(Complete) New Year's Day is a time for resolutions. Jack Harris, still mourning the tragic death of his wife, vows to start living again. Maddie Evans dumps her boyfriend and vows no more meaningless sex.
Jack moves to The Point to live in his pa...
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When Jack arrived, her heart skipped a beat. He wore a button-down shirt and nice pants, but she was used to him in jeans or shorts. He immediately took her in his arms, and she relaxed into him. She had felt better all day because Rory had been herself when Maddie stopped by. She told Jack right away, and he was glad. They both had been worried about Rory's mood.
Maddie hated lying to Rory. "I understand you're concerned about not hurting Rory, but Jack, she would be hurt if anything changed. She noticed when we were at odds for a week. I promise no matter how much you hurt me, I'll always keep my relationship with Rory."
"I'm going to hurt you?" he asked with a smirk.
"Well, I have no intention of hurting you. My past is my past, thankfully."
"You mean Steve will never show up again?" Jack teased.
"I hope not!"
It pleased Maddie when Jack agreed to tell Rory. Then he told her about his conversation with Elise, including that Rory had a boyfriend.
"It has to be Sam. They have too much in common. In fact, it makes perfect sense."
"Why?"
He was having trouble with this news. He was such a protective father, the poor man.
"First, he's a good boy, but he lost his mother too. He moved here with his dad. He's married now, so the two boys are step-brothers."
"I'm a horrible father! I didn't know she had a boyfriend."
"She's keeping it from you. Probably because you told her no kissing on the beach until she was past childbearing age."
Jack smiled. "I didn't."
"Practically." She laughed and continued, "I'm surprised rumors didn't get back to us, because the mothers are speculating about a certain widower and his friend. It's common knowledge you used to crush on me."
"Mothers?"
"The coffee klatch... yours, mine, Marie, Alice."
"I really need to have a talk with Rory. Still, why has she been so upset?"
"I don't know. Maybe you should ask her."
"What would I do without you?"
Maddie smiled because that was how she felt. He kissed her goodbye in the parking lot, and he went home to his children.
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