Chapter 47 Jade
It’s been three weeks since my kidnapping.
Now early July, summer feels like it’s flying by. There has still been no progress in finding Adam. We’re hoping the week I was gone, he took off. But we won’t let our guards down.
Yesterday, I went to the bakery for the first time since the day I was taken from there. I like to think I’m healing and coping well, but the truth is, I’m not ready to go back to work yet. The first step was just being able to walk back into the bakery.
On the window were dozens and dozens of notes from community members all written for me, and I was so overwhelmed with gratitude and love that I couldn’t hold the tears at bay. I am so happy to be home.
Speaking of home. West has asked me to move in with him. I know we’ve only been together a couple months, but I am so in love with that man. There will never be anyone else for me.
It was strange those first couple times I came to town with West. It’s been an adjustment having everyone stare at me, but everyone has been so kind.
I also spoke with Ian, and I think we are okay. He understands that what he did was wrong, and I let him know that I understood it came from a place of wanting the best for his friend.
Tonight, we’re having a BBQ to celebrate me moving in with West. I didn’t need any sort of party, but Astrid insisted we have one as a housewarming for me. I love West’s family, and Astrid and I have become very close.
Nick had to go back to put in his two-week notice, so he won’t be here tonight, but he should be arriving on Sunday for good.
I’m so excited for this next chapter of my life. I never could have imagined being this happy after all the pain I’ve been through.
“My mom and dad are here,” West announces, pulling me from my thoughts.
Not long after, the rest of our crew arrives. We eat and visit and enjoy this moment of life together.
“Thank you so much for this lovely night, Astrid.”
“Please, we are all so happy for you and West. It’s about time I get a daughter-in-law around here.” She winks, and my cheeks flame.
“Can I borrow Jade for a minute?” Sarah butts in, linking her arm through mine.
“Of course, dear.”
I let Sarah lead me to the L-shaped couch on the patio and join her for a seat. “So, I was thinking. Why don’t we get a couple bottles of wine this weekend and Wren and I will help you pack up your house?”
“Sure. I would really love that. But you hate packing,” I say, eyeing her. Both times I’ve had to move with Sarah, I did the packing while she did the drinking. “You just want an excuse to drink, don’t you?” I giggle.
“Sort of,” she admits with a bump to my hip before laying her head on my shoulder. “Ford will be in town, and I told him I was only available for one night. I need an excuse so I don’t end up in bed with him two nights in a row. I fear I’m catching feelings for the old man.”
“There’s nothing wrong with feelings, Sarah. And I believe you once told me, it’s time to let love in.”
She’s quiet for a moment then says, “I’m so happy for you, Jade.”
“Thank you, Sarah.”
Later that evening, we’re all sitting around the fire when the soft patter of small feet in the grass behind me has me turning around. “Excuse me, Jade?”
I smile at the little girl before me. “Yes, Maysie?”
“Now that you live with Uncle West, does that make you my auntie?” She looks up at me with big, beautiful blue eyes and my heart melts.
“’Cause I would really like it if you were,” she says, almost nervously.
I look around at all the people watching us, and seeing the gleam in Astrid’s eye and the grin on West’s face, I know in my heart I want to be this girl’s aunt.
I reach out and tug her up onto my lap and then look in those bright-blue eyes. “I would like it very much if you would call me Auntie. It would be an honour.”
“Yay! So now can I be a flower girl?”
The group laughs, and West and I share a secret smile. Maybe not anytime soon, but I can definitely see a wedding in our future.
That night, lying in bed next to West after an amazing evening with friends and family, I finally feel healed.