Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 24

“Jackson.” Hannah opened her eyes, stopping him mid-sentence.

The car was filled with a heavy, awkward silence. After what felt like forever, Jackson finally spoke again. “I’ll go with you to the National Ballet Company. We’re twenty-eight, Hannah. We don’t have that many years left to dance. I want to spend them by your side.”

Hannah just felt lost for a moment.

The two of them had been a team since they were three, back when they first reached for a ballet barre. Every step of the way, Jackson’s name had always come right after hers.

Three years ago, when she went abroad, Jackson went with her. He was always there. Always her constant.

She was used to it.

They didn’t say another word during the drive. When they got to The Hamilton, Jackson insisted on escorting Hannah all the way to the door.

Jasper happened to be outside tossing a ball around.

As soon as they pulled in, the whole family in the yard—three generations—turned to look. Carl recognized Jackson right away and looked surprised. “Jackson, you’ve come back too?”

Jackson greeted them politely. “Hi, Carl. Hi, Odette. In a few days, Hannah and I will go to the ballet company together. We’ll still be partners.”

Carl smiled at that. “That’s good. You two have such great chemistry. With you looking out for Hannah, we can really relax.”

Odette smiled too and waved her grandson over. “Come inside for a bit. Jasper, come say hello.”

Jasper blinked his big eyes, let the ball drop, and was just about to come over when Hannah hurried ahead and scooped him up. “It’s late. Dad, Mom, you two talk. I’ll take Jasper in and get him washed up.”

Jackson watched them as they went. Jasper rested his head on his mom’s shoulder and gave him a little wave.

Jackson smiled softly, then turned to say goodbye.

The yard went quiet. Odette let out a long sigh. “Jackson’s a good guy. He follows Hannah everywhere. If they’d ended up together… they really would have been the perfect pair.”

Carl put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle pat. “It’s been more than three years. Try not to think about it.”

Odette nodded. She just couldn’t help feeling it was a shame.

Such a shame that the people who should have been together, weren’t.

. . .

She stayed busy all day and was just wrapping up when Felton messaged her again.

Are you free tomorrow? Want to grab a coffee?

There are a bunch of new movies out. Is there anything you want to see?

Since they’d been set up, meeting in person actually seemed easier. Bonnie thought about her weekend. Other than swimming on Saturday, she didn’t have plans. She replied that she was free.

For the movie, she checked a group-buying app. The first thing that popped up was Toy Story 4.

Bonnie’s finger paused on the title, and she chose it.

Felton didn’t mind. He picked a theater and showtime, and sent her a screenshot of the tickets.

Bonnie texted back, Thanks, coffee’s on me tomorrow.

Felton sent another sticker. Bonnie closed the app, saved her PowerPoint, and sent it off to her team lead.