When We Touch

“I love Atlantia like it’s perfect. That’s how Jesus loves.” She blinks at me a few times, waiting for my approval.

“That’s how Jesus loves you.”

Her little brow relaxes and she smiles. I can see the pride in her face, and I’m pretty sure it would be hard for me to love anyone as much as I love Coco. Well, with one exception…

Out on the front lawn, my stomach tightens and a bubble of anticipation grows in my chest. Jackson is coming back today, and I want to see him, I need to see him so badly. I need to say I’m sorry I ever doubted him. I need him to hold me.

A little hand tucks into mine, and I glance down, thinking with a laugh, I need Coco to take a nice long nap.

We slowly make our way from the church. I don’t have to wait for my mother anymore, since there’s no way in hell I’m going to her house for lunch or anything else. Even that thought can’t deflate the happiness in my chest.

Tabby exits through the double wooden doors with her hand clutching Chad’s bicep. She finally got over herself and gave him a chance. He looks pretty proud of himself, too.

I’m lost in that thought when a pinch on my elbow makes me jump. “Ow! What?”

Betty Pepper is at my side speaking conspiratorially—like nothing ever happened. “Tabby and Chad make a handsome couple.” The old woman smiles, and I’m about to tell her I’m not baking Chad’s penis if that’s what she’s after… But she surprises me. “Saw your store on the internet last night. Tabby told me to look at it.”

“Is that so? What did you think?” I’m not about to tell her I haven’t even seen the site yet.

Getting the store’s website up and running has been Tabby’s pet project since forever, but I didn’t know she’d launched it.

“She thinks I should team up with you and add a page for André and his sandwiches. Do a page for the town.” Her mouth twitches, and I swear, as long as I live, I’ll never know if Betty Pepper likes or dislikes André. “Never knew he’d get to be such a celebrity when he asked if he could sell those poboys out front.”

“André’s poboys are amazing.” I unquestionably think André is pretty great. “It’s a smart business move. Tabby is really excited about modernizing the town and helping bring back the tourists.”

She tugs on her pale blue blazer and sniffs. “How much are you paying her to do all that?”

“She gets a percentage of the sales she generates, so she basically pays for herself.”

A stiff nod. “I’ll think about it.”

Just then Bucky walks up, and I take a step back. My jaw tightens, and it’s the one thing that pricks the bubble in my chest.

“Hi, Ember.” He ducks his head and looks up at me through those enormous glasses.

I’m about to turn on my heel and walk away when Betty pinches his arm, causing him to jump. I don’t miss the stern look she gives him.

“I’m sorry for acting inappropriately. I’m working on treating women…” his eyes drift to the right, and BP mouths the words. “Right… I’m working on treating women with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Betty turns her face toward me, chin lifted as if she’s the proud mother of a first grader. It kind of reminds me of something that happened in church just now… I look down at the little girl holding my hand and waving across the lawn to Polly.

“I accept your apology.” My tone is crisp, and I don’t even try to mask my annoyance. “I hope you’ll keep working until you master the behavior.”

His face breaks with that awful grin. He leans forward, and I recoil. “Want to try another date?”

“I’d rather kiss a mangy—”

“Mommy!” Coco jerks my hand. “Mommy, look!”

She’s jumping up and down, and my eyes go to where she’s pointing. In that moment, everything melts away.

At the street is a sleek black Audi, and leaning against it with his arms crossed, his dark hair moving in the breeze, is Jackson Cane. That panty-melting smile appears, complete with dimple and straight white teeth.

Every nerve ending in my body lights up, and an enormous smile splits my cheeks. Coco tosses my hand aside and takes off running to him. I follow her slowly, my eyes never leaving his.

“Ember?” Bucky calls after me. “What about our date?”

“Not in a million years.”