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“I really should get back to Misty. Hope wants to start riding her tomorrow. I’ll catch up with you later.” Before I can say anything, she’s gone. I sigh, knowing the awkward conversation with my parents has likely freaked her out. There’s no doubt my parents missed Jacob and me.
“Where did Aria go?” Libby asks as she comes to stand next to me, her hand rubbing her back.
“She had to get back to work.” I frown as she moves uncomfortably from foot to foot. “Are you okay, Lib?”
“My back is killing me. I’m so ready for this baby to be born.” I push her hand away and rub circles on her lower back.
“Are you sure you’re not in labor?”
“I don’t think so. It’s just a backache.”
“Is it the baby?” my mum asks from across the room, concern lacing her voice. Everyone turns to look at us, and Libby laughs.
“No! I just have a backache.”
“Are you sure, sweetheart?” my mum asks, coming to stand next to Libby.
“I’m good, Mum,” Libby tells her, brushing off her concern. “I might go and lie down though, if you don’t mind?”
“Of course I don’t mind.”
“Come on, I’ll walk you home. I need to speak to Aria anyway. Mum, would you watch Jacob for me?”
She nods. “Call me if you need me, Lib.”
After a quick round of goodbyes, Libby takes my arm, and we head down the porch steps. We’re slow walking back to the cottage and I glance across at the stables as we pass. Aria’s in the exercise area with Misty, and I raise my hand in a wave when she sees us. She waves back and I sigh.
“Is it not going well with you two?” Libby asks, glancing over to where Aria is.
“It’s going really well. Too well.”
“How can it be going too well?” she asks, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion.
“I love her, Lib.” She stops and turns to face me.
“Have you told her?” I shake my head. “Why not?”
“What if she doesn’t feel the same? Friends with benefits, remember. She doesn’t want anything more.”
“You still believe that?” I shrug. “I’ve seen you together, Jack. She loves you too. You should talk to her.”
“We’re going to talk tonight.”
“Don’t wait until tonight. Talk to her now.” We come to a stop in the small garden outside the cottage.
“Will you be okay?”
“I’ll be fine. Mason will be back soon. I’m just going to lie down.” She pulls me into an embrace the best she can with her swollen stomach. “You deserve to be happy, Jack, especially after Mia and then Zara.”
“Why does she have to live on the other side of the world?” I whisper.
“You’ll work it out. Talk to her.” I nod.
“Thanks, Lib.”
She goes inside the cottage and I turn and head back to the exercise area. Can I really tell her I love her? If she doesn’t feel the same way, I’ll be crushed. We’ve spent every spare minute together since I arrived, but I knew from the beginning she didn’t want to get into anything serious, knowing I wasn’t staying. I’ve fallen hard for her though, and the thought of going home and never seeing her again isn’t something I can even think about.
Aria
