Chapter 9

Jackson notified Jamie that Piper was rehearsing. He was almost thankful for the distraction for her. She’d heard what would’ve terrified anyone else. She deserved that smile that he hadn’t seen in way too long. He took a deep breath and called her between meetings. “Hey,” she replied as she answered on the fourth ring. “So, Jackson said that y’all talked.” “We did. When the security stuff is fixed and updated we’re heading back. I know that the hiding thing somehow works for you, but I need to do this for me to show that she doesn’t win.” He loved her confidence, but if she knew it all, she’d stop being so convinced that she was safe. “Who’s this amazing woman I married? I knew you were a fighter, but I never knew how amazing you were. You blow my mind wife.” “Back at ya,” she said. He also knew that it wasn’t being honest. “Just promise me that if you start worrying, you tell me alright?” “I will. I’m heading back to rehearse. What time are you home?” “7. That okay?” “Kinda late.” “If I can get out earlier I will. I’ll see you when I get back and we can go do dinner.” “Yep.” “I love you Piper.” “Love you too,” she said as they hung up. Something was different and it almost worried him.

“Sir, they’re ready for you.” Jamie got up and headed into the meeting with the police and detectives. “I told her what’s happening, or at least most of it. Something’s just very wrong.” “We tracked Amy down. She’s in Colt’s old place, but she hasn’t been there in weeks. I’m not sure what to say. We’re trying to monitor her, but I have a feeling that something else is being planned,” the detective said. “My wife wants to go back to Savannah. I need to know that she’s gonna be safe. We went and hired more security to protect her, but Amy is getting into the houses.” “You do realize that you have another option here. You could move.” One of the officers asked. “I’m not putting her through that. Her best friend is right next door.” “Understood, but you have to know that Amy fully knows where you live. That’s the only way to outsmart her,” the officer said. Jamie shook his head. “I’m not doing that to her.” He finished the meeting and went into the next. It was almost a revolving door of meetings all afternoon. He’d even managed to close the deals he needed to.

When he got back to his office, Jackson had updated him. She had interviews booked and they were 100% heading back on Friday. It’s not like it was that far off. He just wanted her to stay safe. When Jamie saw that it wasn’t even 5, he took the chance and headed back early. He came in with Anderson and Aiden, overhearing the tail end of a conversation. “And look at us now,” Piper said. “Look at who,” Jamie asked as he came up behind her and kissed her. “You and Piper. Y’all still make me nauseous,” Harley said. “And hi to you too,” Jamie teased. They made small talk about their day. Luckily, telling Piper that he’d taken Friday off was enough to put a smile on her face. After a night of nightmares, she deserved some happy.

Harley went off to get ready to go out with Aiden, leaving Piper and Jamie alone to talk. “So, are you really feeling better?” She nodded. “A little. Honestly, I don’t even wanna talk about it anymore. We go home Friday. From there on, we figure out what to do together.” Telling her that he’d come up with a plan of attack with the officers wasn’t happening. “Seriously though, I’m kinda stunned that you are determined to get ack at her after everything you heard. I was scared for both of us.” She shook her head and kissed him. “I love you. Just trust me.” He nodded. “I love you right back. What am I gonna do with this amazing woman in my arms?” “Very good question.” “Come out with me for dinner?” She nodded. “Just tell me where.” “Throw on something nice. You’ll see when we pull in.” She kissed him and they headed upstairs. When he intentionally put her favorite tie on, she shook her head. “Silver it is,” she joked. She slid into her silvery dress and he watched her put her long locks up. The woman was sexy and ravishing. When he leaned against the door jam in her closet, he was almost speechless.

“What are you staring at?” “Damn. That’s all I’m saying.” “Jamie.” He smirked and held his hand out. She sprayed his favorite perfume on and it made her even more intoxicating. She slid her phone in her purse. “You ready beautiful?” Piper nodded as he kissed her and headed downstairs, hand in hand with her. Jackson handed Jamie the flowers he’d ordered on the way home. “And what’s this?” “For you,” Jamie said as she shook her head and kissed him. The housekeeper came over and put the flowers into a beautiful crystal vase with water. “Jamie.” He smirked and kissed her hand. “You ready gorgeous wife of mine?” She nodded and they headed off.

