this morning. The emotions are so twisted inside me, I can’t sort them out. Letting out a huge sigh, I close my eyes.
“Who was calling, baby?” Jake’s voice startles me.
“The veterinarian,” I reply wearily. His hands settle on my shoulders and begin rubbing. “God, that feels so good.”
“What did they want?”
“Either I didn’t sign papers, or they forgot to give me papers. I have to go down there to get them signed before they can…” My throat clogs on the words. “Anyway, I’m just going to head over there in a few.”
Jake stops rubbing my shoulders and squats down next to me. “Em, I don’t want you driving over there by yourself.” He takes my hand between both of his.
“I’ll be okay. I just have to fill out papers.”
“The last time you were there, you were a wreck,” he says bluntly. “Does it have to be done today?”
I nod. “Otherwise, I won’t get him back for at least a week.” Moisture begins gathering in the corner of my eyes.
“Damn,” he bites out.
Taken aback, I jerk my hand away.
“No, it’s not you, Em. I literally just agreed to have two guys come by for Dani to give estimates on the cost of painting the main house and the garage. They’re due any minute. I came to let you know so you wouldn’t be surprised when you see strangers walking around.”
“Jake, I’ll be fine. I’ll drive carefully and I’ll call you when I’m on my way back. It will take me less than an hour.”
He bites his lower lip in that way that drives me crazy. “Stop that. You have painters coming,” I whisper with a small smile.
A small smirk appears on his lips instead. He leans forward and presses his lips against mine. “I was thinking.”
I raise a brow. He grins before reaching out and tapping a finger on my nose. “Not about that. How about Jenna drives you over? Then on the way back, you can drop her at work for me?”
Jake has been letting Jenna venture out with an adult in her car to gain more experience driving. He’s still uncomfortable with the idea of her and Lynne driving themselves around during tourist season—something Lynne’s parents wholeheartedly agree with. “That’s awfully sweet, babe, but don’t you think you should ask her?”
“Even if she didn’t love you as much as I do, she’d jump at the chance to drive,” he says wryly. He pulls out his phone and begins texting his daughter.
Oh. My. God.
He just said it.
“Jake…” My voice is a reflection of my heart: completely broken and utterly panicked.
His face takes on a shadow of my pain when he whispers, “Don’t say anything. It doesn’t change how I—we—feel.” Leaning forward, he brushes his lips against mine. Seconds later, his phone pings with a response. “Jenna said she’ll meet you here in thirty minutes. Better clean up your papers unless you want them scattered to the wind.”
“Jake…” I can’t say more than his name. If I do, I’m going to tell him I’m falling too.
And what kind of sick hell will that rain down on us?
