by JL Davis
Poor Nathan’s smile fades. “Well, since Jessa’s working here maybe you’ll have time to go out with me now?”
“Just stop, Nathan,” Brittany says irritated getting back to work on her laptop. I wonder what the problem is with them? He’s super hot and seems to be nice. Maybe a bit annoying but still not a deal breaker for a date with her. He gets up from her desk and walks towards the door. Turning back to us, he says, “Have a great day ladies.”
I smile, “You, too.” He smiles and looks towards Brittany before walking out the door.
“What the hell, Brittany?”
She looks up from her laptop, “What?” She doesn’t follow what I’m pertaining too.
“Why are you so bitchy towards him?”
“Nathan? He gets on my fucking nerves. He doesn’t give up.”
“Why aren’t you interested in him? He’s fucking hot.”
“His divorce was just finalized a few weeks ago. I know because he made it a point to tell me. His ex-wife is a psycho. She’d call all the time making sure he was working and she’d call to see what time he’d left each day, too. She didn’t trust him at all. They have a two-year-old son together. I’m not wanting to be involved in all that drama. He is hot, though, isn’t he?”
“Who’s hot?” Alex says coming from his office. He walks over to my desk and kisses me.
“Okay, y’all. This is a work environment and I’m not dealing with all this PDA. Take it to your office. Scratch that don’t do that either, gross.” She shudders looking at her uncle. She then smiles at him and he rolls his eyes. She likes to bust his balls every chance she gets. I think it’s hilarious.
“Nathan has a thing for Brittany and she’s such a bitch to him.” I give her an evil eye and she scowls.
“Brittany, he’s a really nice guy. Don’t hold his crazy ex-wife against him. He is a great asset to this company.”
“This is not gang up on Brittany day. I don’t need y’all playing matchmaker. Got it?” She gives us both a pointed look before going back to her computer.
“Okay,” we both say in unison, laughing at each other. Brittany smiles and shakes her head at us.
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The day goes on and I answer the phone a few times. Nothing too major has happened today. Brittany said it’s been a slow day. A few of the crew members come in and a foreman, putting in supply orders for a job they’re working on. They all seemed to be nice enough. It’s been a great first day.
Chapter Twenty
A month later…
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I’m feeling great about my new job. I’m learning a lot about Alex’s company. I’ve thought of a few ways to make things easier and more organized for him and he loves my ideas.
Alex, Brittany, and I have lunch together each day. Some days we’re so busy we don’t get a chance to leave, but manage to get a quick bite in the breakroom. I’ve gotten to know the other employees, too. Alex has a great group of people working for him and I’m grateful to be one of them. They all know that Alex and I are together, and none of them treat me any differently because of it and I’m glad. I want to be taken serious. I believe I’m a good worker and want to be respected.
As the weeks go by, I’m more comfortable in Alex’s home, our home. I am still not used to saying that. He makes me feel as if it’s every bit my own. Alex even allows me into the library where all Lizzy’s books are neatly organized on the many shelves. He offered to box them up and I flat out refused. I’ve added the few I have on the bottom of one shelf. I love it. The smell of books and the beautiful wood and comfortable seating. I find myself in the library a lot, reading and relaxing, if not on the patio, surrounded by the beautiful flowers in bloom. I’ve even gotten him to allow me to read some to him. We always end up in the bedroom afterwards.
He’s come such a long way in a short time. He’s now the man I had always seen inside that I knew he could be. He’s happy and we’re so in love. We’re doing so well together. I love him more every day, if that’s even possible.
I never thought I’d have a job I love, Brittany becoming my best friend, a boyfriend I love and adore, and to be living in this amazing house that we share together. If it weren’t for Brittany, I don’t think I would have met Alex. If it weren’t for Tyler being such a fuck up, I probably wouldn’t have ever reconnected with Brittany. I would have had no reason to be putting up those flyers that day. She’s been a great friend. I hope, now that I’m working with her, she can find more time for herself and find a great guy. I think Nathan could be him, but she’s not so sure. Maybe that will change. I hope it does.
Now knowing the issues Tyler has, I’m not sure he would’ve ever changed. I think things would have only gotten worse with his addiction. I can’t believe I never knew what all he was hiding from me, the drugs, women and God only knows what else.
