“Thanks, man. Libby’s desperate to see you. She’s waiting at the ranch house with Annie.”
I shake my head. “I can’t believe you’ve been married for four years and have a baby. For me, the wedding was only a few months ago.”
“It’llallcome back to you, Jack.” He stresses the word all as his eyes flick to Zara.
“Shall we get out of here? I can’t wait to have a shower,” she says, taking my arm and ushering me out of the door. I shrug half-heartedly as she pulls me past Mason and into the corridor. Thanking the nurses as we pass the nursing station, I suddenly can’t wait to get out of here.
* * *
It’s almostdark as Mason parks the truck outside the ranch house. I look up to see Libby on the porch swing. Her Kindle is in her hand, and I can’t help but smile. I might have lost my short-term memory, but it’s good to know some things never change. After climbing out of the truck, I head up the steps, meeting Libby at the top.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she chokes out, tears swimming in her eyes. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t come to the hospital.” She steps toward me and pulls me into a hug. I hug her back fiercely, suddenly needing that familiarity of someone I’ve known all my life and who has always been there for me.
“That’s okay. I understand, you’ve had your hands full.” My eyes go past her to the pram behind her. “Congratulations, Lib. I’m so happy for you and Mason.”
“Come and meet her again.” She looks sheepishly at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say again.”
I chuckle. “It’s okay, Lib.” She turns and reaches inside the pram, scooping up a tiny bundle dressed in pink.
“This is Annie. Annie, this is Uncle Jack.”
Smiling, I stare at Annie. “She’s beautiful.”
“Come inside and you can hold her. Mum and Dad are in the den with Jacob.” I nod and follow her inside. I turn around, expecting to see Zara behind me, but it’s just Mason.
“Where did Zara go?” I ask, looking past him.
He shrugs. “Said she needed to go do something and disappeared.” I frown and look out over the ranch. Not seeing her, I turn back around and head on inside.
After a round of hugs from my parents and Jacob, I finally sit down and meet my niece. She’s tiny and perfect and sleeps the whole time I’m holding her. Jacob seems to adore her too and climbs onto my lap so I’m holding both of them. I can’t believe I can’t remember either of them. It makes my heart hurt to think I can’t remember Jacob’s birth, or his first step, or first word. I hope to God I get those memories back.
Annie begins to cry, and I hand her back to Libby, who starts to feed her, her cries instantly stopping. “I guess I should get Jacob to bed. It’s getting late.”
“Let me help you. You should be resting. Where’s Zara?” my mum asks as she stands and picks Jacob up from off my lap.
“I don’t know.” She rolls her eyes and I frown.
“Did something happen between you and Zara, Mum?” I ask.
“What? No!” Her cheeks flush pink and she walks out of the den with Jacob. I notice Libby looking at me sadly, but I don’t have the energy to question her. Instead, I say a quick goodbye to everyone before following Mum and Jacob upstairs. They’re not on the landing when I get there, and I stand on the top step, realizing I have no idea which room Jacob is in. Remembering I stayed in Savannah’s room the last time I was at the ranch, I make my way to that room, knowing the first room on the left is Brody’s, although I have no idea if he still lives here four years later. Pushing the door open, I walk in, stopping in my tracks when I see Aria coming out of the bathroom with a tiny towel wrapped around her. She screams when she sees me, her hand flying to her chest.
“Shit! You scared me.”
“Aria! I’m so sorry.” My eyes track up and down her body, her hair wet from the shower. When my eyes finally find hers, she’s staring at me. “My mum brought Jacob up to bed, but I don’t know which room is his. Or even where I’m sleeping, for that matter.”
“It’s okay. Your room is next door, and Jacob’s is just across the hallway.”
“Do you live here? At the ranch house?”
She nods. “I rent a room from Claire and Ryan. It was supposed to be short term while I helped Savannah with a new horse. Twelve months later, I’m still here.” She laughs and I find myself smiling at her.
“You have a great laugh.” A flush of pink travels up her neck and onto her cheeks, and I close my eyes, wondering why the hell I said that.
“I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I don’t know where that came from.”
“It’s okay,” she whispers, her eyes fixed on mine.
“I should…” I gesture over my shoulder and take a couple of steps backwards.