Forever Moore (Moore Family Book 1) Read online

  “I would love that, Jax. I would need to work out the help to cover the shop. But I know it is doable. When were you thinking?” My mind is racing a million miles per minute. Does this mean he is sticking around? He only has about one week left of vacation here. The trips mean the future, some sort of future.

  “Well, maybe we could go after the holidays? I understand this time of the year is still a little busy with fall tourism and then holiday shopping. I would say we could go away for Christmas, but I know how much you love celebrating the holidays with your family. I imagine this year will be difficult, and it will be important for all of you to be together.”

  I didn’t think I could love him anymore than I already do, but then he says all this. He is right. I do love the holidays. They have always been a big deal in our home. Mom has totes full of decorations for the house and the shop to cover each holiday and then general seasonal decorations. She even has throw blankets and pillows to rotate through the year. I will admit I have been dreading the upcoming season a little, without mom and dad here. But I know it would honor them to continue with the traditions.

  “That sounds wonderful Jax, thank you.” I know this might kill the mood, but I need to ask. “Hey, Jax, what does this mean? Are you staying?”

  Jax sits and ponders for a moment before sighing. “I am not sure yet.”

  “Oh.” I know I shouldn’t be surprised. But I was really hoping this was his creative way of telling me he wasn’t going back.

  Jax lifts my chin to look at him. “Hey, sweetheart, I am not saying I am leaving. Just that things are still a little uncertain right now. I have talked to folks around town about doing photographs and social media work for them. Patty has referred me to basically every shop on Main Street. I have also talked with Eli about his plans for the orchard. Then, we have the meeting tomorrow with the tourism board. But I still do not know what that all means yet. I am not sure how sustainable the work is.”

  I sniffle. “I know that makes sense. I am sorry I brought it up. I just—” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss.

  “I get it. I am making plans for our future. You wanted to know what that meant. It does mean something, Tilly.”

  “But what does it mean?” A tear rolls down my cheek, and he wipes it away.

  “Well, I have been contemplating a couple of things. If I don’t find work in Tral Lake, it doesn’t mean I need to leave town exactly. I know it would not be ideal, but I was thinking of getting rid of my apartment in New York. The lease is due for renewal anyway, and it is expensive real estate that I almost never visit. I was thinking maybe I should move back here. So, when I am not working, I can come home to you.”

  “How does that work exactly? You just said you are never at your apartment anyway?” I don’t mean to downplay his idea. But while I enjoy seeing Jax, having him roll into town once every few months for a weekend is worse than him just being gone.

  “That is by choice, Tilly. There was nothing to go home to. I would always show up to shoots early and stay longer, rarely ever going home. I was thinking I could balance my work and home life a little more. Sandra, one of the other travel photographers who works for the magazine… she works two weeks on and one week off. Then, she actually takes her vacation time and holidays off to spend with her family. She has three kids at home and a husband. I know it wouldn’t be easy, and that the weeks apart would be tough—”

  “But it would be something, right?” I try not to sound too disappointed. I know it isn’t ideal, but this is better than what the military spouses go through. They manage to have happy healthy relationships, when their partner is gone six months to a year at a time.

  Jax smiles at me. “I understand this isn’t optimal, or likely what you wanted, but it could be workable if you are interested. We could video chat while I am gone, call or text each other daily, have amazing phone sex.” He gives me his signature big smile. “Then, when I am home, I get to spend my time with you and help take pictures around the town. My ultimate goal would still be to find stable enough work locally. But at least this way, we could be together. I know I haven’t figured everything out yet, Tilly. But spending this time home, the one thing I know for certain is that I am not ready to let you go. I might never be ready for that.”

  It would be difficult, but it is not impossible if we are both willing to put in the work. If Jax is willing to give up some of his traveling to be home more with me, I feel like I can compromise with him on wanting him here all of the time. But for how long? I know some can do it, but I’ve never thought of myself as a long-distance relationship kind of girl. Not to mention, I am getting older. I want to get married and have children. While Jax has always had the starring role in those fantasies, in those same dreams, he was also here. I am not sure I could handle a part-time spouse and father.