Things might have been different between us if he would have confided in me and wanted help. I sometimes still think about that night in Alex’s bedroom. If I hadn’t grabbed that gun, what would he have done? I only hope that he’s getting the help he needs.
He wrote me a letter, apologizing about everything he’d put me through and hoping that Alex makes me truly happy. I feel that gives me the closure I need to finally put it all in the past. I didn’t reply. I’m sure he understands why. I just want to forget and move on. I have a wonderful life now with amazing people in it. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Well, maybe one thing could make it better, a puppy. I want one so bad. I can’t decide whether I want a small dog or a big dog. You can’t do too much with the small ones. I mean they’ll play fetch and all, but I don’t want to have to worry about stepping on the damn thing all the time. I think Weimaraners are beautiful and they don’t shed. At least I don’t think so. I need to read into that. I think I almost have Mr. OCD talked into it, though.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER…
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Ben is five months old now and finally house-trained. I won Alex over on getting a puppy and we decided on a yellow lab. I was kind of shocked and didn’t know they shed so much, but they’re wonderful family dogs. His hair isn’t as bad as say the brown or black labs so I’m hoping Alex doesn’t have a heart attack with all the hair everywhere as he gets bigger. I do sweep a lot, that’s for sure.
Alex invited my mom, her now husband Edward, Brittany, his parents, and everyone from the company over for a BBQ today. We’ve been working so much, we haven’t had much time for any family time, or fun for that matter. Alex thought it would be a great way to thank the employees for their hard work and see family as well.
I’m working on the side dishes in the house while Alex mans the grill outside. We have quite a few people coming so there’s a massive amount of food to prepare. Mom, Alex’s mom Martha, and Brittany are helping me while the men are gathered around the grill with Alex having a few beers. His mom is very sweet; her and my mom are chatting it up. We’re making potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, stuffed mushrooms and asparagus. I made a cake and cookies for dessert last night. Alex helped me with those and even wore one of my flowery aprons. He had nothing on underneath. I’ll say it was the fastest I’d ever made a cake and cookies in my life.
We eventually get to a stopping point inside and join the men outside. Brittany isn’t too happy that Nathan is coming. I still don’t get it, but there’s nothing I can do. He looks super-hot today and even brought a date. He has some scratches and bruises on his arms today. He avoids the question when I asked what happened, saying he’s fine. George, the other salesman, is here with his wife and four kids. Yes, four! The youngest, Mason, is three and he’s adorable. George’s wife, Greta, has been outside with the kids playing in the yard with Ben. He loves all the attention he’s getting, fetching his ball and Frisbee and anything else the kids can find to throw for him.
Alex joins the kids playing with Ben and I melt, my heart completely warming at the sight in front of me. I haven’t seen
Alex interact with children, yet, and seeing him now, I know he will make a fantastic dad someday. He’s running and rolling in the grass with them and Ben jumps on his chest licking his face. All the kids laugh, as do most of the adults watching.
We have a few banquet tables set up in rows to accommodate everyone. Everyone’s gathered and fixing plates and chatting with each other. I check to see if anyone needs anything and help make the kid’s plates so their parents can relax. I’m sure they don’t get much of that. Alex helps me. We sure make a great team.
“I love you,” he says and kisses my cheek as we carry the plates to the kids.
“I love you, more.”
We make our plates and join our parents who are all seated together along with Brittany, who doesn’t seem too pleased that Nathan’s completely ignored her the entire evening. Maybe she realizes now how much she likes his attention. Hopefully, it’s not too late. I can’t help but laugh at her, staring at Nathan and his date, then nudging her.
“Alex, I absolutely adore your girlfriend,” Martha says.
“She’s pretty great isn’t she,” he smiles at me.
I find myself blushing. “Thank you, Mrs. Rogan.”
“Please, call me Martha, dear.” I nod and smile at her.
“Alex, I love your house. Did you design it yourself?” My mother asks.
“Yes, I did. Thank you. I’m hoping Jessa will help me with some decorating. It needs a woman’s touch.”
“It does, son,” his mother adds. “You should take Jessa shopping to fill it up.”
