“You’re Jacob’s whole world, Jack,” Savannah says softly.
“And Zara?”
“All I’m going to say is, she didn’t think of you when she up and left. Why should any decisions you make about the rest of your life be based on her?” Savannah says with a shrug.
“They aren’t based on her. They’re based on Jacob and what he needs.”
“And what about what you need?” she asks.
“I want to be with Aria. I can’t imagine my life without her in it, but it’s not as easy as that. Zara has parental responsibility. Legally I can’t just take Jacob away. Sometimes we don’t get what we want.”
“So you’re just going to give up?” Libby asks, as she wipes away her tears.
“I’m not giving up. I’m being realistic.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
I stand and pull her up into a hug. “I am happy.”
“Yeah, but for how long?”
Sighing, I hold her close. Seeing Aria heading back, I say, “Where’s that niece of mine? I haven’t had a hold yet.”
“Nice change of subject,” she says with a sad smile. Mason reaches into the pram that sits at the side of them and scoops up a sleeping Annie. He hands her to me, and I lift my eyes to see Aria smiling at me.
“I’m just borrowing Annie,” I say over my shoulder to Lib. “We’ll be right back.” Walking the short distance to Aria, I place my hand in hers. “Walk with me?”
“Okay.” I lead her across the garden and out of the gate.
“Are you okay?” I ask when we’re a little way from the house.
She nods. “I just hate to hear you talking about going home. I can’t think of you not being here.” Her voice breaks and her eyes drop to the ground. “I’m sorry. I know you can’t stay. I don’t mean to be so needy.”
“Hey, look at me.” I wait until her gaze meets mine. “You are not being needy.” I pull her as close as I can while holding Annie. “If it were just me, I’d stay in a heartbeat. You know that, right?” It’s the first time we’ve spoken about me not being able to stay. We both knew it, but saying it aloud makes it more real somehow.
“I know,” she whispers. “I wish things were different.”
“So do I, baby.” I rest my forehead on hers and close my eyes. “Come home with us?”
“What?” She gasps as she takes a step back.
“When we go back to England, come with us.” Her eyes are wide, and I know they mirror my own. “I can’t imagine my life without you in it, Aria. I can’t stay here, but you could come with us.” I can almost see her mind working overtime as she stares at me. “Say something,” I beg when she stays silent, her eyes still fixed on me.
“I can’t imagine my life without you either, Jack, but what would I do in the UK? Everything I know is here…” She trails off, her teeth worrying her bottom lip
“We have stables and riding schools in the UK.” I pause and drag my hand through my hair. “I know what I’m asking of you is huge, but how I feel about you, Aria, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime love, and I know we can make this work.” She’s quiet again, and I’ve no idea what her decision’s going to be.
“Okay,” she mouths, her voice barely audible.
“Is that a yes?”
She laughs and throws her hand over her mouth. “That’s a yes,” she says between her fingers. “Are we really doing this?”
“You bet we are! I love you so much, Aria.” I kiss her, a feeling of relief washing over me. Mason was right, I wouldn’t have been able to breathe without her.
“I love you more.”
“Not possible,” I whisper against her lips. Annie stirs in my arms, and Aria takes a step back.