  I set my cider down on the bench, and turn back to Jax. Straddling his lap and taking his face in the palm of my hands, I whisper, “Jax, I love you.” I lean down and give him a deep passionate kiss. His mouth immediately opens for mine, allowing my tongue entry… allowing our entangled mouths to communicate how much we love each other, in a way words never could compare.

  When our kiss breaks, we are both left breathless and panting. I rest my forehead on his as he confesses, “I love you, Matilda. I promise we will make this work.”

  I know Jax means well, but the only way this can work is if he is here all the time. I would never force him to stay or give him an ultimatum. But I am not sure if long-distance could ever work for me. I guess… we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get to it. I promised I would give this a shot, knowing the risks associated with it. I just hope in the end the gamble with my heart is worth it.

  Chapter 18

  Jackson

  I’m not sure why, but I am really nervous for the tourism board meeting. I know I shouldn’t be. Tilly seems on board with the idea that I still work for the magazine but make time to come home to her. It is not ideal. Honestly, the thought of not going to bed with her at night or waking up with her in my arms is like hell. Also, long-distance can be tough. And I worry that eventually, we won’t be able to handle it anymore, especially Tilly. I just need to remember it will be temporary, until I find something local.

  The meeting is taking place at the town hall. It is nothing large or fancy. I think it used to be a chapel back in the day. The board consists of ten members, most of whom own shops on Main Street. Then, there’s the woman who runs the bed and breakfast; though, I haven’t officially met her yet. I think she moved to town a few years ago. Tilly said her name is Scarlett and she is from California. How she ended up here, I have no idea.

  “Matilda, you mentioned you have a proposition for the board?” Keith McCalester asks. Of course, fucking McCalester has to be on the damn board. And apparently, not just on the board, but the president of it. While I am pissed Tilly didn’t warn me about this dipshit being here, I understand why she didn’t. I probably would have never agreed to go to the meeting. The McCalesters are the richest family in town, and one of the founding families—along with the Moores and the Fitzgeralds. It doesn’t mean much these days, but I remember granddad telling me all about it.

  “Yes, Keith. We have been discussing how in order to increase our tourism, we needed a social media and marketing manager for the town. Jackson here, is a professional travel photographer. He has already been working with some of the shop owners in town, taking photos and assisting with social media. I propose hiring Jackson to fill the role as the town's social media and marketing manager.”

  “I love that idea. Jackson took pictures of my shop a few days ago and helped me do a couple of posts. I have already had ten new out-of-town orders. I usually only get ten of those a month,” Patty adds.

  “He is also helping me with a marketing plan for the orchard,” Eli comments as well.

  Keith sits there, rubbing his pointy chin. With his slicked-back black hair, he looks like a villain plotting to destroy
the world. Don’t get me wrong, I know by the usual standards he is “handsome” but that is only on the outside. On the inside, he is nothing but a weasel—the kind of man who hides behind both his last name and his daddy, who just so happens to be our town mayor.

  Back in the day, I know he had an almost obsessive crush on Tilly. With the way he is looking at her, I am guessing that hasn’t changed. Jake, Scott, and I made it our personal mission to keep him as far away as possible from Tilly. Not that she can’t handle herself, but there is just something about that sleaze that has never sat well with us.

  ∞∞∞

  Ten Years Ago

  Tilly descends the stairs in a sparkling golden gown. Her hair is down in luscious waves, and her face is glowing with minimal makeup; all that I really notice is her plush ruby-red lips that I can’t wait to kiss later tonight. She looks like a fucking goddess, and I am glad that I decided to finally take a chance on us. Scott was right, Tilly and I are meant to be. I have no doubt about that.

  “Oh my, Tilly, you look beautiful,” Mrs. Moore says, rushing into the room with her camera in hand. I can see the tears in her eyes… her children are now all grown up.

