Miranda had already tried him at his hotel, but he hadn’t been there, so she drove toward his father’s home across town. A little less stress weighed on her shoulders now, but her emotions were riled up and toiling. By the time she pulled to a stop at the curb, nerves peppered her skin.
This would be a more proper goodbye than the last time she’d left him, hurt and angry. She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly before climbing from the car and approaching the house.
She was surprised a man with Jon Taylor’s money lived in such a simple, traditional home. It was an older, well-kept Craftsman style with a big, covered deck on the front of the house, complete with swing and rocking chairs. The neighborhood was modest, but nice.
At the door, Miranda pulled back the screen and knocked, then moved back to the edge of the porch again. A turbulent clatter preceded a young voice yelling, “I’ll get it.”
The door opened with a flourish, and Miranda looked down at a little boy. An adorable, blond-headed mini version of Jack.
“Jacob,” a female voice called from somewhere close. “You never answer the door without me.”
A woman turned into the foyer, and Miranda realized she’d seen her before.
“Hi,” Miranda said. “You must be Jen. We haven’t met personally, but I’ve seen you at different jobsites over the years. You’re a project manager for Pinnacle, right?”
“Right.” The warmth in her smile surprised Miranda. She’d expected to be shunned by Jack’s family given what she’d been accused of. “You must be Miranda.”
“Yes.” She was ashamed of what they must think of her, and really just wanted to get this out of the way and leave. “Is Jack here? I just need to talk to him for a minute.”
Jen stepped past Jacob and pushed the screen door open. “No, but come in and wait. He’s on his way home from the airport.”
Miranda hesitated. “Um…” She looked toward her truck, thinking that would be a more comfortable location to wait.
“We’re making cookies,” Jacob said.
“Well, I’m making cookies,” Jen amended. “They lost interest when I wouldn’t let them eat the dough.”
Her warmth surprised Miranda. She’d expected more animosity.
“They’re playing on the floor at my feet,” Jen continued. “I’ve stepped on so many Legos, I wouldn’t doubt I have prong imprints on the soles of my feet.” She tipped her head toward the house. “Come on in. Jack won’t be long.”
Miranda followed Jen into the kitchen, with Jacob skipping behind. Two more boys were here, a baby in a high chair with Cheerios spread out on the tray in front of him and an older toddler right where Jen said he’d be, on the floor playing with Legos and plastic cars.
Jacob dropped to his butt on the floor near the center island and focused on a small Lego building he was putting together. “Wanna help?”
“Sure.” Miranda crouched, then dropped to her butt and crossed her legs. “I’ve always been better at Legos than cookies.”
32
When Jack turned the corner and spotted Miranda’s truck parked at the curb across the street from his father’s house, his heart took a triple beat. He’d planned on checking in with Jen before heading straight to Warrior Homes, sure that was where she’d be spending her time.
But Miranda had come to him. He wasn’t sure if he should be excited or unnerved.
He entered the house, ears perked for her voice. It was coming from the kitchen, and she sounded happy. Upbeat. Then he heard Jacob, and Jack realized she was talking to his nephew.
As soon as he closed the door, Jacob and James whooped, called his name, and ran down the hall. The only thing better than coming home to this would be coming home to his own boys.
Jack scooped them up, one under each arm, and carried the giggling boys sideways into the kitchen. He found Miranda sitting cross-legged on the floor, Legos in her hands.
God, it was good to see her. His heart ached, and his stomach floated. As he set the boys down, Miranda pushed to her feet in one fluid move.
“I was just about to call you,” he told her.
She gave a nod. “Have a minute?”
“Let’s talk on the porch.” He let Miranda lead the way and shared a smile with his sister before he followed. “Dad asleep?”
“No.” She lifted her brows with a big smile. “In his garden.”