They pulled up to the restaurant with the view of the river. “What’s this?” “We have a private dining room,” Jamie whispered. It was quiet, private and away from prying eyes. They walked into the private room to see roses and lilies around the room. “Baby, this is too much” “You deserve a night out. I love you.” He leaned over and kissed her before the waitress came in to take the drink order. “What is all of this for?” “Because you kinda went through hell last night and you deserve a little peace and quiet and a little happy. You mean the dang world to me and you always will.” “Not that I don’t love that you’re doing this, but…” “I know what you’re gonna say.” “Jamie.” “I should’ve told you.” “After hearing the whole story, I kinda don’t blame you. “What?” He was stunned. It was truly the last thing he expected to hear. “I get why you kept it quiet. I still think that hiding it kinda sucked, but I get why you didn’t.” He kissed her. He was taking advantage of that moment while the temporary insanity was there. “I didn’t want you having nightmares like I have.” “Meaning what?” “I wake up and I swear that someone’s watching us. Instead, I end up watching you sleep and fall asleep again curling you in my arms.” “So that’s why you’re always so cuddly first thing in the morning.” He kissed her.

They had a quiet dinner with some of the best food they’d had short of the Olde Pink House. They even managed to share dessert without a problem. They hopped back in the SUV and were back at the condo before they even noticed. When they got up to the condo, Aiden and Harley were joking around in the kitchen. “What happened to you two going out for dinner?” “We did. Sorta decided to come back and hang out for a while. We had lots of fun. Where did y’all end up?” “Finding her smile again,” Jamie teased as he kissed Piper’s hand. “Y’all are still making me nauseous. Question Piper. What time are the interviews on Friday?” “9am and noon.” “And we’re heading back after that?” Piper nodded. “Good. My folks are coming to Savannah this weekend.” “So, we’re back to having my place to ourselves,” Jamie teased as Piper shook her head with a silly grin.

They headed upstairs and Piper kept that grin. “Need help with the zipper,” he whispered as he kissed her shoulder and closed the bedroom door. He kissed her neck, nibbled her earlobe then kissed down her shoulder again. He slid his tie off. “Jamie.” He undid her zipper and slid the strap from her shoulder. “Yes sexy wife.” She turned to face him and he smirked as she started undoing the buttons of his shirt. “What are you up to Jamie?” “Making up for last night. Reminding you that I love you.” “Jamie.” “I’m never taking another second for granted, especially now.” He pulled her to him feeling the silky skin of her back and gliding his hands down to her backside. “Jamie.” He kissed her and peeled the dress off, revealing the pristine silky skin from head to toe.

The woman was sexy. He didn’t care about the number on the dress or the size. He just cared about the beautiful woman in his arms. “Now that I have you all to myself, come sit for a minute.” She kissed him and he picked her up, carrying her to the bed and leaning her onto it. “What are you up to?” “Taking full advantage of a drama-free night. No stress and no interruptions. Perfect.” He slid into her arms and she peeled his shirt off, throwing it to the floor. He slid her lacy lingerie off little by little and kissed her. “Wife.” “Yes husband,” she said with a smirk. “I made an executive decision.” “Which is?” “After the insane year we had, we’re making up for all the insanity.” “And how are we doing that?” He kissed her. The gears were turning in his head and he knew she could see it.

He kissed her and spilled his thoughts. “There’s something I wanna ask you and you can’t get mad at me.” “Jamie, we’re naked. Can’t exactly get up and walk out.” He kissed her again and kicked his dress pants off. “Stay right here.” She smirked and slid under the blanket. He put his dress pants on the back of the chair and came back into the bedroom in nothing but his boxers. “Jamie, what are you up to?” He knew it was a risk, but he had to. He had a ring that he’d bought at Christmas. He wanted to give it to her, but when they’d run off to London, he’d forgot all about it.

“Fixing something,” he teased. “Meaning what?” “Our wedding day and everything around it kinda got messed up with the Colt thing. That wasn’t what it was supposed to be about. I sorta made a decision about all of it.” He slid into bed beside her and snuggled her to him. “Jamie.” I got the flowers, the cake and even Wormsloe on board.” “What on earth are you talking about Jamie?” “We can even have the same guest list if you want.” “Jamie.” “We might be bypassing the reception performance stuff, but we can still do it.” He took a deep breath. “Jamie.” “What do you think?” “Are you seriously asking what I think you are?” “Marry me again.” “Like renewing our vows?” He nodded.

