Surge (St. Martin Family Saga: Emergency Responders) Book 3: St. Martin Family Saga: Emergency Responders by Gina Watson Page B

burned with the lie.

Chapter 6

    Inside, Clara went around and hugged each member of her family—her family that had grown by leaps and bounds. She held Daria in her arms. Isa and Cash’s baby was just an infant, but she was the most beautiful baby Clara had ever seen. Cash had a few new tattoos that he was showing to the crowd. Scrawled in beautiful cursive script over his heart were the words, Isabela and Daria. Her eyes filled with tears at the happiness her brother projected. And he wasn’t the only one. They had all found someone and so had she. She just couldn’t show any outward signs of it in front of her family, but she longed for the day when that would no longer be the case. She thought maybe they should tell Cal first since he was pretty easy going, but it was hard to predict how he or any of her brothers would take the news. She was ready to start an honest life with Jackson. There would never be anyone else for her.
    “Who have you got there?” She knew that deep smooth voice.
    She smiled up at Jackson. “You remember Daria.”
    “Wow, she’s grown since I saw her last.”
    “Do you want to hold her?”
    “Sure.” Clara gingerly laid the baby in his arms. Daria cooed and Jackson erupted into the cutest baby voice she’d ever heard. Watching him with the infant made her heart swell. She didn’t want to have kids right away, but she wouldn’t want to wait too long after they married. Maybe two years, that way she’d be an official adult. But there was that video they watched at school . Jackson’s deep sapphire gaze met hers and his eyes held many secrets in their depths. A slight smile on his lips was visible to her. Most people probably would have missed it, but she saw it. She knew what his every breath meant. He was imagining their family just as she had been. Video aside, she wanted to make babies with Jackson.
    “Clara Grace.” Clay was beside her and pulled her into a huge bear hug until her feet no longer touched the ground. “I’ve missed you coming around the house.”
    Since the wedding she’d made herself scarce because she was trying to give him and his new bride some privacy. “I miss you too.”
    “Let’s remedy that, shall we? Come with us next weekend. I plan to take Eve to that place you love so much in New Orleans.”
    “Jackson Square.” Clara wasn’t doing a good job of concealing her excitement and Eve smiled at her bouncing.
    “The French Quarter Festival is next weekend.” Clay said.
    She turned to Jackson and he too was smiling at her. “When are you leaving?” Clara asked.
    “We thought we’d go up on Friday.”
    “Hmm, well I have to work but I guess I could meet you later.”
    She heard Jackson’s low voice filter over her shoulder. “I was actually going to go up Saturday evening after my shift.” She knew that was a lie, but was grateful he’d interceded.
    “Oh, I can ride in with Jackson.”
    Clay wrapped his arms around both her and Eve. “Great, a weekend with my two favorite ladies. Can’t wait. I’ll look forward to it all week.” He kissed her cheek.
    Clara heard the bellow of her father before she actually saw him. “There’s my Clara Bear.” She went to his open arms. “When did you get in?”
    “Dad, I was in the car with Jackson.”
    “I didn’t see you.”
    No because you were too busy playing match maker.
    “I rode in with him.”
    “I’m glad he looks after you if I’m not around to do it. Sure wish you’d move back home kiddo.”
    “I know Dad, but I’m okay, really okay.” He kissed the top of her head.
    Jackson returned Daria to Isa who left to feed and put her to bed. Cash followed behind them.
    Clara took the seat perpendicular to the couch where Jackson sat. He told Clara a story about some celebrity chick that had come into the E.R. The set they filmed on collapsed and she sprained her ankle. Clara felt eyes on them and turned to see a busty bottle blond lustfully eyeing Jackson.
    Mr. Granger followed