Chapter 32
Welp. This was honeymooning with a difference. Not that Jessica and Teddy were really honeymooning.
They were married, yes.
But also just dating.
Jessica kind of hated thinking of what they were doing as dating, though.
But that was a problem for another day.
“You made it!” Lulu pulled open the car door before Teddy had even engaged the park brake.
“Hi,” Jessica said before turning back to face Teddy and widening her eyes.
He bit his lip and laughed quietly. For someone who had such a big personality Teddy was so much quieter than she’d ever imagined.
More intuitive, too. He must’ve known she’d needed a bit of time to gather her thoughts on the drive out here, and aside from making sure she was comfortable and didn’t need anything, he hadn’t pushed for conversation or small talk.
He’d put on an easy rock playlist and started singing along quietly, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel.
Maybe he’d needed some time to gather himself, too.
Jessica unclipped her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. Her feet had barely touched the ground before Lulu had wrapped her into a large hug.
“Ah,” the older woman exclaimed. “I’m so thrilled you’re here, Jessica. Truly. Next time, hopefully Sam can come too.”
Would she be so happy if she knew what Jessica had convinced her son to do?
That she’d borrowed his money to secure her dream?
Jessica pushed away the guilt, telling herself that if anyone ever found out, they’d understand.
Especially those with children. All parents understood the innate need to protect and provide for their kids.
Well, not all. Cara had messaged asking for money on the drive to the cabins.
“What am I, Mum? Chopped liver?” Teddy drawled, his shadow falling across Jessica’s line of sight.
Lulu looped him into the hug, and Jessica once again found herself pressed up close to his chest.
“You know I love you, Teddy.” She sniffed loudly. “I love all my boys so much.”
“Mum’s already made her special campfire mulled wine,” Owen said by way of greeting as he sauntered up to the group.
“Stop that,” Lulu hissed. “I’ve only had one glass. Maybe two.”
“She’s had four,” Nate stage whispered, appearing next to Owen.
“They were tiny! And now Joan doesn’t drink anymore, my tolerance has suffered.”
“Mum,” Teddy mumbled against Jessica’s hair, and she did her best not to notice how it made her body prickle with anticipation.
She’d been hyperaware of him ever since they’d kissed at the courthouse.
All Teddy’s kisses were great, but this one had been different.
It was going to live rent-free in her mind forever.
“Want to let my”—Teddy paused—“girlfriend go so we can put our bags away?”
If anyone else noticed the way Teddy’s voice deepened, they didn’t let on.
“Sure, sure,” Lulu said as she wiped her eyes before repositioning her glasses. “We put you two in Big Bear.”
Teddy froze. “Why?”
“Your father prefers Little Cub because it looks over the river.”
Owen snorted, and Nate seemed to be very interested in the canopy of trees above them.
“They all look over the river,” Teddy said.
“And these old hips can’t handle the spiral staircase.” Lulu gestured at herself. “Besides, Jessica’s first time here should be extra special. Hopefully, this is the first of many trips.”
“What’s Big Bear?” Jessica asked.
Teddy sighed so loudly Jessica would swear that the trees shook around them. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “We talked about this,” he muttered, but Jessica got the distinct impression he wasn’t talking to her. “I asked you all not to make this weird.”
“What’s weird about wanting our special guest to have the best cabin?” Lulu asked.
“It’s Dad’s birthday.”
“And he’s got the cabin he wants. Seems fair to me. Now, come on. You two are going to have so much fun!” Lulu crowed, linking her arm through Jessica’s and dragging her towards what looked like a much bigger, much fancier version of the treehouse Teddy had built for her and Sam.
“Can someone please explain to me what’s going on?” Jessica asked when she realised Teddy wasn’t following her and Lulu. Instead, he was getting their bags out of his ute tray and shooting warning glances at his brothers.
Teddy finally caught up to where she was. Jessica could see the apology in his expression even before he spoke. “They’ve put us in the honeymoon cabin.”
“Oh,” she squeaked.
Isn’t that ironic?
Jessica was going to be fine.
This was no big deal.
No siree.
Jessica wasn’t hiding in the bathroom. She was fixing her hair and her face. Getting changed. The Jameses could think whatever they wanted. She didn’t care.
Except …
Maybe she cared a little? The most minute, miniscule amount.
A smidge, nothing dramatic. She dropped her head into her hands and muffled a groan.
Not that anyone could hear her. The walls were made of thick logs—now that she’d seen it, she could understand what Teddy had meant when he said Nate had chosen his log cabin because it reminded him of this place.
Okay. Back to telling herself that things were going to be fine.
She was here with Teddy, and he was the best guy she’d ever known.
The Jameses were lovely.
It was only two nights.
And she’d be back home in her cosy little cottage with Sam and Blue. She and Teddy would go back to taking whatever time they needed to figure out if they wanted this to be something real.
It didn’t matter that they were husband and wife now. Those were just titles. Not reality.
“Starshine?” The man who was always on her mind knocked on the door.
“Yeah?”
“We’re heading to the river for a swim. You want to come?”
“I’m not much of a swimmer.”
Ah, there it was. The first lie of her second marriage. Although, considering this was a fake marriage, it shouldn’t count so much, but that didn’t stop guilt from wrapping around her like a blanket.
