Fight Me(65)

I lean down and kiss the top of her head as I rub my hand up and down her back. “Night, Erin.”

As I listen to Erin’s breathing even out in sleep, I realize that tonight was a turning point for both of us. Erin opened up to me like she’s never done before and did something that was far out of the safety of her comfort zone. And I realized that my heart was capable of loving someone who isn’t my family. Erin. I love Erin. Now, I just need to figure out where exactly we go from here.





Chapter Sixteen


Erin

Sunday afternoon brings my first official Sunday family dinner with Jake and his entire family. I’m honestly a little nervous at the thought of seeing all of Jake’s family in their element at a small intimate family gathering.

As we make our way up the long driveway, I can’t help but be in awe of the beautiful home at the end of the lane. There’s grass and even timber everywhere. I couldn’t imagine growing up in a place like this. I grew up in rooms that constantly changed and the view was never this beautiful. Even when I was in Rivers Edge in seventh grade, we had a house in the ‘city’ part of town where you had neighbors on all sides. This place is calm. Peaceful. Serene. I really like it.

My thoughts drift to a large house, similar to this one, and the vision of children running and playing everywhere. I’ve always known that I wanted a child someday, but when I imagine Jake in that picture now, I quickly realize that I don’t want a child, I want a ton. A ton of little Jake’s running around the yard, playing games, and reading under the shade of a big oak tree. As long as Jake is a part of the picture, I want everything.

Last night after the party and my little strip show, I realized that I want it all. I want it all, and I want it with Jake. Marriage. Family. Forever. My heart will never beat the same way again. When Jake was laid up in the hospital after being shot, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was in love with him. But last night - while I was securely tucked in his arms - was the first time I felt complete. I felt whole. I felt cherished and loved in return.

I had to stop myself from blurting it out in that comfortable moment while he was dozing off to sleep. However, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Jake would have freaked out and pulled away from me. He isn’t exactly a long-term-relationship kind of guy. He said that himself - many times over. So, I know that slow and steady is the only way to go with him or I risk crushing everything we’re building.

Jake parks his truck next to Maddox’s and comes around to help me down. Once we near the front door, we can hear all of the sounds of the large family inside, even through the closed door.

Once Jake opens the door and we step over the threshold, my senses are on overload. I see a large, open home full of family photos and mementos. I hear all of the guys in the living room, all trying to talk over the television and each other. I hear Brooklyn’s giggles, and Avery and Mrs. Stevens talking wedding stuff in the dining room. I can smell what I can only describe as mouth watering Mexican food. I can sense the happiness of family from within these walls. I feel their love.

“Hey, you guys,” Avery says from the dining room table. “Come on in here.”

I walk in the large dining room and give her a quick hug as Jake does the same for his mom and then sister. “What are you doing?” he asks.

“Last minute wedding stuff,” Avery replies and dives back into the stack of wedding memorabilia spread out all over the table.

“Time for me to go say hey to the guys,” Jake says as he leans in and kisses me on the cheek before high-tailing it out of the room as quickly as possible.

“What can I help you do?” I ask as I take a seat at the table across from Avery and her mom.

“Here. Get to folding these programs for the ceremony, please,” Avery says as she scoots a stack of paper across the table to me. “I can’t believe this is my last weekend to finish everything up, and it’s almost over!”

“What else do you need help with? I have some free time when it gets quiet at the library. I can help you with whatever.”

“Oh, thank you so much for the offer. We’re actually doing really well; I just can’t help but stress a little and be a little dramatic.”

“Well, the offer stands. If I can help, just call me.”

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Thirty minutes later, all of the programs are folded as well as the place cards for the reception. “Mom, is the seating chart complete?”

“Sure is, honey.” Mrs. Stevens looks over at me. “I have you seated next to Jake at Avery’s table. I hope that’s okay.”