  “She looks okay, but we both know that I am the better looking one though,” Jake adds; he looks like Bond in his tuxedo, with his blonde hair slicked back and to the side. While they are twins, Tilly is definitely the more attractive sibling, at least to me.

  “Whatever, Jake.” Tilly rolls her eyes. “You are just jealous that I have a date to prom and you don’t.”

  “Ha! Nope. Going stag is perfect. We all know I might be going there alone, but I will not be leaving that way,” Jake replies, nudging my shoulder.

  “Children, come on, now. I want to get some pictures before Letty shows up and rushes everyone out of here,” Mrs. Moore says, ushering all of us to the living room.

  “You look absolutely stunning, Tilly,” I say, leaning down and whispering in her ear so only she could hear me. Tilly’s pale complexion starts to flush, making her look even more beautiful.

  Mrs. Moore takes what feels like a gazillion photos of us, before Letty finally shows up. Letty comes storming into the house, in her normal fashion. While Tilly chose a classic look, Letty went with a far more vibrant hot pink dress that leaves little to the imagination. Her dark hair is piled on her head in some curly mess. She also has the whole dark smokey eye thing going on with bright pink lipstick. While she is beautiful, I prefer Tilly’s more natural and classic beauty.

  “Sorry I’m late. The limo got held up in some traffic,” Letty says, coming in and giving air kisses to Tilly on the cheek. “Wow, you look amazing, Tilly. I love the dress.”

  “Thanks,” Tilly replies, then looks confused. “Wait, limo? I thought we were just going to take Jake’s van? Also, how the hell did you afford a limo?”

  “One—there is no way we are showing up, as hot as we are, to our senior prom in Jake’s Shaggin’ Wagon.” Letty gives Jake a look of disgust. “Two—I didn’t have to afford anything. My date got the limo.”

  “Who was desperate enough to take you to prom, Letty?” Jake snarls at her.

  As if on cue, Keith walks through the doorway, wearing a classic tux with his ink hair slicked back. Upon entering, his eyes immediately lock onto Tilly like a predator. While his arm is around his date, he is shamelessly eye-fucking mine in front of everyone. Letty doesn’t seem to realize, or care. But Jake and I take notice right away. Jake looks at him and then over to me, as if telepathically saying, “Is this guy fucking serious?” I wordlessly reply back, “We need to keep an eye on this scumbag tonight.” Jake nods outwardly in agreement.

  Mrs. Moore snaps a few more pictures of the whole group. Afterwards, Mr. Moore takes us boys to the side to give us his brief speech on respecting our dates; then he reminds us that he owns a shotgun and a shovel, in case any of us forgets. Though, the majority of that part of the conversation is directed to Keith.

  The limo ride to prom is tense. Tilly keeps shifting uncomfortably next to me. I notice Keith has yet to take his eyes off of her. Letty doesn’t appear to notice however. She has been too busy giving Jake the stink-eye, while he watches Keith as well. It seems he is just as uncomfortable as Tilly.

  After finally getting to prom, we quickly find a table before making the rounds. As soon as I get Tilly onto the dance floor, she looks more relaxed.

  “Hey, is everything okay?” I ask Tilly. I know the issue is Keith. But she seems especially tense about it this time.

  Tilly looks up at me in a daze, almost as if my question didn’t register with her. “Oh, yea, everything is really nice.”

  “No, Tilly, is everything okay with you? Ever since we left, you have seemed a little reserved.”

  Tilly looks around and sees Letty and Keith dancing on the other side of the room. She shakes her head and looks back at me before smiling. “No, sorry everything is fine. I think it just must be the whole senior prom, high school ending, nostalgia thing.”

  I know she is lying, but I drop it for now. Whatever was bothering her appears to have passed. For a while, Tilly and I dance and laugh, enjoying the night. Jake disappears, likely looking for his lonely girl who needs some cheering up. In between songs, we meet back up with Letty and Keith at the table.

  “Hey, Tilly, let's go to the bathroom and freshen up after all that dancing?” Letty asks, giving a come-hither look to Keith.

