Retribution

Chapter 36 - A Long Weekend

Now back home, Jake paced back and forth across the living room with his phone stuck to his ear talking to Harry. His stern face and lack of words told me the news wasn't good.

"We can't do anything," he said, clamping his phone shut. "If it continues then we can pursue for a non-molestation order based on harassment, but until that happens, we're stuck. We need more than a bunch of flowers and a load of texts to constitute as harassment."

"Fantastic," I replied, my heart sinking. I shrugged my shoulders in defeat and once again cursed myself for ever being with him. "I guess the silver lining is that no one is hurt. Yet."

"Let's not think about him," Jake said, smiling. He wrapped me up in his arms and kissed my hair. "We have a whole weekend ahead of just us and the boys. Time to chill out and relax."

I snuggled into his chest, grateful beyond words he was in my life. "Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you into the heart of the Cotswolds. I have a quaint little cottage out there which has no lodgers this week."

"You own a cottage there?"

"Yeah, why?"

I didn't know how to answer that. I've no idea why I was even shocked at the fact he owned another house. "No reason. Just curious I guess. Is that the only house you own?"

He grinned and leaned down for a kiss. "I will take you to all the others in due course, I promise. This one is just the easiest and closest."

"I'm not complaining," I said, giggling. "I'm quite looking forward to going."

Within an hour, we were packed, on our way to fetch Lewis, and finally de-stressing. I couldn't wait for the next two days.

***

His cottage was absolutely gorgeous. Complete with thatched roof, white windows and rough sandy coloured bricks, it looked every inch the classic cottage I'd pictured. It was even situated down a narrow country lane with old trees hanging over into the road, and pretty flowers spread out all around the dark wooden front door. The inside was just exquisite with its traditional wood furniture, exposed ceilings, and open fire.

Outside, the landscaped garden melted into a small apple orchard. The boys ran in and out of the trees, each of them dribbling a football as they did so. A pastel orange glow painted the horizon as the sun began to set. With plenty of insects still buzzing with life, and birds chirping their songs, it was an idyllic scene to be blessed with as we strolled after the kids, hand in hand.

"I can't get out of going to France. Believe me, I've tried," he said, sighing. "Stupid promotional tours."

I squeezed his hand. "I didn't expect you not to go, Jake. It's your job. I'll be fine here anyway."

"I know but that doesn't make it any easier to leave, especially at a time like this. Call me daft or soppy but I don't want to leave for six hours, let alone six weeks."

My heart froze as my breath hitched in my throat. His words, as simple and as sweet as they had been, had just upped our entire relationship another notch. He stopped our walk and turned to face me. Drawing me in close, he kissed the end of my nose.

"I want to ask you to come with me, but I know what the answer will be..."

"If it was half term I would, but Harvey..."

"I know." He gave me a cheeky grin and pecked my lips. "Let's just hope after all those weeks apart, you still want me when I come back."

I laughed. "Well, you know, all the Prince Charming's I have lined up, just begging for me to choose them..."

He chuckled. "Do they come with offerings of marshmallows though?"

Shaking my head, I giggled. "Looks like you edged the competition out. Just."

"Good," he said, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Because I want you for as long as you'll have me."

I was stunned. I had no words to reply with. Thankfully, he saved me by stealing my breath with a heart stopping kiss. Not only would this never get old, but it would also never be any more perfect.