You & Me: The Complete Series (3 Book Boxset)

by Lisa Shelby

  “Don’t I know it,” I reply back and catch Emily’s eye across the room. She’s standing there with a simple smile on her face. It’s a smile that says she loves me without words. Robert couldn’t be more right about me being a lucky man. The luckiest if you ask me.

  "Dude, she's a ten. She’s hot as hell, smart, funny, and puts up with you and your little dick. How the hell did you land her?" Liam says as we drive home from picking up lunch from Chick-fil-A.

  "Man, you wish that was true. If Emily was the kiss and tell kind of girl, I’m sure she would clear that shit right up for you. But, like you said, she’s a ten and therefore not that kind of girl. To answer your question though, dude, I don't fucking know how I got so lucky. Not just once, but twice. I ask myself that same thing every damn day."

  I think Liam can feel the change in the conversation from shit talking to a bit more serious as he changes his tone.

  "She's the one. I can see that, man. Don't fuck it up,” he says falling into big brother mode.

  "I don't plan on it, but thanks for the vote of confidence and words of wisdom, old wise one."

  "I'm not fucking around here, J. She is the shit, and she makes you happy. You haven't been happy in years. She’s brought out the old you, and I like it. Even seeing you with Ireland is something I never thought I would see. Not that I didn't ever see you having a family, because I did, but I never would have thought your one would really mean two. Those two are special, and I hope you have plans to make that shit permanent."

  Liam Fanua talking about relationships and marriage is new and surprising. It takes me a second to shake it off before I can respond.

  "Thanks, Liam. That means a lot especially, coming from a dog like you. I do want to make it permanent. She says she's ready, but I’m still afraid that it's moving too fast and she's not as ready as she thinks she is. I'm working on it, but I can't push too hard or too fast, ya know?"

  "No, bro, I don't. Hard and fast is just how I like it, and I don't ever hear any complaints, if you know what I mean." He says as he lifts one of his eyebrows. "So no, I don't know."

  "Shut up, you’re such an idiot. You do know exactly what I mean, but enough about my love life. What about yours?" I deflect.

  "Oh you know, nothin' serious."

  "Are you seeing anybody?"

  "Oh, I 'see' lots of people, but not one particular person if that's what you mean.”

  "So, big, bad Liam Fanua isn't ready to settle down, or just hasn't found the one?"

  "I don't know if I'll ever be ready, J. There is somebody that I feel like I could give up all the others for, but she hates me and won't give me the time of day. I deserve it. I'm a player, and I played the game with one of her friends a long, long, time ago. She doesn't like what she's heard and won't come near me no matter what I do. It's my own fault, I guess," he says with a shrug of his shoulders.

  "That sucks man. Sorry to hear that."

  "Ah, well. It is what it is, ya know?” he says with another shrug.

  "You know you could always change her mind. Do what it takes to show her what else there is to you. If she's really the one, don't give up man. Let her see that there's more to you than the bullshit you show to most of the world. "

  Man, he reminds me of Mick. These two men are nothing but good but they don’t want the rest of the world to know. They put up this player persona so that they don't have to get too close or too real with anybody. That way when it goes bad, they can make it seem like it's no big deal. The truth of the matter is, whoever they end up with will be lucky to have them.

  "Let it go, J. I have. Thanks for caring, dude, but I’m just fine with my life as it is right now. You were built for all this relationship shit, and you're good at it. You already look like the perfect husband and father, and there isn't even a ring on her finger yet. Speaking of rings…I know you know, but don't forget my mom has your mom's ring should you want to use it sometime in the near future. Just sayin'."

  "How the hell did we get back to my love life, asshole? We were talking about yours."

  "Hey, I was just reminding you in case it was something you had forgotten. As for my love life…well, it looks like we are plum out of time my friend," he says pulling his truck into the Fanuas driveway. Just like that, the conversation is over, and it’s time to get ready to say goodbye again.

