He put the album down, closing it carefully and running his hand over the textured front cover. He had his own albums, his own memories of his past, but that’s exactly what they were now…memories of the past. His girls had helped him to remain firmly in the present and that had helped him look forward to a new future.
A lone tear slid down Jasper’s cheek as he not only felt the loss of Elisha but the loss Jennifer had obviously felt after Arturo’s death. It was a bond which had brought them together, a bond which had helped them to move to the next stage of their lives. He’d loved and lost once and he wasn’t going to do it again. Jennifer was far too important to his happiness, to the girls’ happiness, and he was determined to convince his boss they not only belonged together but that there was no need to feel guilty any more because she’d gone on living.
He had a future waiting for him. A future he wanted with Jen.
When Jennifer awoke the next morning, she was a little disappointed not to find Jasper lying next to her. Perhaps he was already up. She checked the clock, moaning a little when her muscles protested. It was only just after six o’clock.
‘Jas—’ She stopped, coughing on the words, her throat dry. She smiled as she saw the tablets and water he’d left for her, a little sticky note attached to the glass which said, ‘Swallow the tablets and don’t argue with your doctor.’ He’d also added a big, bold ‘X’ beneath it which made her smile widen. ‘Jasper?’ she called, but received no answer. She tried again but there was only silence as an answer.
He’d obviously left and she knew he had every right to. He had other priorities, other people who needed him more than she did, and she understood this completely. So why did tears suddenly spring to her eyes and why did she feel so bereft without him?
‘Because you love him, you ninny,’ she whispered. She snuggled back into the covers for a moment, then thought better of it. She wasn’t the type to simply lie there and wallow in her own misery and all because Jasper had gone home to look after his daughters. No. She was a determined woman and one who had fended for herself for most of her life.
Flicking back the covers, she took her time getting out of bed and, moving slowly, shuffled off towards the bathroom.
By the time Jasper unlocked her front door just after half past seven, Jennifer was showered and dressed and sitting at the kitchen table, enjoying a very light breakfast.
‘Well. Look at you.’ Jasper’s eyes widened at the sight of her, thankful that she’d left her hair loose. ‘You’re looking much better.’ He enveloped her in his arms, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead. ‘Temperature is right down.’ He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. ‘Eyes have lost their glassy look. You’re still a bit congested, but that’s to be expected.’ He brushed a warm and inviting kiss across her lips. ‘Lips appear to be in working order and tasting of peppermint tea and…Is that strawberry jam?’ He dipped his head for another kiss, this one slightly longer than the last. ‘Yep.’ He smacked his own lips together. ‘Definitely strawberry.’
‘There’s more tea in the pot if you’d like a cup.’
‘I’ve just had some coffee.’ He released her and sat down next to her.
‘How are the girls?’
‘Eager to come down and see you. I told them I had to make sure you were awake but if you’re feeling up to it, Mum will bring them down later for a fifteen-minute visit. No more than that because they’ll tire you out too quickly and the last thing you want is a relapse.’
‘True.’ She ran her hand lovingly down his tie. ‘Off to work?’
‘Someone’s got to keep the department running. I’ll make your excuses for the meetings and, thankfully, as all the rest of your staff have had this bug and are now back at work, clinic shouldn’t be too hectic.’
‘I could probably go to the meetings,’ she suggested, but he vetoed that idea immediately.
‘You’re on sick leave, Dr Thorngate. Now, do as you’re told.’
‘And what’s my prescription?’ She winked at him as she said the words and Jasper’s eyes widened in delighted surprise.
‘You are feeling better. Good to see.’
‘I thought I must be getting better, otherwise you would have stayed last night.’
He could see the longing in her eyes, see the need she had for him, and his heart overflowed with love. ‘I wanted to.’ Jasper took her hand in his. ‘It was almost impossible to drag myself out of here but the gir—’