A Stirring from Salem Read Online Free PDF Page A

lucky I have you and Jackson,” Charley said, choking back unexpected tears. “But I miss Mummy and even Dad,” she admitted for the first time in months. “Whatever unspeakable things he did, he was our father.”

“I’m happy for you, Abby. I really am,” Chelsea said, sniffling.
    “If only my dad was,” Abby admitted.
    The exquisitely cut diamond on her finger seemed to catch fire as it was hit directly by a ray of light shining through the large bay window that looked out on Regent’s Park.
    “With my parents’ crazy history, I don’t know how Dad could judge me. With my luck, Mom will, too.”
    Throughout Abby’s childhood and into her teens, Jack and Jennifer had gone through a divorce, abandonment, and life-threatening illness before they made their way back to each other. Their love for their daughter had never wavered, but the uncertainty and miscommunication in her parents’ relationship had made Abby cautious about love.
    Until she met Jackson.
    As the son of one of the most influential and social couples in the international jet set, Jackson had a je ne sais quoi unlike any of the boys she’d dated in Salem.
    “They’re your parents,” Chelsea sighed with a hint of envy. “They’re supposed to judge you. It means they care.”
    Chelsea’s own background as an adopted and then orphaned child was more difficult than Abby’s, and resentment had sent her into a tailspin as a teenager. She had once been a horrific influence on the willing Abby, but they’d both grown up and were now as close as two friends could be.
    “Your parents care for you, too. I know you heard from your dad over the holidays, and even Hope…” Abby said. “Your mom definitely adores you. I would have loved to have had Billie Reed as my mom.” Abby smiled and then tried her best to change the subject. “And hey, we have a wedding to plan!”
    In fact, that made everything worse. “These tears aren’t about my parents,” Chelsea said. “Max dumped me last night.”
    Max had been her off-and-on boyfriend for more than four years. Whatever they’d been through, Chelsea had always believed that they’d be together forever.
    Abby’s heart sank for her friend. “I’m so, so sorry…”
    The intercom buzzed.
    Abby pushed the button, confused. She wasn’t expecting anyone. “Yes?”
    “It’s me.”
    “Jackson?” she said, startled.
    “Didn’t you get my text?” he asked, having heard the tone in her voice.
    “My phone’s in the bedroom,” she answered. “Chels and I’ve been having a chat, but come in, come in.” She released the intercom button. “Sorry again,” she said, grimacing at Chelsea.
    “Don’t be silly,” Chelsea said, managing a smile.
    A light triple tap said Jackson had gotten there within seconds.
    Abby finger-combed her still tousled mane as she opened the door to her future husband.
    “Hey, I’m a mess, I know. Sorry,” she said coyly.
    The moment was awkward. While she hadn’t showered or changed, Jackson was his usual immaculate self. He was casually handsome in a brown leather duster that matched his dark hair and jeans that were worn in just the right places.
    “You’re beautiful,” Jackson said. With the glow in her eyes, she truly was.
    “I’m really happy for you, Jackson,” Chelsea said as she took a deep breath.
    “Right,” was all he could say. “Abby, why don’t we grab a bite over at The Engineer?”
    The Engineer was Abby’s favorite spot for breakfast, and it was open even on New Year’s Day.
    “Sure! Let me jump in the shower.” Abby smiled. “I love you.”
    “You, too.” Jackson gave her a half smile back.
    Abby put her arms around him and kissed his neck sweetly, whispering, “Max broke up with Chelsea last night.” Then she scampered off to get ready.
    “I heard that,” Chelsea admitted.
    “He can be a bit of a jerk,” Jackson offered.
    “Not really,” Chelsea said. “But thanks for trying to make me feel better.”
    Jackson