“You do know that we can’t exactly go back and fix what’s happened right?” He kissed her. “I just want us to have the vows we should’ve made. The ones that make sense instead of the ones that were all romance. Ones that are what we really want.” She smirked. “You’re absolutely…” “Amazing?” “The sappy romantic I always knew you were. “And?” “You sure that we really need to?” “Yes.” She shook her head and kissed him. “What am I gonna do with you,” she asked. “Say yes.” “To having a redo?” “Most of it anyway. We skip all the worrying. He can’t destroy this one.” She kissed him. “And what do you think wife?” “I think it’s a beautiful idea.” “On our anniversary.” “Jamie.” “Same place. We wear whatever we want.” “Are you sure this is what you wanna do?” He knew what the hesitation was. Amy was just as bad as Colt. He nodded and Piper kissed him. “Big plans husband.” “And this to go with it.” He handed her the ring box and she saw the diamond eternity band. “Jamie.” He took it out of the box and slid it on her finger. “Like?” “It’s beautiful.” He kissed her and they curled up together.

That night, he made love to her. It was just as it was before all of the Amy drama burrowed its way into their lives. He snuggled her to him after when they managed to come up for air. When they finally conked out, there was one thought on loop in his mind. If she did what Colt did, he’d be the one in jeopardy. He managed a few hours of sleep, but when he was wide awake at 4, he couldn’t get back to sleep. He got up and checked over emails, seeing one from an unknown email and forwarded it to Jackson without even looking at it.

He worried that somehow Amy would find a way to mess the do-over up. That she’d shoot someone, try to kill someone, but in every nightmare, he was the one bleeding. When Piper woke up at 5, he was sitting in the oversized chair. He’d even moved it right by the bed in case he did nod off. “What are you doing up?” “We were both tossing and turning and probably for the same reason. We share a brain sometimes,” he joked. “Meaning?” “If we do it the same day, she could come after us.” “Now I’m the rational one. Jackson can handle it.” “Piper.” “We’ll figure it out before then. We can do the actual wedding the day we were planning to instead of our anniversary.” “Or we can do it at church. Honestly, I’m good if it’s you and me and Harley and whoever. That’s all we need.” She got up and slid into his lap, kissing him. “You’re a mush ball today aren’t you?” He nodded. “And it’s all your fault beautiful wife of mine.” “And what did you have planned for today?” He smirked. “Jamie.” “I have a few ideas.” “You have work.” “And you have rehearsal. It’s 5am. By the way, we’re going back at 1 on Friday. We’ll land around 7 which means dinner at home when we’re back.” “As long as I can soak in that big ole tub, I’m good.” “As long as you don’t mind company.”

“I think I can handle that,” she said as she went to get up. He pulled her back to him and she leaned into his arms. “Jamie.” “Promise me that if you start worrying you’ll tell me.” She nodded. “Same to you.” “You know I love you right?” She nodded, kissed him and got up to freshen up, sliding her robe on. They headed downstairs together and had a quick breakfast, intentionally bypassing the morning workout. Jamie almost wondered where Harley was but was kinda happy to have Piper all to himself.

When they finished cleaning up after breakfast, they headed back upstairs. Piper could see the look. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I know it’s kinda crazy but I keep thinking that if she gets near you…” “Now I’m being you. Stop. Breathe. You don’t need to keep working. I know what we’re worrying about now. We’ll figure it out.” He kissed her, picking her up and walking her into the master bath, sitting her on the edge of the counter. He flipped the hot water on in the shower and she slid out of the robe. He kicked his joggers off and walked her into the steamy shower.

He devoured her lips and they slid under the steam of the hot water. “Just tell me what’s wrong.” He shook his head and kissed her, sliding her under the hot water and washing her hair for her. As soon as she rinsed it out and the conditioner went in, he had her leaned up against the wall of the shower. “What,” she asked. He picked her up, wrapping her legs around him. He needed her. He needed the constant fear and worry that Amy was gonna come after them gone from his mind and replaced with thoughts of Piper. She was his only calm. His only reason for not completely losing his mind.

