Chapter Ten

For long moments, they stood in their embrace, both enjoying it equally. As they pulled back from their hold, Rex could barely see the light in her eyes from the setting sun. “Come on, we should find our way back before it gets too much darker.” Rex said and took her hand, leading her out of the wooded river pass.
“Do you want me to give you a lift home? I mean, are you going home?”
“Well… I don’t really need to go back right this minute…”
“I could invite you to my place.” Rex said.
“Where do you live?” Jayme asked.
“Well, I could tell you, but I’d rather show you.” Rex said, smiling.
“Ok. Sure, it’s still early…” Jayme said and walked toward his truck.
Rex drove through town to the other edge, then followed the pavement for approximately five miles, until the lights of town no longer had any effect on the night sky. Jayme discovered an apartment complex they built out of town on what used to be farm land. Following Rex up the sidewalk, Jayme waited for Rex to open the door and let her inside.
The first door on the right was his apartment. Unlocking the door, he opened it, stepped in, then allowed Jayme to enter before closing the door. On the wall adjacent from the door was a clean sheriff’s uniform. The apartment seemed tidy for a bachelor but Jayme remembers the clean person Rex used to be.
“Have a seat, I’ll get you something to drink.” Rex said, tossing his jacket on the couch.
Jayme didn’t sit down, instead, she walked though his apartment, locating the bathroom and single bedroom. Meeting him in the small kitchen, she leaned with her lower back against the counter as Rex was pouring them a glass of pop. “This is a cute place.” Jayme said.
“Cute?” Rex questioned with a smile. “It’s not supposed to be cute… it’s practical, inexpensive and perfect for one person.” Rex said.
“Yes, of course.” Jayme smiled back.
Rex handed her a glass of pop then led her back into the living room where they sat comfortably on the couch. “Tell me what you’re up to…” Rex started.
“Not much these days, I put my husband in the ground on Wednesday. I’ve been packing and moving things. I contacted a real estate agent to sell my house. It’s on the market, now, we just wait.” Jayme said.
“What about your job?” Rex asked.
“I’ll just have to find a job here.” Jayme answered.
“What do you do?”
“At my last job, I was an emergency traumatic injury nurse in the emergency room at Silver Creek Medical Center. I was thinking of furthering my career to work in a helicopter as a severe injury paramedic. But since there are no openings around here, I may just take what I can get.”
“That fits you.” Rex said. “I always knew you’d grow up to be someone important.” Rex said, sipping his drink.
“Thank you, that’s so sweet of you.” Jayme said.
“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you, and now, here you are. I want to know everything that’s happened with you since I moved away.” Rex said.
“Well, let me think.” Jayme said, cocking her head to the side and looking up. “I was homecoming queen in high school… I moved to Silver Creek to attend the nursing school. I was just out of school when I met Scott. We were together for almost two years before we were married. Then just six months after we married, he was murdered. I found out he was having an affair, for three years. I’m seven months pregnant and this baby has no father. But he left me a nice life insurance policy so I’m not going to worry too much. I’m not going back to work until the baby is about a year old.” Jayme explained.
“Oh, that’s good, sounds like you have a plan.” Rex said. “Any chance you could make a plan with me?”
Jayme smiled. “What do you mean?”
“I mean a date… tomorrow night… Don’t worry, just a friendly date. I realize you just lost your husband. But there is never enough time to just sit and catch up.” Rex said.
“Sure.” Jayme accepted.
“Great.” Rex said. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“I’ve already put in my two weeks notice at work, but she put me on a two week leave so I guess I’m done. She told me not to worry, they were fully staffed. The only reasons I would need to go back to Silver Creek is to sell my house or any new developments in the case on Scott.”
“So it sounds like you have all your corners covered.” Rex said.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to contact the real estate agent about Mrs. Humphrey’s house. I really want that property.” Jayme said. “I’m also going to contact a new obstetrician. I think my appointment time is coming up.” Jayme sipped her drink.
“I’m so excited for you…” Rex said.
“Why, what do you mean?” Jayme asked.
“You’re about to become a mother, and for the first time. I can’t wait to meet them.” Rex said.
Jayme smiled, realizing he wanted to become a part of her life, at least enough to know her children. “You want to meet my baby?” She said.
“Of course. I’ve missed you for so long. I can only hope to become some part of your life, whether it means an acquaintance or more.”
Jayme smiled, feeling the warmth of his words rushing through her body. She knew she always loved him and now was no different. He had always held a special place in her heart. But her heart had been so long without seeing him, it had grown fonder. “I should probably go…” Jayme said, knowing she needed to distance herself from him, at least for now.
“Really? Are you sure?” Rex said, sounding disappointed.
“Yea, it’s getting late and I should get to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry to see you go, but I will take you home.” Rex said and stood to throw his jacket over his shoulders.
The drive back to Jayme’s house was awkward for both of them and they hardly spoke a word. As Rex pulled into her driveway, Jayme leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.” She said.
Rex watched her go into the house before he backed out of her driveway. Although Simon and Paige were still up, Jayme went directly upstairs to her room. Gathering some clothes, Jayme Went towards the bathroom. The hot shower refreshed her, waking her up some. Dressing in her pajamas, Jayme went to her room and laid on her bed, and picked up a book she had been wanting to read.
Although she wasn’t tired when she started to read, after two short chapters, she was ready to put the book down. Turning off the light, she laid in bed, although tired, she found it hard to fall asleep. All she could think about was Rex, although her mind wandered a few times to Steve. Steve was new, mysterious and exciting. Rex was familiar and like home. Jayme found herself trying to decide between the two. Then she thought of her husband and knew she shouldn’t be having this debate.
For the next forty five minutes, Jayme thought of Scott and cried herself to sleep. Waking at three in the morning, she found her stomach growling. Pulling the covers back, she climbed out of bed and went as down as quiet as the creaky steps would allow. In the kitchen, she searched for something to eat but settled on some fresh fruit.
Returning to her room carrying an apple, a banana and an orange, she turned on her light and read another chapter as she ate. Turning off the light and feeling satisfied for now, Jayme fell back asleep rather quickly.