Catching Serenity (34 page)

“
While you’re quite fetching in your cute little robe, why don’t you go change into some
I’m going to have fun today
clothes. Shorts and tennis shoes. And think about retiring that robe but at least get some good dust rags out of the deal.” It took everything in him to keep his eyes trained on her face. The thin, ratty cotton of her white robe accentuated the curves beneath it to great advantage and its short length highlighted her long, shapely legs. He almost let out a moan of his own but kept it in check.

Serenity absently fingered the torn belt
, the expression on her face sad. What had he said now? “This robe was Mama’s. That’s why I haven’t been able to let it go. I don’t have much of her left to call my own. It doesn’t smell like her anymore, though. For a long time, it did.”

Jackson
’s eyes widened. “Then I think you should definitely keep it. I’m sorry. That was an incredibly stupid thing to say.”

She shrugged.
“No, it wasn’t. You had no idea, and you’re right. I guess I needed my mother today.” Her eyes met this. “But then God sent
you
.”

Tears stung the back of his eyes
. So much he
couldn’t
tell her, so much he
wanted
to tell her. What a horrible place to live. He hadn’t even told her yet that he’d found the last known address for her mother and was surprised she hadn’t asked.

Lord, please don
’t let her hate me.

Her eyes bright,
Serenity touched his forearm as she headed back toward the house. “Give me five minutes to change.”

Reaching for his cell phone, he nodded.
“Sure. Take your time.”

~
CHAPTER 35~

Untying
her robe, Serenity slipped it off her shoulders and tossed it on the bed. She darted into her closet and grabbed a pair of khaki shorts and a light blue cotton top. Dressed less than two minutes later, she headed into the bathroom, washed her face and then applied a couple of light coats of waterproof mascara, the latter being one of Deidre’s best suggestions. The thought made her smile. After brushing her teeth, Serenity slicked a light pink gloss over her lips and frowned at her reflection in the wall mirror. Faint circles lined her eyes, evidencing her lack of sleep the last few nights and her features appeared more pale than usual.

“
Look lively, girl, and get ready to enjoy the day. No more wallowing.” She combed her hair and secured it in a twist in back with a plastic clip.

Next s
he rummaged through her closet for her most comfortable pair of athletic shoes. They were well-worn but hopefully they’d suffice for whatever Jackson had in mind. She suspected he might be winging it and hadn’t planned on whisking her off anywhere today. How could he have known he’d walk into the den of emotional instability when he almost broke down her door? As usual, he was being compassionate, sensitive Jackson. One of the things she admired most about him was his ability to sense her moods and not push her. Today, he knew she needed company and fun. He really was so good to her, so good
for
her. Not many men would be so patient and kind. Danny might have been the one she’d played with in the sandbox as a child, but Jackson was the one she felt like she’d known forever.

S
tuffing the tube of lip gloss in the pocket of her shorts, she reached for her purse on the dresser. After removing her driver’s license and a credit card from her wallet, she detached her house key from the butterfly key ring, a gift from Deidre on her last weekend visit to Atlanta. “Honey, one of these days you’ll emerge from your cocoon and you’re going to sail through the air like the most beautiful butterfly. You’ll soar like you’re meant to do.”

As she left the house
, Serenity spied Jackson leaning against his car, facing her, his cell phone at his ear. A huge grin spread across his face when he spied her and he gave her a thumbs-up sign. After locking the door, she pocketed the key and headed down the front walkway to meet him.

“
Charlie sends you his best regards,” Jackson said, finishing the call. “Said to tell you he’s thinking of you today.”

Dear Charlie.
He knew today would be a hard one for her. He’d left her a voice mail on her phone but she hadn’t listened to it yet. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she’d hear from her dad. Ever since Liam’s death, he hadn’t let the day go by without contacting her in some way. “Thanks. And where are you taking me today, kind sir?”

“
I’m kidnapping you.”

“
Excuse me?”

“
You heard me. Okay, first I have a confession.” After stuffing his phone in the pocket of his shorts, he held up both hands with an adorably sheepish smile.

“
You don’t look especially repentant.” Her attempt to frown didn’t work. The man was irresistible.

“
I called Charlie since I figured he’d know the perfect place to take you, but I’m not telling. You have to wait and see. After you, Princess Serenity.” Opening the car door, Jackson ushered her inside.

“
You realize there’s a high penance to pay for kidnapping royalty,” she said as he slid behind the wheel.

“
I’ll pay whatever the price for the pleasure of your company.”

She couldn
’t even muster a comeback. Jackson was certainly as smooth as the engine of his car as it purred to life. Serenity’s stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten anything. “So,” she said a mile down the road, “I hope you’re planning to feed me.”

He
tossed her an amused glance. “I heard. Whatever your heart desires—or make that your stomach—shall be yours once we reach the kingdom.”

“
And which kingdom are we traveling to today, kind sir? Please don’t say Burger King.”

His laugh made her heart spiral.
“The kingdom of Serenity, of course.”

This man
is a
gift
.

Serenity
settled into the seat as Jackson turned onto the highway. She hadn’t ventured out of Croisette Shores since her arrival, and it was good to hit the open road. It brought a sense of freedom even though she never felt confined in her small town.

“
How about some music?”

“
Sure.” A few seconds later when he turned on the CD player, she turned in the seat to face him. “You listen to Mozart?”