“I want you.” That sexy smirk crossed her face and she kissed him. With every inch of his being, he wanted her. He nibbled at her lips and her arms reached around him and linked around his neck. That kiss had him way past turned on. He could barely breathe, but didn’t even care at that point. He could die happy just having her. When he managed to steady himself, Piper held on tighter and they sat down on the shower bench, soaking in the steam. “What’s wrong Jamie? I can see it.” He shook his head. “I had so many nightmares that something happened to you that I lost count.” She shook her head. He kissed her again and pulled her to him. The steam in the shower thickened enough to hide the fear. She leaned to him and kissed him and with one kiss he pulled her to him and they had hot morning sex in that shower until neither of them even remembered that anyone else was in the condo. When they came up for air, he leaned back against the wall. She slid out of his lap, rinsed her hair out and came and sat beside him.

“Tell me what’s wrong Jamie.” “I can’t even say it.” “Baby.” “In the nightmare you got shot Piper. I can’t let that go.” “Next time it’s that bad, just tell me.” “I’m not waking you up when I have a dang nightmare.” “Yeah you are next time it happens.” He shook his head. “Go shower.” He shook his head. She kissed him and turned the water off and walked out of the shower hand in hand with him, handing him a warmed towel and wrapped the other around herself.

“Piper.” She grabbed his hand and walked him back into the bedroom. “You need actual sleep.” “I’m fine Piper.” “What time did you wake up?” “3 or 4.” “Jamie, lay down.” He shook his head. “I’m good.” “That wasn’t a dang request husband.” He sat down on the bed and Piper smirked. “Don’t make me knock you out Jamie.” He pulled her to him and leaned back on the bed. She kissed him and he leaned her onto the bed and leaned into her arms. “What,” he asked seeing the smirk on her face. “You need sleep even if it’s just an hour or two.” “Piper.” “For me.” He kissed her and leaned his head onto her chest right over her heart, wrapping his arms around her. Next thing she knew, that faint snore was back and he was out cold. He’d never admit it, but she was right. When he felt her move, he held on a little tighter. “Not going.” “Where,” she teased. “Work. Staying right in this spot.” “Oh really?” He nodded and smirked.

“I still have rehearsal.” He shook his head. “Jamie.” “Not allowed to move.” She smirked and tried to slide out of his arms. “Nope.” “Jamie.” “If I have to stay in bed, so do you.” “You didn’t get any sleep Jamie.” “And you tossed and turned all night.” He loved that banter. “Then we have to get up.” “Nope.” She shook her head with a smirk. “Jamie.” “Fine, but you’re sleeping in with me tomorrow.” She kissed him and slid out of his arms. “Seriously leaving me in this big ole bed alone?” She nodded. “They’re coming in here Jamie. Kinda have to be there.” He got up and slid into his blue jeans and saw her putting her beat-up jeans and a tee on. Going into the office would involve more brain power than he could deal with. “You’re not going into the office?” “I can work out of the office here.” “Was it really that bad?” He nodded. “A lot worse.” She shook her head and watched him as she put her hair up.

“You sure?” He nodded. “I’m just going through paperwork anyway.” She got up and walked over to him, leaning in and kissing him and he sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling her into his lap. “What time are you finished?” “Five maybe. If I told the guys we were heading back, we might be able to kick off early. I have no problems leaving today if we could, but I have interviews tomorrow.” “Would they let you do it by video?” She shook her head. “That’s kinda why we’re going. To do the next single release and the tour promo stuff.” “All the more reason to leave as soon as you’re finished.” “Then we go straight to the airport from the performance?” Jamie nodded. “If that’s what you wanna do.” Piper kissed him. “Definitely a plan husband.” “The guys can come with us. What do you think?” She nodded. They finally headed downstairs a few minutes later to see Harley just having her breakfast.

“And why are you two up so dang early,” Harley asked. “Couldn’t sleep,” Jamie replied. “And you’re up and dressed already too.” Piper nodded. “Long story,” Piper replied. “Fine. I’ll get changed and we can get going.” “I’m taking my wife for a drive,” Jamie said as he slid his arm around Piper’s waist. She looked at him and saw the smirk. “Whatever you say.” They headed off with Jackson, Andrews and Carter. “Where are we going?” “Like you have to ask,” he teased. Not 10 minutes later, Jackson went and got the coffees, handing one to Jamie and Piper and the other three were dispersed between the security guys. “You do realize we could just make this at the condo.” “And I think we deserved the real thing,” Jamie teased. “Ridiculous, but I love you.” He kissed her and went for a short drive, then headed back to the condo. “I know you’re up to something Jamie.” He kissed her. “We’re not done,” he whispered as she slid closer to him. “And where to?” “He’s ready when you are sir.” “Where?” He kissed Piper’s shoulder and they went up to the roof. “Jamie.” “Like I said, we’re having us time.” They got to the roof and were walked out to the helicopter, hopped on and he smirked. “Where are we going?” He kissed her. “You’ll see.”

