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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st
It was sixty degrees outside. If this is what Texas had to offer, she could get used to it. Bebe held onto her carry-on luggage in one hand and Hope’s hand in the other. Since the plane had landed at San Antonio International Airport, she’d been queasy and full of nerves. Okay, maybe even before that. She hadn’t been able to eat a snack on the plane. All she could do was sip her ginger ale like her life depended on it. What if Jahleel hated the surprise?
He won’t, remember? He loves you.
The words soothed some of the tension, but not all of it. She was taking a huge risk by moving out here. Thankfully, her new job had paid for a moving company to ship her items to her new place. She had found a cute house near the elementary school where she’d be working. Turns out it was about fifteen miles from Jahleel.
Her thoughts shifted as a taxi slid in front of them. The driver got out. “Ms. Gordon?”
“Yes.”
He glanced at her carry-on. “Is that it?”
“I travel light.” She smiled and handed the bag over. The rest of her clothes would arrive Monday. No sense in bringing excess luggage with her. Not when she could fit multiple outfits for her and Hope in the spacious carry-on.
Bebe held the back door open for Hope. Her little girl placed the booster seat down then slid into it, finally buckling herself in. Bebe followed her actions.
The driver rattled off Jahleel’s address. “Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Nice area. We’ll be there in a jiffy.” He had a slight Spanish accent. “Are you here on vacation?”
“No, we’re moving here from Georgia.”
“Ah, that’s where the accent’s from?”
She blushed. “Georgia born and bred.”
“Well, you’ll love it here. San Antonio has many things to do. Zoo, museums, amusement parks. A lot of the museums are even free on Tuesdays. You take the little one and have fun.”
“Thanks for telling me.”
“Of course.”
They exchanged small talk on the ride to Jahleel’s house. Before she knew it, he pulled up to a huge home.
“Wow, Mama. His house is huge.”
It was absolutely gorgeous. Here goes nothing. She paid the driver and got out the car.
He handed her the carry on. “Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year to you too.”
Bebe stood, taking in the home. The tan brick glowed under the white lights, lining the roof. A huge wreath rested on the front door. She gulped.
“Are we going to go up the sidewalk or just stand here?”
Bebe chuckled. “I’m nervous. What if he doesn’t like our surprise?”
“Come on,” Hope tugged at her hand. “He’ll love it.”
She followed her daughter up the steps, praying the entire way. As she stood in front of the glass door, nerves assaulted her. Hope looked at her, shook her head, and rang the doorbell. If she hadn’t been so shocked, maybe she’d laugh. Instead, she bit her lip and waited.
And waited.
Hope reached for the doorbell, but stopped at the sound of the door unlocking. Bebe swallowed, palms dampening.
Jahleel filled the doorway. He had on a white t-shirt and jeans.
He looked perfect.
“Bebe?” His mouth dropped open as he looked back and forth between her and Hope.
“Happy New Year,” they chorused.
“What....”
“Are you going to let us in, Mr. Walker?”
“Sorry,” he blinked rapidly. “Come in, come in.”
She stepped over the threshold and set her luggage down. She met Jahleel’s gaze and offered a small smile.
His eyes shined with love.
“I’m hungry,” Hope said, shattering the mood.
He chuckled. “I’ve got some cookies in the kitchen.”
“Great. They had some weird caramel cracker on the plane. It was disgusting.”
Jahleel turned to Bebe. “You, miss, stay right here.” He held out a hand for Hope and they walked down the long hall, Hope chatting away.
So far so good. Bebe walked forward into the living room. The floor-length windows had a magnificent view of Texas hill country. It was like the sky practically touched the ground, it was so expansive.
“Bebe Willabee, what in the world are you doing here?”
She whirled around. Jay stood a few feet away, his hands propped on his hips hero style.
“I came to see you.” Be with you. “Surprise.” She curved her lips upward, but she was too nervous to give a real smile.
Jahleel took a step forward. “How long can you stay?” He cupped her cheek.
She licked her lips. “How about forever?”
His brown eyes flickered back and forth searching hers. “Forever?”
“Forever.” She wound her arms around his neck. “I just took a job here.” She named the local school.
“You got a job in San Antonio?” His arms circled her waist. “You aren’t joking, are you?”
“Movers arrive Monday. School starts Tuesday.”
His lips descended in a greeting she hadn’t anticipated but was much welcomed.
“Bebe,” he whispered. “I didn’t think you’d want to leave Peachwood Bay.”
“I let you walk away once. I couldn’t do it again.”
“I said I’d be back.” He trailed a finger down the side of her face.
“And how long would you want to go back and forth?”
“However long it took.”
She laid a hand over his heart. “Well now you don’t have to come back.”
He laid his forehead against hers. “Is this real? Are you really here?”
“I’m really here.”
“Thank God.” His lips caressed hers again, kissing her slowly but thoroughly. He pulled back slightly. “I love you, Bebe.”
“And I love you.”
“Welcome home.”
