Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
I hug my bouquet close to my chest. “We’ll be spending a lot of time with each other soon enough. I got accepted to school to get my PhD.”
He drops the luggage to pull me into his arms again. “That’s fantastic news baby girl. Then I can tell the world my baby doll is a doctor.”
“Not a medical doctor. There’s a distinction.”
“Don’t down yourself. That’s still a major accomplishment.”
Since Jackson was bicoastal we decided on making our base in New York I wouldn’t be too far away from my father and when he had to travel to California I would go with him when possible.
Instead of looking for a new job, I decided to apply to schools in New York to get my Ph.D. in Counseling.
“I know, I just wanted to make that distinction.”
“I’m so proud of you, babe and I mean that.” He drops a kiss on my forehead.
When I slide into the buttery leather seats of his luxury SUV, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a long travel day.
“How’s your dad,” Jackson asks.
“He’s doing fantastic. His latest test results show that his cancer is in remission and the rest of his bloodwork looks great. He’s taken up golf and he had a girlfriend now.”
“Rose?”
“Yep, they’re an official couple and I can’t be happier for him. He seems to be in good spirits these days, except for…”
“Yeah, I know, baby doll, but that can’t be helped. Your brother has no one else but himself to blame.”
Langston was unfortunately the only dark cloud in an otherwise clear sky. Instead of turning himself in, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested when he was caught speeding. The D.A. gave him probation which required him to go to gamblers anonymous. My brother immediately violated his probation and went to the casinos and got into a fight with someone at the craps table.
He will be in jail for the next five years, possibly less with good behavior. I hope he eventually gets his act together.
Me and Jackson never heard from his mother again. The last I checked, she moved out of Champion but no one knows where she went. And Jackson doesn’t talk about her. Personally I hope she’s having the life she deserves for what she put Jackson through.
“That’s true. But Dad still feels a little guilty about it.”
“That’s because he has a big heart.”
“He does, but I’m just glad to see him happy.”
“We have a few houses that the real estate agent wants to show you this weekend.”
“Oh, I can’t wait. I hope it’s not one of those huge mansions. I just want something cozy for the two of us for now. Three to four bedrooms, tops.”
He nods in agreement. “Trust men, I don’t want to live in another monstrosity like Champion manor.”
Despite his wealth, Jackson was humble with his money. Yes, he pampered me and himself with luxury items, but he also created a scholarship program through his company for disadvantaged youth looking to attend college. He saw that my father was well taken care of, and I could tell he was a generous boss judging from the way the subordinates in his company treated him.
He was far removed from the cocky boy, he was in high school and I fall in love with him a little more each day.
I place my hand on his knee. “Jackson?”
“Yeah, babe?” he asked keeping his eyes on the road.
“I love you.”
“Love you, too babe.”
My heart flutters each time he utters those words.
We ride in a comfortable silence on the way to the temporary condos he’s staying in until we find a permanent home together.
“Jackson would you mind terribly if we stop at this convenient store. I’m craving something sweet.”
“No problem.” He turns into the convenient store driveway. “Any particular thing you want.”
“Hmm, something chocolate.”
“Okay but you have to pay the price.”
“And what’s that?”
“A kiss.” He leans over and gives me a lingering kiss on the mouth. When he pulls away he grins. “I like chocolate too.”
I giggle as he slides out of the car. As I wait for him, I open his glove compartment to search for a tissue to blow my nose that’s been running all day from being in the sky.
I freeze when I see a ring box.