They headed off and Piper watched the view, while Jamie watched her. He loved surprising her, and taking her to the one place that would make it feel like home was the one thing to make her happy. When they landed on the beach, she almost laughed. He slid his hand in hers, walking her down the path and went for a walk at the beach. “Sexy husband of mine.” He kissed her. “It was a long night. I figured we could start today like we did at the beginning.” He kissed her and they found a spot to sit down and just relax. Jackson even put out a blanket for them. “This is so much Jamie.” “This way we have a little time to breathe,” Jamie said as he silently thanked Jackson. Her arm slid around his and she leaned her head on his shoulder. “I love you. You know that right?” He nodded. “If you start worrying or flipping out, just tell me Jamie.” “I don’t know why I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t even get back to sleep again.” “Tell me. I’ll sit with you and help or something.” He nodded and kissed her forehead. “Jamie.” “It was bad Piper. I don’t even want to say what happened.” She shook her head. “Jamie.” “That’s why I couldn’t sleep.”

“You have me until the end of time Jamie. You know that right?” “I love you, but I can’t do this without you. I can’t sit here and pretend that we can get past it when I can’t. The day we found out that we lost the baby, I was beside myself. You hurt to the core and I was completely gutted.” “Jamie, you have to stop. It happened. It’s over now. We’re good now.” “After what she did?” “Jamie.” He turned and looked at her. “She’s not getting away with it ever again. She’s not getting near either of us. If she tries, Jackson boots her to the moon.” Jackson almost laughed, overhearing the conversation.

“Promise me something,” he asked. Piper nodded. “Promise me that no matter what happens, we do this together.” Piper looked at him. “You’re stuck with me, like you said a long time ago.” He nodded. “I just don’t want to lose you because of that stupid stuff.” Letting his guard down wasn’t one of his normal things, but it was her. “And you have to promise that you tell me when there’s a nightmare, or a reason for one.” He nodded and kissed her. They finished their coffees and walked a bit then headed back to the helicopter back to the condo.

When they landed, they headed downstairs to see Harley still in her room. “Where’s Aiden,” Jamie asked as Jackson shook his head. “Office,” Andrews said. Piper took Jamie’s hand and they sat down on the sofa. ”Piper.” “Don’t.” “I said professional.” “And you also said they’re human. Leave it be.” He shook his head and she intentionally distracted him. “Stop worrying about them and concentrate on your wife,” Piper smirked.

He pulled her into his lap and snuggled her to him. Piper kissed him and his hands slid into the back pockets of her jeans. “You quite done flipping out husband?” He smirked. “Not even. I do quite enjoy this sexy distraction though.” She smirked. “They’re just like you and me when we got together. Just admit it.” “If I’d been able to get that far without you whooping my butt…” “Jamie.” “I know. Honestly, you are one of the only women I’ve ever known in my life that fought me when I got that close.” “I barely even knew you.” “That’s what I mean. If we had, who knows what would be happening now. It made us get to know each other more.” “And now you understand why.” He kissed her. “The waiting about killed me. You know that right?” “Jamie.” “I still remember you losing it when I told the guys I loved you.” She smirked. “Would’ve been better to have told me first.” He kissed her. “I was in love with you the minute I first saw you. It’s like the room went empty and all I could see was you.” “And now you’re way beyond sucking up.” He slid his hands to her face and kissed her, devouring her lips and snuggling her tight to him. “I love you.” “I love you too handsome.”

“So, what are y’all rehearsing?” “The songs for the performances. That’s all.” “How many?” She smirked. “Three.” “So, not all day right?” “We have to come up with a set list for the tour stuff.” “Didn’t Char say she had a rehearsal space in Savannah for you?” Piper nodded, running her fingers through his hair. “You said it wasn’t safe.” “There’s an area in the office in Atlanta.” “Soundproof is kinda the point, but I love the suggestion. We can change it to the rehearsal space we had last time.” “Triple security.” Piper nodded and kissed him. “This mean you’re gonna come?” “If I can tear myself away from work, heck yeah.” “You did have fun last time,” she teased as she leaned in and kissed him.