  We all eat our lunch and watch as the Chick-fil-A virgins dig into their food. Emily has a classic chicken sandwich, and Ireland has nuggets but both were smart enough to get the waffle fries.

  "So good," Emily says through a full mouth of fries.

  "I still can't believe you don't have these in Oregon. That is a travesty," Kate says as she too shovels fries into her mouth.

  "They're building one in our area, so it won't be long now. I’m gonna to need to stay away though. These fries, with this sauce, could become a serious problem."

  We finish up our lunch and start to get our bags ready to go. We could have stayed until Sunday, but I thought it might be better to get home tonight. It would be nice to have a day so that Emily could do laundry, and get ready for her week, and so I wouldn't have to take a vacation day on Sunday. I’m saving all the vacation days I can at the moment. I have a plan and it's going to take some time off of work to come to fruition.

  Liam is taking us to the airport, so he grabs our bags and takes them out to the truck to wait for us while the rest of the family makes their way around to each of us.

  "Ireland, I had so much fun playing with you this weekend! Thanks for spending Turkey Day with us," Kate says as she lifts Ireland off the ground and into a big hug. "You be sure to take care of Savannah for me!" She says looking my way. She gives me a wink that says she was asking that little girl to take care of more than just her new stuffed bear.

  "My turn! Hand her over Kate!" Mr. F exclaims next to them. I see him take her into his arms and notice Mrs. F and Emily over in the corner having a quiet conversation. I watch as Emily listens, and Fiona reaches up to pat her cheek gently then pulls her in for a hug. Once again, my heart is turning into hot liquid goo over the sight in front of me. The Fanuas acceptance of my girls into the family means more to me than they will ever know. I wish my mom was here, but this has been the best Thanksgiving ever.

  "Take care of these two, Better Big Brother. They're keepers,” Kate says bringing me in for a hug. Not usually too sentimental, she releases me quickly and heads over to Emily who has just let go of Mrs. F.

  "Get over here, son," Mr. F orders. I obey his command and take the two steps it takes to get to him. He pulls me in for one of his epic bear hugs and says for only me to hear. "I am so proud of you, Jonathan. You are a good man, and those two little ladies are lucky to have you in their life. Take good care of them because they seem to love you just as much as you love them. It's nice to see that they've brought that light back to your eyes, son. Don't let that go."

  I squeeze him a little harder and say, "Thanks, Mr. F for everything. You're the best dad I could have ever asked for. I'm glad you like the girls because I'm hoping you'll be seeing a lot more of them, and for a very long time."

  When I pull back I see tears in his big brown eyes. I look at him with confusion not sure what I said wrong.

  When he sees the confused look on my face he gives my face a gentle slap and says, "I never wanted to replace your dad, son, but it warms my heart to hear you call me dad. I hope you know I love you like my own."

  Now, my eyes are wet with unshed tears when I reply back to him. "I do, Mr. F. I do."

  "Enough you two! Jonathan come give this old lady a kiss goodbye!" Fiona interjects.

  I do as I’m told and give her a big hug and a kiss. She keeps her goodbye short and sweet. "I love you, Jonathan. Thanks for sharing your girls with us."

  "Love you too, Mrs. F."

  "Now get out of here, the three of you, before I get weepy!"

  Heading out the door Emily takes my hand and we slowly make our way to a waiting Liam. I’m havin
g a harder time leaving than I expected. We get Ireland in her seat, jump in and get settled while Kate and her parents stand on the porch waving goodbye until they can no longer see us. I miss them already.

  It doesn't take long to arrive at the departures drop off at Hilton Head International Airport. Liam hops out and helps Emily get our bags out of the back while I get Ireland and her seat. When Ireland and I come around the back, I see Liam release Emily and then lift his hand to give her one of her famous high-fives. It means so much to me that they seem to get along. This trip has turned out better than I could have ever hoped.

  Emily grabs Ireland’s hand and steps away so I can say good bye to my brother from another mother. He gives me one of those bro handshakes that he pulls into a hug. While he gives my back a couple of slaps he says, "Miss you, man. Take care of yourself and keep going to therapy. Those girls are great. I’m really happy for you, dude."