“That’s cool.”
Hang on. Right there was the perfect excuse. It was November in Victoria. It hadn’t cracked eighteen degrees today.
“Won’t it be freezing?” she asked.
Teddy chuckled, and even though there was a door between them, the sound hit Jessica square in her chest.
“Probably. Alice and Eloise are hanging out in the spa instead.”
“I’ll join them.” The spa came with the bonus of not having to reveal she couldn’t swim.
“Want me to wait for you?”
She eyed the simple, black one-piece she’d brought into the bathroom with her. “No. You go ahead.”
“Okay.” There was a soft thump. Like maybe Teddy was rapping his knuckles against the door. Or resting his head against it. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Yep,” she said brightly. “Thanks, Teddy.”
Jessica followed the sound of conversation to the balcony of her cabin.
“Hope you don’t mind that we’re here,” Alice said. “You guys have the biggest spa.”
“Of course.” Jessica eyed the water, breathing in the faint scent of chlorine. It had been years since she’d been in anything deeper than a bath.
There’s no need to be scared.
You’ll be able to touch the bottom the whole time.
“You okay?” Eloise asked, her brows pinched together.
“Just remembered something I forgot to pack for Sam to take to his dad’s,” Jessica lied.
Without giving herself a chance to panic, she sank into the warm water, choosing a spot on the opposite side of Alice and Eloise.
Her fingers curled around the edges of her seat.
Teddy, Owen and Nate were all knee deep in the river in front of them, chests bare, hands in front of them as they played a rotating game of rock, paper, scissors.
Alice moved her hands through the top of the water, adding to the ripples from the jets. “I told Owen he’s not allowed to touch me until his body has warmed back up.”
“You didn’t offer to help with that?” Eloise teased.
“No chance. He can keep his penis popsicle far, far away from me, thank you.”
Jessica swallowed a snort.
There was a loud shout and several small splashes as Nate and Owen pushed Teddy towards the deeper water.
“Looks like I’m not going to be the only one avoiding the penis popsicle,” Alice said cheekily as Teddy waded into water up to his belly button. “Unlucky, Jessica.”
Jessica shook her head, but she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
“That’s going to devolve into chaos in less than a minute,” a deep voice said behind them.
“Rafferty!” Alice cried, and Jessica twisted around to wave hello. She wasn’t used to seeing him in casual clothes. His navy tracksuit pants and hoodie were too big.
“How’s it going?” he asked.
“Your brothers are being silly,” Jessica said.
“Raff! You coming in?” Teddy shouted from the bank of the river.
Water ran down his chest, and his board shorts were glued to his legs and his …
Jessica rolled her lips into her mouth. Good Lord, the man was big.
All broad shoulders, strong thighs, large …
hands. If she didn’t focus, Jessica was in danger of swallowing her tongue.
“No chance,” Rafferty called back.
“Chicken,” Teddy said.
Jessica couldn’t contain her smile when Teddy caught her eye and tossed her a wink, as though they were in on this together and could communicate without words. She blushed and cast her gaze around the picturesque setting. Sam would love it here. One day, she promised herself, she’d bring him.
Alice murmured, “It’s so fun to see Teddy like this.”
“Hmmm?” Jessica dragged her attention away from the real-life Adonis in front of her. She’d known Teddy was hot. She’d just never seen him all wet. How was someone supposed to mentally prepare for such a sight?
“So gone over someone,” Alice said.
Jessica brushed her fringe off her face. “Oh, he’s … we’re …”
“Ahh.” Eloise waded over to sit on Jessica’s other side. “I see you’ve reached the stammering stage of your James brother relationship. Been there, girl.”
“Same.” Alice kicked her legs in front of her. Her toenails were all painted different colours, a veritable rainbow on her feet. “The back and forths, the rush of feelings. And God, so much flirting. And when you can’t keep your hands off each other …”
“Um, well, you see …” Jessica pressed her lips together. She was only proving their point.
“It’s a fun stage.” Alice’s voice had gone all floaty, and Jessica assumed she was remembering the early days of her relationship with Owen. “Besides, the fact you’re here tells me everything I need to know.”
“How so?” Jessica asked.
“We’ve never been introduced to a girlfriend before.” Alice smiled.
“Never, ever,” Eloise added for emphasis.
If only they knew she was his wife. Jessica blushed, hoping that would be a sufficient response.
“Come on, Raff!” Owen called.
“Or we’ll come and get you,” Nate added.
“That’s not a good idea,” Rafferty said, resignation heavy in his tone as Teddy, Owen and Nate crept towards the spa—and if Jessica wasn’t mistaken, a hint of laughter as well.
Like they’d choreographed it, Teddy, Owen and Nate lunged for Rafferty who managed to dodge Owen’s outstretched hands but not Nate’s.
As one, the three brothers lifted Rafferty, and Teddy pulled his sneakers off, dropping them next to the table where Jessica, Eloise and Alice had left their towels.
Rafferty’s phone was added to the pile next.
“We’re too old for this,” Rafferty protested.
“I’m definitely not.” Teddy grinned. “Let’s go, boys.”
Lulu stepped onto the deck. “Now, this feels like a James family holiday!”
Jessica was grateful to be a part of it.