Wanted A Real Family(63)

Marissa took Jordan into a huge hug. But Sara was more aware of Jase stopping what he was doing to pay attention to Amy, who wanted to show him the drawing right away.

His arm went around her, his head bent toward hers as she explained, “That’s me...and you...and Mommy...and balloons.”

Marissa kissed Jordan, then set him on her office chair, giving him a little ride around the area. “So, did you see the comments on the article?” she asked. “I didn’t call you, because they were all good. Except for that one snide one...about how everybody should have a Raintree Winery to recover from trauma.”

Sara had glanced at the comments online over her lunch break and again before she’d left work. Marissa was right. They’d all been positive. Her interview as well as Ann Custer’s, the army wife whose husband was serving in Afghanistan, had been the subject of conversation among patients today, too. They’d mentioned they’d never heard of The Mommy Club before Jase’s article and they were glad he was publicizing the organization.

But Sara had had other things on her mind. She said to Marissa, “I’m glad you and Liam talked me into letting Jase put my story into print. Maybe other parents who have been helped will come forward, too.”

“Jase got a call from Cal. A newspaper in Sacramento wants to carry the series. Jase is going to become famous again.” She saw the look on Sara’s face. “Is that good or bad?”

“He could leave again,” Sara said lightly.

“And you don’t want that.”

“No, I don’t. But I’m not sure what I want matters.” She wasn’t saying what she was really thinking—that she wasn’t sure if she mattered. Sex was one thing and love was another. She did love Jase, but she wasn’t sure that love was returned.

“I’d better corral Amy,” she said.

Marissa’s expression was sympathetic, as if she understood it all. Maybe she did. Hadn’t she been involved with a cowboy who’d left?

Jase was still listening to Amy’s chatter as Sara approached him. When his gaze met hers, she felt all trembly again, as she had in the garage after they’d made love. What on earth had she been thinking? Obviously she hadn’t been thinking or she never would have had sex with him without protection. What if she did get pregnant?

She’d deal with it. Just as she’d dealt with everything else that had come along. A baby was a precious gift and Jase’s baby—

Well, she’d let him play whatever part he wanted to in his child’s life. What else was there to do when she loved him?

“Good response to the article,” he said. “I’ve even had more volunteers for interviews.”

“I’m going to push Jordan,” Amy announced, seeing what fun the little boy was having as Marissa pushed him on the rolling chair around the office.

“She and Jordan make a great pair,” Jase said, and then he pointed to the drawing Amy had left on his desk. “I guess that’s the three of us at the festival.”

“Children remember the good times,” Sara said.

“I thought you might call to tell me what Kiplinger had to say.”

“I called him this morning and left a message. He didn’t call me back until this afternoon. All he would say was that he’d give me High Point’s decision on Friday.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to postpone my trip to San Diego?”

“I’m sure. Whatever the decision is, the ramifications will still be here when you get back.”

Seeing Marissa was occupied, Jase took Sara’s hand and pulled her toward him for a kiss. But she stopped him. “Someone could walk in.”

He canvassed her face for a long moment. “Yes, they could. At some point you’re going to have to decide whether we’re a couple...or not.” He didn’t step back; rather he held her even closer. “I have a dinner meeting in town, but I can come by tonight.”

And what would happen tonight? Was she ready to admit to Jase what she felt for him? Would she invite him into her bedroom and make the decision that she was having this affair no matter whether Jase stayed at Raintree or resurrected his career?

* * *

An hour later, Sara was still thinking about Jase and his photojournalistic talent as she readied a supper of toasted turkey and cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit and raw baby carrots. Amy liked all of the above. Maybe afterward, she and Amy would bake some of those chocolate chip cookies Jase liked so much. For now, her daughter was in her room, drawing another picture and plastering it with butterfly and cat stickers.

When someone knocked on the door, Sara couldn’t imagine who it might be...unless maybe Kaitlyn had stopped by for a visit after reading the interview.