  "Thanks, Liam. Miss you too. Try to stay out of trouble and fight for that girl if she's really the one."

  I take a couple steps away and turn to give one last wave. He just gives me a nod, jumps into his truck and drives off. As I turn back to grab the bags Emily is right there waiting for me. She lifts up on her toes and gives me a soft kiss. "Thanks for a great Thanksgiving, Georgia."

  "Thanks for coming, Gracie. You too, Princess," I say as I look down at Ireland. She currently has a stuffed Frank under one arm and a stuffed Savannah under the other.

  "Welcome, Jonafon," she says with a smile while the breeze blows her little blond curls all over her face.

  Could she be any cuter?

  Chapter 45

  Emily

  "You know, every time I see one of these little boxes of raisins I can't help but feel a bit sad. Those raisins could have been grapes, and those grapes could have been wine. It's tragic really," Cami says as she opens one of the little red boxes that I have out for the kids and tosses a raisin in her mouth.

  "Truth," I say back matter-of-factly as I grab my own little red box of what could have been.

  My little girl is five today.

  She’s so excited for her birthday party that she’s practically bursting at the seams. It's not anything fancy, but she couldn't be happier. In attendance today is Cami, Alex, Devon and Gabby, Mom, Mick, and just a handful of kids from Ireland's school. Jonathan is on his way and then we can, to quote Pink, “Get this party started!”

  I offered to have the party this weekend, but she refused. Her birthday is the 1st of December, and I don't like to decorate for Christmas until after her birthday. I don’t want her to be one of those kids that gets her birthday over-looked or all her presents wrapped in holiday paper. It's important to me that her birthday is special, and it's important to her that she doesn't miss any days of Elf On a Shelf. So a party on a late Tuesday afternoon is what she’s getting.

  The house is decorated with balloons and streamers and there are little gift bags and snacks for the kids. Luckily, I have Alex to take pictures. I’m glad she’s here to capture all of the little moments of the day. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but it’s one less thing for me to worry about.

  The front door opens, and I see Jonathan bend down to pick something large and purple up with both hands, then he uses his work boot-clad foot to push the door closed.

  "Jonafon!" Ireland yells and leaves her friends to run to him at full speed and hug his leg.

  "Hey, Princess. Happy Birthday!"

  "Thanks, Jonafon. I'm finally five!"

  "No way, really? I thought you were turning thirteen?"

  "Don't be silly, Jonafon. You know I'm five," she says with a giggle and runs back to her friends.

  "What in the world is that? It's huge!" I ask my hot as hell, even at a five year old’s birthday party, boyfriend.

  "That’s what she said!" Mick yells out from behind me.

  I can’t help but burst out laughing at the idiot I call my brother, but I quickly put on my mom face.

  "Mick, there are little kids here. Watch it."

  "What? They don't know what that means. Besides, you thought it was funny so don't even try to pretend to be mad. I see that smile you’re trying to hide."

  I stick my tongue out at him. “You really don’t have a filter do you?”

  “Nope.”

  “I still love you. Even if you are an idiot.”

  Mick walks over to me and puts his big burly arm around my neck and gives me a little noogie on the top of my head and says, "Shut it, woman!"

  He loosens his grip around my neck and pulls me into a side hug and says, "You did good sis. She's a pretty cool kid."

  "Ah, thanks. She gets it from your pretty cool little sister," I say as I give him a little punch to the shoulder. "Seriously, though. Thanks for letting me throw the party here and thanks for everything else. You’ve been so great."

  "No problem, Emmers, I'm happy to have you guys here, and you know I love a party. So let's get this one going!"

  He shouts that last part to the room and all the kids yell and get up and run over to him, all jumping up and down like wild animals. My big burly brother can’t help but join in the fun as he jumps up and down right along with them.

