Marta Perry - Murder in Plain Sight

“Please say yes.” Geneva reached across the space between them to clasp Jessica’s hand. “I can’t stand the thought of you going out of our lives. You’d like it here, really.”

The longing to say accept was so strong it nearly forced the word out of her mouth. But how could she do that? How could she stay here, seeing Trey, knowing how close they’d come to having something real between them?

“I’m honored, Leo. Can I have a little time to think about it?”

“Of course. All the time you want.” If Leo was offended that she didn’t jump at the offer, he hid it well.

Trey stood suddenly, holding out his hand to Jessica. “You’ll excuse us, I know. Jessica and I are going for a walk.”

“We are?”

“Yes.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. Sam, responding to the word walk, was already at the door, his tail waving.

Jessica could feel the others watching as they walked out the door, crossed the porch and started across the lawn. Trey held her hand firmly in his, as if he’d forgotten he had taken it.

Sam at their heels, they walked across the lawn and under the shade of a gnarled old apple tree. Trey stopped, turning to face her, still holding her hand. “There’s something I have to say.”

“I’m listening.” Her voice sounded calm, but her heart was thumping so loudly she could hear it.

“You saved my life yesterday. I thought I was protecting you, and you saved my life.”

“Turnabout is fair play,” she said, managing to keep her voice light. “You saved my life that night Bobby ran me off the road.”

“Yes.” His grip tightened painfully. “When I think how close we came to losing each other…Jessica, you already know all the bad things about me. I’m bossy, and overprotective, and stubborn.” He paused. “Maybe stubborn isn’t all bad. It means I’m not willing to give up on what we might have between us. I love you, Jessica. I don’t want to lose you. Please stay.”

She looked up at him, her heart swelling. It wasn’t over. “You really are all those things,” she said softly. “But I wouldn’t change any of them. Because I love you, too.”

A smile trembled on her lips. Trey pulled her toward him, wrapping his arms around her, and then his lips found hers. The kiss was warm and loving and filled with promise, saying all the things that didn’t need words.

Trey drew back finally, looking at her with a question in his eyes. “Does this mean the answer to Leo’s proposal is yes?”

“It does.”

“And mine?”

“Yes to that, too.” Happiness bubbled up inside her. “I guess I can’t get Geneva for a mother on any easier terms, can I?”

“We’re a package deal,” he said, pulling her close.