Chapter 12
In just the short time since Harper had allowed me to come back into her life, I felt better than I ever had in my life.
Her coming back to me with a son should have felt crazy, but I wanted my girl any way I could get her.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that Cameron was a bonus.
I loved his little intelligent ass. He was so much like Harper that it amazed me.
He was so curious and had no problem asking questions. It made him a fast learner.
It felt good every time I heard someone bragging on him.
In my eyes, he was just as much mine as he was Harper’s.
I didn’t give a damn what his last name was.
I was raising him to be a St. John man. The only difference was I wouldn’t pressure him into following in my footsteps.
That pressure only caused unwarranted stress and anxiety.
I knew firsthand how hard that could come down on someone.
He could be anything he wanted to be, as long as he was happy.
He just needed to know his mom and I wouldn’t be taking care of him our entire lives.
He could do whatever he wanted to do with that information.
I felt so good that I briefly considered going off my meds just to see how things would go.
It was just a passing thought. I knew better than to chance it.
Harper wasn’t the source of my depression.
She was just a trigger to it. I’d had dinner with her and Cameron three times in the past week, and I still couldn’t get enough of them.
As much as I enjoyed spending time with them together, I looked forward to getting some alone time with Harper. I had no qualms with sneaking in and making love to her almost every night since the first time, but the house was small.
Since Harper didn’t want to bring Cameron to my house or drop him off on her mom to creep with me, I was forced to keep things quiet and somewhat clean.
I didn’t mind it, but at the same time, I was ready to get loud and dirty with my girl.
My house was perfect for that, but Harper was weary about spending the night, even if she could bring Cameron along.
I didn’t know about Harper, but I had been on cloud nine since the night she let me into her bed.
I was doing the work to make sure I kept her happy.
I needed full access to her heart again.
I knew I couldn’t ask her to trust me if she was still coughing up water from the last time I let her drown.
I had to show her that I was still the man she loved all those years ago.
I wanted to remind her of the old days and how much we loved each other.
It felt good that she was coming around more and more every day.
Since I figured Jase would pop in every chance he got to see Harper at work, I had to make sure my presence was felt around there.
I made sure to send her lunch and flowers every few days.
She gave up protesting after the third day.
I wanted to make sure Harper knew that I was in her corner.
If it were up to me, she would never have to work.
My baby loved the idea of being self-sufficient. The least I could do was respect it.
The mountains were as breathtaking as ever.
I loved coming here to clear my head. Harper had been quiet since we’d made it to the house.
I could tell that her wheels were turning.
I didn’t need her in her head. I needed her out here with me.
I found her out on the balcony with a cup of hot cocoa clutched in her hands.
We had only been here for about an hour.
I was still winding down from the drive, so I could only imagine what was going on in her head.
I wished that she could be in mine so she could see how sincerely apologetic I was for hurting her and how I intended to spend my life making it up to her.
I wanted her and Cameron to move in, and I planned to ask her before we went back home.
“What’s going on in that beautiful mind?” I asked, walking up and wrapping my arms around her from behind. The warmth of her body instantly relaxed me.
“It’s so pretty out here. I was just thinking about how much things have changed for me in a matter of months.”
“I brought you here to unwind and reset. Hopefully, you will feel like a new woman when we leave here.”
“I already feel better than I have in a long time.”
“Well after you get back from the spa, you’ll feel even better.”
“We’re going to a spa, JoJo?” she cooed, turning to face me.
“You’re going to a spa. I’ll be here waiting for you to get back.”
“So, you’re not going with me? I thought we came here to spend time together.”
“It’s for you, Harper. I’m going to make dinner while you’re out.”
She burst out laughing. “Now, I know you’re lying.”
“OK, you got me there, but I am going to make sure dinner is ready by the time you get back. We’re not leaving this house again after you get back.”
The devious smile that curved her full lips made me bite down on my bottom lip. If she didn’t have anywhere to be in the next few minutes, I would bend her over the balcony and show her why there was no neighbors for miles.
“Come inside so you can put on something warm before you go.”
“It’s kinda chilly out here, but it’s nice.”
“Be that as it may, I don’t need you getting sick on me. I’ll keep you warm while you’re here, but while you’re out, I would prefer if you wore a coat.”
“Yes, doctor.” Her response had a smile curving my lips.
“That’s what I like to hear. Your ride will be here in twenty minutes,” I said, kissing her hands before turning to head back in the house. I needed her out of here as soon as possible. The chef I hired was scheduled to arrive soon. I wanted the night to be perfect for our girl.