  I can’t help but notice that as soon his jumping ends his gaze goes right back to Alex. I noticed them whispering in the kitchen earlier and his eyes seem to follow her around the room. I’ve always wondered if there’s something between the two of them, but now I think there just might be. I’ve known Alex most of my life and she is stunning, so I understand why he would be interested. Let’s face it. Mickey Jacobs and Alexandra Stotts would be a pretty hot couple, but I’m sure she’s too smart to go there. At least I hope so.

  Enough worrying about my brother’s love life though, I have a party to start!

  We play a few games and I make sure that somehow each of the four kids wins a prize. I debated whether it was right for the birthday girl to win a prize when she’s already getting presents, but in the end I couldn't say no to that face. I am such a push over sometimes.

  She’s now opening her presents and has been equally excited over each and every gift, no matter how big or how small.

  My mom got her a butterfly—she loves her butterflies like I love my dragonflies—Little Live Pets Garden Play-set. I have no idea what that is, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. Mick went way overboard. He got her an iPad and I think her head nearly exploded when she opened it. I can only assume he’d like his iPad back as well as more time with the family room TV. Cami and Alex got her clothes of course and I got her a bunch of art supplies, while Devon and Gabby gave her a huge stack of books.

  There is only one gift left, and it's the big one that Jonathan brought in. He pushes it towards her, and she looks at me as if asking permission before she rips into it. My little girl is not bashful about opening gifts, and there is nothing dainty about watching her rip open a present. What there is though is the joy that I feel as I watch my little girl’s face light up when she opens her gift from the man who I wish was her father. How the two of us have gotten so lucky, I will never know, but the love and happiness he brings to both of us is something I will never take for granted.

  "Dude, did you make that?" I hear Mick ask from behind me.

  "Yep. What do you think, Princess?"

  "I love it! It has my name on it!"

  "It does. Open it up and see what else you might find,” he encourages her while he shows her how to open the buckles on the handmade treasure chest that he’s made for her. It's painted white, and across the front of it in pink it says,

  Princess Ireland

  When she opens the box, her mouth drops open and she just stares for a second. Then she squeals and throws her arms around Jonathan, but she quickly lets go. She runs back to her treasure chest only to pull out princess dress after princess dress as well as shoes, tiaras, fake jewels and every accessory you can imagine. He has thought of everything and has made all of her princess dreams come true.

&nb
sp; Surrounded by pink, purple, blue and yellow fluff she lifts her eyes to mine with a big smile and starts to say, "Mommy…"

  But she doesn’t finish and I don't realize why she doesn't finish her sentence until she comes up to me and pulls on my hand. I squat in front of her and she asks. "Momma, what's da matter?" She reaches her little hand up to my face and wipes away the tears I didn't even realize were falling.

  "Baby girl, nothing is wrong. These are happy tears. It makes me so so happy to see you happy.” Knowing I need to gather myself, I find an out and I say, “Now, how about cake?"

  "Yes! Cake!" she shouts as she turns back to her friends and her treasure chest.

  I stand and see Jonathan leaning against the wall watching us. He’s the reason my little girl and I feel the way we do every day. He put me back together and is filling a hole in Ireland’s life that she didn’t even know needed to be filled.

  I pass by him on my way to the kitchen and give him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for her present, it's amazing." He puts his arm around my waist and places a sweet kiss on the lips. That's all the gift I need.

  I turn to leave him, but then can't help myself when I turn back. Not caring who hears it say, "I love you, Georgia."

  "Love you too, baby."

  The party is over, and Ireland has spent the last thirty minutes trying on all of her dresses and accessories from her treasure chest. She tries each dress on, accessorizes and then goes out to the family room and shows Uncle Mick and Jonathan. She twirls, looks at herself in the full length mirror on the back of the bathroom door and then we start again. Now that I’m up close to the trunk that Jonathan transformed into a treasure chest fit for a princess, I see all the details on it. He has hand painted little butterflies sporadically on the trunk, and even a dragonfly here or there.