“I am kinda enjoying a day of hookie.” She shook her head and he tackled her to the sofa, devouring her lips and wrapping her legs around him. One kiss after another and both of them started overheating. When Jackson came in, Piper smirked. “They’re on their way up,” Jackson said quietly interrupting. “Thank you,” Piper replied. “Saved by the elevator,” he joked as he kissed her again and got up, helping her to her feet. Harley came downstairs a few minutes later giggling. Jamie almost rolled his eyes. “They’re on the way up,” Piper said as Harley hit the bottom step.” “Okay,” Harley said still giggling. Jamie nuzzled Piper’s neck. When the guys came in, Jamie excused himself and went into the office to go through emails and get whatever work done that he could.

When Jamie heard them, he couldn’t stop himself. When they finished the first song, he snuck out. “Well dang,” he said. “You approve,” Harley teased. He nodded and walked over and kissed Piper. “I didn’t think that one was on the CD.” “We recorded it before the holidays. We do sorta have to get into the studio and do that second CD. Are you still doing the downtown studio,” Keith asked. Jamie nodded. “And I happen to know a great producer,” Jamie teased. “We could always use the studio at the house too,” Piper commented. “Just full of dang surprises,” Kurt joked. “Easier. I can do the vocals there instead of on the cell phone,” Piper said.

“And what’s next,” Jamie asked. “We’re doing Party Night at the other performance,” Harley teased. “That is kinda good. Switching it all up. That way we don’t play the same ones over and over.” Jamie smirked. “Still reading my mind,” Jamie teased. Piper nodded. He kissed her neck and went back into his office to do a conference call, closing the door behind him. “Sir,” the officer said. “Any updates?” “Nothing. We’re still attempting to figure out where she went. There may be someone helping her.” “Find them.” He hung up and went to do his conference call for work.

He finished the last call and was going through emails when he heard the creek of the office door and turned to see Piper. “Hey beautiful wife of mine,” he said as she closed the door behind her and walked over to him. “Hey yourself sexy husband.” She sat down on the edge of his desk. “Everyone leave?” She nodded. “We decided to work on the two songs that were new instead of the set list. We’re all ready. Since we’re heading out tomorrow, and you’re playing hookie, what did you want to do the rest of the afternoon?” “It’s almost 2 Piper.” “Like I said.” He smirked and pulled her into his lap. “I have a few ideas,” he teased as that sexy grin crossed his face. “Oh I bet you do. Don’t you have work?” He nodded. “Half hour or so. Why?” Piper kissed him. “Figured I’d ask.” He pulled her to him and pulled her legs around him so she straddled him. “All mine.” “Jamie.” He slid her shoes off and his hands slid to her back pockets. “What?” He kissed her. “We have time.” She shook her head and smirked. It’s not like we have to lock anyone out,” he teased. Just as the words passed his lips, there was a knock at the door. Piper went to get up and he stopped her. “What’s up,” Jamie asked as Jackson came in.

“The pilot said that we take off at 12:45. Helicopter is an option to get y’all from the studio to the airport in time.” “Works for me,” Piper said. “I’ll arrange it,” Jackson said. “Much appreciated. I guess we could take the bags to the plane since we have time,” Jamie said. “Yes sir,” Jackson said. “Thank you,” Piper said. “Ma’am.” Jackson headed out, closing the door behind him. Piper shook her head. “What?” “You are like a freaking teenager,” Piper teased. “All you sexy wife of mine.” She shook her head. “What am I gonna do with you?” He kissed her again, devouring her lips. “I have a couple ideas.” “I bet you do, but you have a call.” “Call is the exact point.” She shook her head. “You finish work and I’ll pack.” He shook his head and kissed her. “Nope. Not allowed. You can stay in here with me.” “Jamie.” “It’s security stuff that we both need to hear. You can stay.” She shook her head. “I don’t wanna hear about it Jamie.” He kissed her. “I know, but you need to.” “I’m going upstairs to pack.”

