Page 117 of Fire and Ice

Frances tutted at her and dragged her into the house. "You should think about changing your job."

Jack had explained what Maia did for living after she had saved his parents and Brett from the assassins.

"What I said," Jack muttered behind them as Maia shot him a glare.

Robert, who was normally more an observer than a talker said, "Maia, sweetheart, it'll probably be better for everyone's peace of mind if you um, find a desk job."

Maia sidled up to Jack and said sweetly, "I hope you didn't get your parents to gang up on me."

"Of course not, sweetheart," Jack smirked.

"I'm putting you in the gardener's cottage so you two lovebirds can have some privacy," Frances said coyly.

"A cottage?"

"There's a cottage behind the main house connected by a portico," Jack said. "It used to begardener's cottage but it's used now for guests who have children."

"We have a full house. Most of the guests should be arriving soon. Why don't you two freshen up? I'll have someone bring your luggage over."

"Mom, we can take care of that," Jack said. "Seriously, relax and don't worry about us."

"It's just that ..." Frances broke off as she got teary-eyed as her gaze fell on Maia.

Maia felt like a rabbit caught in a trap. Jack noticed her reaction and quickly grabbed their suitcases and nudged her out of the living room and out the back door.

"See you later Frances, Robert," Maia mumbled as she followed Jack to the exit.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Jack left a sleeping Maia on the sprawling brass bed at the gardener's cottage. She had been sleeping a lot during her recovery, but he thought that this time she just wanted to avoid his mother.

He sauntered through the connecting portico and found his mom directing the caterer who had arrived early to prepare some of the dishes for the following day. Derek and his Aunt Nat were sitting around the large kitchen island drinking pre-dinner cocktails.

"And here is my favorite nephew," Aunt Nat cooed as she held her cheek out for the obligatory kiss.

"Don't let Brett hear that," Jack replied as he thumped Derek on the back in greeting. Looking at his mom, he said. "By the way, where is Brett?"

"He'll be in time for dinner," Frances replied. "Where's Maia?"

Aunt Nat stilled and listened attentively.

"Taking a nap before dinner. I think the drive wore her out," Jack said. "Mom, can I talk to you for a sec."

Frances shrugged and followed her son to the sitting room.

"What is it dear?" Frances asked.

"Listen, Maia and I are still very new in our relationship. This Thanksgiving dinner kind of spooked her and she's uncomfortable with you talking like you're already planning our wedding," Jack said. One had to be blunt with his mom otherwise it was like pulling hair.

"You do want to marry her, though?"

"Mom," Jack said in exasperation. "I don't know. I haven't even thought that far. We haven't even talked about how we feel."

"Jack, it's obvious that you love her."

"Well, if it is, she isn't ready to discuss it," Jack said bitterly, then exhaled in resignation. "But I'm ready to wait patiently. And I'm hoping you don't scare her off before I get the chance to tell her how I feel."

His mom touched her chest as if she had heard something very profound. "Oh Jack, I'm so happy." Her eyes filled with tears. "After Claire, I wasn't sure you'd find someone again. But seriously, son, did you have to find someone so complicated?"

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