Chapter 39
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
GABE
Rory’s lips and the skin around her mouth were stained from the blackberries she’d eaten by the handful. So were her fingers. And maybe a little on her shirt. But I didn’t care. She was happy.
Once the gates opened, the rows filled up quickly with the season’s first patrons.
We finished filling our pails and took our collected berries to be packed up.
Lily refused to let us pay since Jasmine was family but agreed to let me purchase a pie.
It was fresh out of the oven and still warm when she placed it in the box.
“What’s next?” Rory asked as we walked to the truck.
“I was thinking we could grab some lunch,” Jasmine began, “and then do something crafty.”
“Like what?” Rory asked as she slipped her hand into Jasmine’s. My chest squeezed at the sight. They walked together hand in hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Have you ever made a fairy garden before?” Jasmine asked.
“No,” Rory replied, eyes alight with intrigue. “How do we do that?”
“I’ll show you. We may need your dad to stop at the garden center for supplies, though.” Jasmine lifted her questioning gaze to me.
“Whatever you need,” I replied. I meant it in every possible way. She could ask me for anything, and if it was within my power, I would grant it.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied with a sly grin and shot me a wink.
We stopped at a little cafe in town for lunch. Apparently it was a favorite spot for Jasmine’s grandma and great aunts to meet up for their knitting club since it was in Fern’s hometown. Lily’s farm also supplied a lot of the produce since she was friends with the owner.
As expected, Rory opted to sit on the other side of the booth next to Jasmine.
They launched into a detailed plan for their fairy garden.
Jasmine drew a rough sketch of the design they envisioned on a napkin and made a list of supplies on her phone while we waited for our food.
I was content to be a silent observer simply watching the woman I loved bond with my daughter.
Loved.
I wanted to tell her. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, but this thing between us was still new.
She’d fought so hard for me to give us a chance, I was confident she felt the same, but I didn’t want to rush this.
I also didn’t want her to think she was my rebound since she was the first woman I’d been with since the divorce.
I’d rushed into things with Celeste because of the pregnancy, and that had turned out to be a disaster. Even though we were on good terms now, we’d had a few rough years during our marriage. I wouldn’t make that mistake with Jasmine. I would take my time with her.
When we’d finished eating, I took them to the garden center and dutifully followed behind them with the cart while they excitedly gathered tiny clay pots, succulents, moss, pebbles, and a birdhouse kit.
We took it all back to my house, and they set up in the back yard under the shade tree.
I did some small outside chores while they worked, sneaking inconspicuous peeks at their progress every now and then.
When they got hot, I brought them drinks, but otherwise left them alone.
They both seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I didn’t want to intrude or harsh their vibe as Rory liked to say, so I plopped down in a chair on the back porch and watched as their little fairy garden came together.
“I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” Jasmine announced and stood from her spot next Rory. “Are you enjoying the view?” she asked with a smirk as she walked by, her hand brushing my shoulder for the briefest moment. That simple touch sent a jolt of electricity sizzling over my skin.
“I am now,” I replied as I turned to watch her, hips swaying and ass drawing me in like a beacon. The tinkling sound of her laughter disappeared into the house along with her.
I waited for a beat and, satisfied Rory would be okay in my fenced-in yard by herself for a few minutes, stepped inside.
When Jasmine emerged, I grabbed her and hauled her to me.
She let out a surprised yelp, but I quickly swallowed the sound with my lips.
I kissed her long and hard, wrapping my arms around her waist and tugging her close.
“I’ve been waiting all day to do that,” I confessed, fighting the urge to strip her bare and fuck her against the door. My erection strained against my zipper, begging to be released. The only thing keeping me from acting on that impulse was the fact my daughter was here.
“Was it worth the wait?” she asked
I huffed out a laugh. “You’re always worth the wait.” It was right there on the tip of my tongue to tell her I loved her, but I refrained. “Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to Rory,” I said instead, tucking a rogue lock of hair behind her ear. “It means a lot to me.”
“I like hanging out with you guys, especially Rory,” she said, letting me know exactly where I stood on the hierarchy.
“She adores you.” I swiped my thumb over a smudge of dirt on her cheek. “Almost as much as I do.” Cupping her face, I kissed her one last time before reluctantly releasing her. “We better get back out there before she comes looking for us.”
“Right,” Jasmine agreed. “Wouldn’t want her to catch her dad playing hide the sausage with her riding instructor,” she said, gripping my hard cock and giving it a squeeze.
“You’re a menace,” I growled and pulled open the door.
“Get out of my house.” The command held little authority when I was trying so hard to suppress a grin.
She cackled and threw her head back before disappearing out the door.
I had to take a minute to gather myself and get rid of my hard-on before following her out there.
She and Rory spent the rest of the afternoon perfecting their fairy garden. When Rory asked her to stay for another movie night, I was sure she’d say yes. All the hope deflated from my chest when she gave Rory a sad smile.
“I can’t. I promised Jace I’d pick Asher up from his mom’s house and bring him back to the ranch.
” She explained that Jacek was working at the fire department and his ex had picked up a night shift at the hospital, so she was babysitting Asher tonight.
That was why she’d started our day early.
She wanted to spend as much time with us as she could.
Rory’s face fell and her shoulders slumped in disappointment.
I shared in her misery. I didn’t want Jasmine to leave either.
“But,” Jasmine continued, injecting optimism into her tone, “I’ll see you tomorrow for riding lessons.”
That perked Rory up. “Okay!” With the assurance she’d get to see Jasmine tomorrow, she skipped to the truck when it came time to head back to the ranch.
Me, on the other hand? I wanted to draw out every last second I had with her. I wanted to make it count, to hold her and kiss her, to tangle my fingers with hers as I drove her home. But all I could do was send her off with a wave and count down the minutes until I could see her again.