Chapter 18
Bella was on the road to Houston early on New Year’s Eve, not wanting to get caught up in traffic, as she’d be spending it at Jacks.
Primrose was in the back seat, in her safety harness, so Bella made sure to stop several times along the way so she could stretch her legs and take a bathroom break.
Bella had booked a pet-friendly hotel but would be taking Primmy with her to Jack’s so she wouldn’t be by herself all night.
Jack and Bella had both agreed going out on New Year’s Eve was not their scene, so they had planned to make homemade pizzas with Sloane and Piper, then watch the ball drop at Times Square on television, with two hosts named Andy and Anderson — the girls had insisted they'd love them - exchanging knowing looks that suggested they absolutely had an inside joke going on.
Angela and Madeline had both gone back to their schools, as they were meeting up with friends for their own new year celebrations.
It had been wonderful having them home, and Bella was already looking forward to seeing them again.
They had approved of Jack, and loved Sloane and Piper, so Bella’s heart was feeling both light and full at the same time.
Pulling into her hotel, she took Primrose to the designated area for dogs so she could have a quick potty break, then unloaded her case, checked in, and headed to her room for a shower and change of clothes before heading over to Jack’s.
Bella applied a tinted moisturizer from her own line, lashings of mascara, brow gel, and then a swipe of a soft pink lip oil.
Wearing her hair in soft curls, she dressed for a comfortable night, in a heather grey off the shoulder oversized cashmere sweater, her favorite jeans, and Christian Louboutin Dune Trott Alta combat boots in black leather.
She added her watch and the Louboutin charm necklace from Jack — she'd barely taken it off since Christmas - putting Primmy’s leash on her and headed out the door.
Arriving at Jack’s about 15 minutes later, she pulled into the drive, helped Primmy down from the backseat, then opened the trunk of the Audi, to grab a few bags she’d brought with her - her contribution to tonight’s celebration - a bottle of prosecco for her and Jack, sparkling grape juice for the girls, and a panettone - a sweet cake to wish for a sweet new year - an Italian tradition.
There were also two bone shaped treats for the dogs, from the gourmet pet shop near her house, which spelled out ‘2027’ in dog-safe frosting.
Greeting Bella at the door with a warm, lingering kiss, Jack took the bags from her and carried them to the kitchen while the dogs got quickly reacquainted.
He’d gone shopping earlier that day, to pick up pizza makings.
For convenience he’d bought premade dough that would need to be rolled out, pizza sauce in a jar (which Bella made Jack swear he’d never tell Big G about), and lots of toppings, so there would be a good selection.
When Jack had purchased this house, he’d been pleased to see it had an outdoor wood fired pizza oven, so he liked to take advantage of it as often as he could.
Saying her hellos to the girls with a hug for both of them, Bella asked Jack what she could do to help with dinner.
“You knocked it out of the park making Christmas so wonderful for us, now it's our turn to take care of you.” Bella watched as he rolled out the dough, spooned on the sauce, and put the toppings on, making sure that each bite of pizza would have a taste of one of the toppings.
The girls put together a big salad and set the table. Jack took the pizzas out to the oven that was fired up and ready to go, and he called out over his shoulder as he walked, “I wouldn’t say no to a scotch if you’d like to pour me one? The bar set up is in the living room.”
Bella went into the living room, and after pouring his scotch she started towards the patio area in the back, pausing at the big bookcases she’d seen on her first visit, noticing the book she’d given him for Christmas was now displayed front and center.
Smiling, she saw the framed photo of Jack and the girls, with Susan.
Picking up the photo she studied their faces, thinking What a happy family they must have been. My heart aches for them.
“That’s my mom.”
Piper stood in the doorway, watching her.
“Your mom was very pretty. You and Sloane look just like her.”
“I was eight when she died. She was really cool and nice.”
Bella smiled at her, not entirely sure what to say — or whether to say anything at all.
“Is it weird to say I think she’d be happy you’re here?”
“"I don't think it's weird at all. I think it's one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me.”
“It's true. When you love someone, you want them to be happy, and if you can’t be there with them to make them happy then you want someone else to be there for them.”
“Wow Piper, that’s really insightful of you. How did you become so wise, so young?,” Bella asked.
“Duh, Bella,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m not just a pretty face. Now c’mon, let’s go get some pizza before Dad eats it all.”
After dinner they all settled into the oversize couches to watch Andy and Anderson on the gigantic television Jack had.
As the two hosts got tipsier and tipsier as the night went on, Jack and Bella found themselves laughing along with the girls to their antics.
Right before midnight Jack opened the prosecco and sparkling juice, poured them each a flute, and gave them the silly hats and streamers he’d bought so they could celebrate at midnight.
"Five, four, three, two, one — Happy New Year!
" they all yelled together, the dogs adding their own enthusiastic contribution.
Shortly after, he shepherded the girls off to bed. Both of them stopped to give Bella a hug before heading upstairs.
“Alone at last” he declared as he returned to his seat on the sofa next to Bella, pulling her towards him.
“Mmm, this sweater is soft” he said as he ran his hand down her arm, while nuzzling her exposed shoulder with his lips. “Bella. Are you wearing designer combat boots?” he asked incredulously as he just noticed the boots she’d had on all night.
Bella gave a soft laugh, brought her hands to his face, turning it towards hers, so she could kiss him. “Jack, you know I love to talk about shoes, but do you really want to do that now?” she said against his lips.
“Oh hell no” he exclaimed, deepening the kiss until they were both breathless.
“I should go, it’s getting late.” Bella said, reluctantly making a move to stand up.
“It’s late, and I don’t want you on the road. Stay over. I can make up the guest room for you and Primrose”, Jack said as he tugged her back down to the sofa next to him.
“Are you sure it will be okay?”
“Yes, it’s more than okay. Please. I want you here.”
Bella’s eyes sparkled. “There’s no place else I’d rather be right now. Happy New Year, Jack. I think 2027 is going to be a good one.”