Trusting His Promise (Love on Sanctuary Shores #5)

Chapter 32

“Hey, Jo.” Brynn greeted her with a wide smile. “Here to be an extra?” She held up her makeup bag.

“No.” Jo shook her head with a laugh. Being on camera sounded like a special kind of torture to her. “Just thought I’d come watch today.”

“That’s sweet.” Brynn gestured toward the spot where the rest of the crew were gathered in front of The Pearl. “Beckett’s over there, but we should be done with this scene soon, and then we’ll head over to the gazebo.”

Jo nodded and wandered closer to where they were filming, her stomach rollercoastering the moment she caught sight of Beckett. He was gesturing and raising his voice to the woman who was playing his sister in the movie, and Jo couldn’t help smiling the whole time she watched. She was definitely convinced by his acting.

“Cut,” Maggie called, and Beckett immediately turned in Jo’s direction with a smile aimed right for her.

The rollercoaster in her stomach swooped into zero-gravity mode.

How had he even known she was here?

“That was good,” Maggie called. “But I need a little more anger from you, Beckett.”

“Sorry.” Beckett grinned at Jo. “It’s hard to be angry at the moment.”

Maggie glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Jo too. Then she turned back to Beckett. “I could make your girlfriend leave. That would make you angry, right?”

Jo startled at the word and her face warmed as everyone turned to look at her, but she didn’t want Maggie to take it back.

Beckett laughed. “No need. I’ve got this.”

He waved to Jo, then moved to the steps of The Pearl, his expression going serious as he got into character.

“Good.” Maggie turned back to Jo. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t have done it.”

Jo laughed. The past four days had been incredible. Seeing Beckett. Holding hands with Beckett. Kissing Beckett . . .

She couldn’t for the life of her figure out why she’d been so afraid of this. Being with Beckett was so . . . easy.

Yes, he was leaving in a couple of weeks. But even that didn’t scare her so much anymore. He had said he would come back, and she believed him.

“Hi, Jo.” Sadie slid up next to Jo with a warm smile. “Can I just say how happy I am that you and Beckett are finally together?”

Jo laughed. “You can. How’s your mom?”

Sadie’s smile drooped. “She’s had a rough few days. I’m grateful Maggie was able to bump up the schedule and move some of the shots to our set in Nashville. I love it here, but it will be good to be closer to her after this week. I’m only sorry that means we have to steal Beckett from you sooner.”

“I— Oh.” Jo tried to get her bearings. “You’re leaving after this week? All of you?”

Sadie frowned. “You didn’t— Beckett didn’t tell you? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s okay.” It took an incredible amount of effort, but Jo’s voice didn’t waver at all. “I know you need to be with your mom. I’m glad you’ll be able to go sooner. What day do you leave?”

Sadie bit her lip. “Saturday.”

Saturday? Jo swallowed a few times.

“Cut,” Maggie called again. “I think we’ve got that one. Let’s move on to the next shot. Where’s Sadie?”

“Over here,” Sadie called. Then she turned to Jo. “I’m so sorry you found out like this. I’m sure Beckett was going to tell—”

“Really, it’s fine,” Jo reassured her. “I’m sure he was.”

Sadie squeezed her arm and then moved off to join Maggie.

Jo stood rooted to her spot as the rest of the crowd moved toward the gazebo and Beckett came toward her with a wide smile.

“This is a nice surprise.” He held his arms out for a hug but then stopped. “What’s wrong? Was the scene no good?”

“You’re leaving on Saturday?”

Beckett blew out a breath. “I was going to tell you tonight.”

She nodded dully. “How long have you known?”

Beckett looked away.

“How long, Beckett?”

“Since shortly after Sadie’s mom got sick,” he answered quietly.

Jo pressed her lips together.

“I didn’t want to give you another excuse to say no to this .” He reached for her hand. “But I should have told you, and I’m sorry.”

“Beckett,” Maggie called. “We’re waiting for you.”

“Sorry,” he called over his shoulder, and then quieter, to Jo, “I really am sorry. We might have a break after this scene, if you’ll still be here?”

Jo didn’t answer, and Maggie called him again.

Beckett leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead, then jogged toward the gazebo.

Jo followed more slowly, trying to tell herself that it didn’t matter that he hadn’t told her. He’d had a good reason.

It didn’t change anything.

She drew her arms tight around herself against the wind that had crept up and watched as they set up the next scene.

Every once in a while, Beckett’s eyes traveled to her, but that rollercoastery feeling from before had disappeared, replaced by the feel of hitting a wave head on.

Still, she stayed and watched as they started the scene. This one was between Beckett and Sadie. They stood in the gazebo—in almost the exact same place Jo and Beckett had danced the other night.

“God brought you back into my life,” Beckett was saying to Sadie. “And I’m not going to lose you now.” Then his hand went to Sadie’s cheek, and he lowered his face toward hers.

A hot sear of betrayal tore through Jo’s heart.

She knew it wasn’t fair. She knew it didn’t mean anything. This was his job . But the feeling was too familiar.

She spun on her heel and ran for home, fighting hard against the wind that tried to tug her back.