“
Don’t sound so surprised. I guess you could say I’m developing more of an appreciation for it.” Reaching for her hand, he gave it a quick squeeze.

“
I’m not surprised,” she said, leaning her head against the seat, admiring his rugged, handsome profile. “Just...very pleased.”

Twenty minutes later,
Jackson pulled the car into the large parking lot of Faire Kingdom, an amusement park catering to the preteen and younger age group—complete with a small castle, moats, dragons and attendants in medieval costumes. She glanced around in wonder. “I haven’t been here in a long time. I’d forgotten all about it and didn’t even realize it was still here.”

As
Jackson helped her out of the car, she planted a kiss on his cheek and slipped her hand in his. “I love it. Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

He dipped his head to capture her eye contact
. “Sure you’re okay? You looked sad for a minute there.”

“
Being nostalgic. My parents brought me here a few times. I have lots of fond memories in Faire Kingdom.” She met his gaze. “Honestly? It’s absolutely perfect for today.”

“
Then let’s go have some fun. But first order of business is to get you something to eat.”

She laughed.
“Let’s wait until after we ride the roller coaster.”

Four hours later,
Serenity collapsed on a park bench beside Jackson. “I haven’t had this much fun in as long as I can remember.”

“
You realize those little girls over there have been following you around for about an hour.”

Although she
’d noticed them a few times during the day, she hadn’t thought twice about it. “Why do you think they’re following me? They probably think
you’re
someone famous. Face it, Jackson. You have a certain quality or whatever about you, and that car you drive is pretty awesome.”

Relaxing
against the back of the bench, Jackson draped one arm around her shoulders. “I think it might have a little something to do with that glittery thing perched on your head.”

Serenity
touched the rhinestone tiara he’d bought for her in one of the stores on Palace Avenue. She’d always loved them as a child. Somewhere, at the back of her closet, she still had the one her dad bought her at Faire Kingdom for her seventh birthday.

“
A tiara does not a princess make, you know.” Jackson’s smile sobered a bit. Those deep chocolate eyes bore straight through to her soul. He already knew her mind more intimately than Danny. Her husband hadn’t been as much concerned with anything intellectual as physical and tangible. In some ways, sitting on the bench beside Jackson now, her life with Danny seemed like someone else’s life. 

“
Time for another confession,” Jackson said. “Your dad called when I was waiting for our food earlier. He asked me to buy one for you. Dance, Princess Serenity, dance—”

“
This is your kingdom, and all of God’s riches shall be added unto you,” she murmured.

“
Oh, no you don’t.” Jackson rose to his feet and pulled her up with him. “No sad looks allowed. How about some cotton candy?” He left his hand wrapped around hers. “Come on, live dangerously.” When he raised a brow, she laughed.

“
Tempting. Only if you share it with me.”

“
Deal. Only question is which color.”

“
Pink, of course.” Serenity smiled at the little girls as they walked past. When one of them tugged on the bottom of her shorts, she stopped with Jackson beside her. He released her hand as she crouched down beside the freckle-faced redhead.

“
You look like a real princess.”

“
Of course, she’s not, silly,” another one of the little girls piped up, nodding at Serenity with a serious expression. “They sell those crowns at the gift shop.”

“
I’ve never seen a princess wear shorts and tennis shoes.” That comment came from a dark-haired girl who looked a few years older.

“
Sure they do,” the red-haired girl said.

“
I’m Serenity. What’s your name?”

“
Isabella. Serenity
sounds
like a princess name.” She glanced up at Jackson. “Are you her prince?”

Playing along, Jackson bowed at the waist.
In so doing, he captured more of her heart. “Prince Jackson at your service, Royal Miss.”

All the girls giggled and it
brought that sweet but rare flush of color to Jackson’s cheeks that made him look all the more charming. With a smile, Serenity carefully removed her tiara, thankful her hair didn’t catch on the comb. “I hereby crown you Princess Isabella.” The awe in Isabella’s bright eyes was unmistakable as she reached up with one hand to touch the tiara.

“
Does this crown make me a princess?” The hope in the girl’s voice was precious as Serenity helped her secure it in her hair.

Lord, help me say the right words.
“I might look like a princess, but I’m really not in the eyes of the world. In God’s eyes, you’re a princess every day, Isabella. He’s the true King and He wants you in His kingdom. It doesn’t matter whether you wear this crown or not. All you have to do is invite Jesus into your heart and love Him. Talk to Him like a best friend. You’ll always be a princess in His eyes.” Serenity tapped a light finger on the tip of the girl’s nose, prompting giggles. “And one day,
your
handsome prince will come along.”

Isabella
nodded before throwing her arms around her neck. “I think you’re the prettiest, nicest princess I ever met.”

“
As if you’ve met any,” the skeptic commented, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Bella. We’ve gotta get back or mom’s gonna yell at us. You sure you want to give her that?” Defiant dark eyes stared at Serenity.

“
Yes.” She winked at Isabella. “It looks a lot better on you than me. Have a good time. Bye girls!” Serenity gave them her best impression of a royal wave, and avoided looking at Jackson. When the girls were out of earshot, she turned to face him. “Please don’t tell me you spent a lot of money on that tiara. It was a pretty nice replica.”

He gave her a coy grin.
“I could buy you another one.”

“
That’s okay. The thought was there and it was fun while it lasted, but there’s so many obligations in the royal spotlight. I think I’d rather be one of the common folk.”