“Stay.” She shook her head, kissed him and got up. “Fine, but we’re going out for dinner.” Piper nodded. “Since we sorta have to be up early tomorrow, we’re going to bed early husband.” “That can definitely be arranged,” he teased as his phone buzzed. “Mom.” “Are you two intentionally avoiding coming out here?” “Just been a little busy. That’s all.” “I don’t understand what we needed all the extra security for. We’re fine at the house.” “I get it mom.” Piper closed the door and just as she was about to head upstairs, he grabbed her hand and walked her into the office and shut the door. He put the phone on speakerphone. “Hi mom,” Piper joked as Jamie sat her back in his lap on the office chair. “We’re having a birthday party when you’re back for my stubborn son. He was supposed to be home this weekend.” “We will be. Promise. We’re flying home Friday, but we’ll be home.” “Then y’all are coming on Sunday for diner and we can celebrate.” “Can we just do a quiet dinner instead of the big party?” “I’ll figure something out. Just be here,” his mom said. “I’ll make sure he is,” Piper teased. “Good. I’ll see y’all both on Sunday.” They hung up and she shook her head.

“Is that the call you were waiting on?” Jamie nodded. “And what else?” “9 tonight. Other than that, we’re good.” He smirked and Piper got up. “What?” “Nothing. Means you can pack your own bag.” She smirked and headed upstairs with Jamie maybe two steps behind her. They got into the bedroom and he tackled her to the bed. “How did I not know that Friday was your birthday?” “I don’t celebrate it. Ever.” She shook her head and he leaned in and kissed her. “Jamie.” “Honestly, I really don’t. They were never really big for me.” “Celebrate the day you were born? Seriously?” “I just don’t. I got pushed around when I was little and got dumped every time my birthday came.” “It’s your birthday. You aren’t getting picked on” “My actual dad got killed on my birthday when I was 3.” “What?” “Piper, just leave it.” “So your dad is your heart dad instead of your blood dad.” “You are the only one who could ever put it that way.” She nodded. “Doesn’t make your birthday any less special.” “I go to the cemetery on my birthday. That’s how I celebrate.” She shook her head and kissed him. “Then we come up with a new way together.” “Piper, you don’t have to.” “Your birthday is special to me even if you don’t want to celebrate.” He kissed her again, devouring her lips and trailed the kisses down her neck.

“Are you serious that you don’t want to?” He shook his head. “You and me in bed, yes. A party that I know that they’re intentionally planning, no.” “I love you Jamie, but you’re a little crazy.” “They do it every year. They say it’s not gonna be a thing. You know them. Even the wedding was overdone since they got involved.” “We’re not blowing it off.” “We could say we’re busy.” She kissed him.

The very last thing in the world he wanted was to be at a big party. They’d gone overboard since his dad died, trying to make the day special. Over and over, he was just reminded of his dad not being there. That his dad was killed in a car accident and he couldn’t get to him. He was a baby at the time, but he never forgot him for even a second. The fact that he’d almost forgot his own birthday for the first time was almost insane.

“What if we just leave early?” Piper kissed him. “You’re ridiculous.” He shook his head. “Determined. I just want to spend it alone just us.” “Why?” “Because I know what it’s like to leave something out. To forget to say something.” She looked at him and his eyes started welling up and he was doing his best to ignore it. “Jamie.” “Nobody is going anywhere.” “You almost did when you took off.” His insecurity was showing and he wasn’t happy about it. His tough guy façade was not helping. “Just breathe.” He kissed her again. He was avoiding that topic. She’d heard enough as it was.

He curled back up in bed with her and made love to her. His emotions were raw. Way beyond raw. By the time they came up for air, Piper didn’t have any energy left. He snuggled her tight to him and kissed her neck. Not long later, he was out cold. If she’d even flinched, he would’ve been wide awake. Both of their phones were an arm’s length away. Piper managed to get up and was in Jackson’s office in nothing but Jamie’s dress shirt and slippers.

“What’s up?” “Miss Piper,” Jackson said trying not to look her up and down. “Say it.” “The security system was updated and someone already tried to hack it.” “Where are the cameras?” “Someone tried to bug your master. We tripled house security. You’re safe. You will be wherever you are.” “Good, so we’re okay to go tomorrow?” Jackson nodded. “Just keep in mind that taking off for a walk isn’t exactly an option until the woman is found.” “I know,” Piper replied. “Just keep someone with you if you go anywhere.” “Are you good with security for tomorrow?” Jackson nodded. “We have triple security. You’re safe.” Piper nodded. “Good then.”