Fight Me(67)

“If memory serves me correctly, the only reason you went to the library when you were young was to make out in the back,” Maddox adds with a laugh earning him a swat on the arm from Avery. “Not that I know anything about that, dear.”

“I’m sure you don’t,” Avery quips as she tries to hide her smile.

Once dinner is finished and the guys head into the kitchen to clean up with Mrs. Stevens, Avery takes me upstairs to her old room. “Come on, I want to show you something.” When I step inside the room, she gently shuts the door behind us. Her stunning wedding gown is hanging from the open door of the closet.

“I can’t stop touching it,” Avery says unable to contain the huge smile on her face. “Isn’t it the most gorgeous dress you’ve ever seen?”

“It definitely is a beauty,” I reply with a smile of my own. Just the dreamy, far-off look on Avery’s face is enough to make you smile.

“I have something for you,” she says as she goes over to the bed and starts opening up bag after bag. “Here,” she says as she shoves a small blue and green bag in my hand.

“What’s this?” I ask as I remove the tissue paper and pull out the long black box. I open the box and see a beautiful charm bracelet snuggled within the lining.

“It’s just a little something to say thank you for all your help with the wedding. Well, that and for your friendship. You’ve done so much for me lately, and I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it and you.”

My eyes fill with tears. I don’t ever recall receiving a gift from a friend before with the exception of major holidays like Christmas and Birthdays. “Avery, you didn’t have to do this!”

“Yes, I did. I want you to have it. Here, let me help you,” she says as she takes the bracelet out of the box and starts to fasten it around my wrist. “There are a few charms I already picked out that remind me of you. There’s a book, a star that says friend, a butterfly that says believe, and a tree to symbolize that you are establishing your own roots. You can add whatever you want to it.”

“I don’t even know what to say,” I reply hoarsely as I grab a hold of Avery’s hands. “It’s beautiful. Thank you so much for this. And for your friendship.” I lean in and hug Avery as a few tears escape my eyes. She truly is a beautiful soul.

“You’re very welcome, sweetie. I’m honored to have your friendship and help with my wedding. So, thank you.”

After a few moments, Avery and I each wipe the tears from our faces as we head back down the stairs to join the rest of the family. The guys are all watching some sporting event on the television in the living room, and are apparently happy with a play. The entire room erupts into cheers.

Jake sees me coming down the stairs and jumps up, standing before me a moment later. “You’re crying. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Jake. Girls sometimes cry just to cry,” Avery says with a smile before she goes into the living room to join Maddox and Brooklyn on the couch.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with worry.

“Nothing, really. Avery just gave me this beautiful gift for helping with the wedding. I was really touched. I’ve never really had that kind of friendship before,” I mumble as I hold up my wrist for him to inspect the bracelet.

Jake grabs a hold of me and pulls me in for a big hug. I find my comfort and peace while wrapped in his strong, capable arms. This might be my new happy place.

“You about ready to go? We both have to work tomorrow and I want to spend some alone time with you yet,” he says with a little smirk.

“I’m ready,” I reply as we head into the living room to say our good-byes to the family.



*****



The week literally flies by! Before I know it, it’s Friday and everyone is gearing up for a weekend full of wedding festivities which include the rehearsal and dinner tonight, wedding and reception tomorrow, and Sunday morning brunch at the Stevens’ for their family and the Jackson’s. I’m closing the library early today – at three p.m. – so I can go home and get ready for the rehearsal.

I’ve stayed at my house more this week with Jake. He has been working more hours in preparation for taking the weekend off, so he usually comes by after work, I cook dinner, and we go to bed together wrapped up in each other’s arms after making love. I haven’t told Jake that I love him yet, but know that I want to tell him - soon. I need to say it for him and for myself, but know that getting those words past my tongue is going to be difficult.

Jake wouldn’t be the first guy I’ve said the words to, but he would be the first person that I say them to and truly mean it when I say it. My ex-boyfriend, Tim, told me he loved me after three dates. It seemed like the right thing to do, to say, so I told him that I loved him back. Even though Tim was a great guy who was career driven and goal oriented and a part of me really did love him, I never really felt the connection to him that I feel with Jake. What I feel for Jake is all-consuming, all-possessing.