  When they walk off, it is just Keith and me sitting at the table. This is extremely awkward. I consider getting up and waiting by the restrooms, but eventually Keith speaks up. “It was sure nice of you willing to be Matilda’s charity date this evening.”

  “Excuse me?” Why the hell would Tilly ever need a charity date? If anything, I am grateful she wanted me to go with her.

  “Yea, I was worried tonight would be a little awkward. I had to turn down poor Matilda when she asked… well, practically begged me to go to the prom with her. She is a sweet girl and all, but Letitia is all woman,” he says, looking smug and drinking his punch.

  I sit there, clenching and unclenching my fist. I am pretty certain that Tilly would never have asked this sleazeball to the prom, but she has been acting a little weird about Keith tonight. I had thought that maybe she didn’t like how he was staring at her. But maybe I am reading this all wrong? Maybe she is jealous of Letty? No, there is no way Tilly would ever give this douche the time of day. I cool my emotions before replying with a shit-eating grin, “Well, your loss is my gain I guess.”

  Keith laughs, a hollow soulless laugh. “Believe me, I am experiencing no loss this evening. As soon as Leticia gets back from freshening up, we are out of here. I got us a suite in the Twin Cities tonight, and well, let’s just say neither one of us will be left unsatisfied tonight.”

  This guy is a complete pig, the exact stereotype of what no guy should ever be. I excuse myself before finding Tilly. Something isn’t sitting right and I need to talk to her. I intercept as they exit the bathroom. “Hey, Tilly, can we talk for a second?” I ask, grabbing her elbow and leading her down the hall.

  “I will meet you back at the table,” Tilly says to Letty before walking with me. “Is something wrong?”

  “Look, I don’t know how to ask you this, but did you ask Keith to take you to the prom?” I can see the panic in her eyes. “It is okay if you did. He just mentioned something at the table, and well, you have seemed off since he showed up tonight. I was wondering if you were maybe jealous of Letty or something?”

  Tilly has the look of complete disgust on her face. “I am not sure what the hell Keith said, but I can tell you I absolutely did not ask that jackass to the prom.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. “Okay. Then, why have you been weird all night?”

  She drops her shoulders, looking defeated. “This has to stay between us, okay? You can’t tell my brothers. Promise?”

  This can’t be good, but I have no choice. “Okay, sure.”

  “Ke
ith asked me to go to prom, and I turned him down,” she says, looking towards her feet. “He didn’t take it very well. At first, he played it off as no big deal. But then, he started showing up everywhere—at my locker, after my classes, and then eventually the shop. It was creepy. He kept asking me, telling me how great our night would be together and how we were perfect for each other. I don’t know… a whole bunch of weird shit.”

  I knew the guy was a creeper… I just didn’t realize how bad he really is.

  “But that is not all. A couple of weeks ago, he asked me again. This time, he cornered me outside of the locker room. I told him no, again, that I already had a date. He flipped, started cursing, and even punched the wall next to my head. He scared the shit out of me. I know he has had a crush on me or whatever for a while, but I never realized just how psychotic he was.” She takes a deep breath, shaking the memory off. “As far as tonight, I am absolutely not jealous. I am worried about Letty. I know for whatever reason she likes him, just like every other girl in the school who thinks he is mister prince charming. But I know he only asked her to try and get back at me. I am worried he is going to hurt Letty because I turned him down.”

  Tilly is practically shaking. Thinking back to what Keith said earlier, I am worried as well. I quickly let Tilly know what Keith told me. Before I finish, Tilly storms off and pulls Letty to the side. I am not sure what she says to her, but Letty returns to the table with a vengeance and Tilly on her heels.

  “Hey, babe, ready to get out of here?” Keith asks Letty, giving her his deceptive smile.

  Letty smiles right back, with venom practically dripping from her lips. She leans in to Keith, whispering something in his ear. Whatever she says, his mood changes dramatically. Before he even has a chance to react, she knees him in the balls. The squeal he makes as he collapses to the floor gets everyone’s attention.