“Wow, mom! Tell me how you really feel. I can’t even get her to let me buy her clothes without hearing the third degree.”
“That’s a sign of an independent woman. She’s a keeper. Don’t let her get away,” she says almost in warning.
“That she is and I won’t let her get away,” he says, taking my hand in his. I look at my mom and she looks like she could cry. I smile at her, a little concerned. Maybe the alcohol’s getting to her.
George, his wife and their kids leave shortly after dinner to get the kids bathed and ready for bed. They had a lot of fun with Ben and are dirty and tired by the end. Most of the employees have left except for Nathan. His date has an early work day so she also left shortly after dinner. Brittany is sitting in the corner alone. Nathan walks over and sits with her. She’s been getting a bit tipsy, watching him with the new bitch, as Brittany calls her, and it seems she’s almost tolerating him now. I see him talking and she’s nodding so all seems to be well with them for now.
Alex and I clean up the kitchen and get all the leftovers put away and the dishwasher loaded.
“I think it was a great day. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.” He jerks his chin toward the window where Brittany and Nathan are sitting. “I think they’re even getting along now.”
“I think it’s been great. It’s not over yet. We still need to have dessert.” He grabs the cake and tray of cookies.
It’s a beautiful night, not too warm to where the mosquitos are attacking us. There’s a light breeze blowing the leaves. It’s just a perfect night to enjoy with family and friends.
“Jessa, can you go inside and get a knife for the cake?” Alex asks.
“Sure, be right back,” I answer, walking inside.
“Thanks, babe,” he winks.
When I return, everyone’s gathered at the table and excited for cake. I hope it’s good. Everyone’s looking at me and I’m wondering if I have something in my teeth or a hanging booger.
“Here’s the knife,” I say, looking at everyone strangely, rubbing my nose to be sure. Everyone focuses on their cake as it’s being passed out and I guess I’m just imagining them acting weird. They must all be tipsy. I know I am.
“Baby, have you seen Ben since George left?”
I look around and can’t remember seeing him since they’d left.
“Ben,” I call. I don’t see him. “Ben,” I call for him again and whistle and his little chunky self comes running to me from the side of the house.
“Where have you been, you silly boy,” I say as he jumps into my lap. I pet him and kiss his head and that’s when I see it. I gasp, covering my mouth and look up to Alex, now kneeling beside me, smiling with tears in his eyes. I look around the table and everyone’s smiling, too. My mother, Martha and Brittany are all wiping tears from their eyes.
“Jessa, I love you so much. You are my everything. You’ve helped me get through so much and helped me become the man I now believe you deserve. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have children with you. I know we weren’t each other’s first, but I want you to be my LAST. I want you to be my wife.” He takes the ring off Ben’s collar and slips it onto my shaking hand. I’m crying at his beautiful words and the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.
“Will you marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?” I hear gasps and sniffling around me.
“Yes. Of course, I’ll marry you. I love you, so much.” I’m crying like a baby as he lifts me into his arms and kisses me with such love, such passion. It’s the most amazing feeling I’ve ever felt. True love.
Everyone congratulates us, hugs and kisses each of us. I’m in awe. I can’t believe he proposed. I had no idea. All the people that mean the most to me are here to witness this special moment with us.
“I want to thank everyone for coming. It means a lot, to both us, that you could be here,” Alex says.
“I want to propose a toast to the happy couple,” John, Alex’s father, says. “I am truly proud of the man in front of me today and I have no doubt that Alex will be a wonderful husband to my beautiful soon-to-be daughter-in-law. We wish you joy and happiness together and don’t wait too long. I want some grandchildren.” He raises his glass and pats Alex on the back. Everyone laughs and says, “Cheers.”
“Dad, that means so much to me, you saying that. I want to make you proud, not only with the company, but as your son, too,” he says with tears in his eyes.
“You have, son.”
“I want to say something, as well,” my mom says. Oh, lord. I hope she doesn’t embarrass me. “Alex, I know we had a rocky start, and I apologize. I see how happy you make Jessa and I couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law. I want you to know, I love you and I’m happy for you both. I also second John’s statement on the grandchildren. I’m not getting any younger,” she smiles. Everyone laughs. She hugs Alex and then kisses his cheek.
After the women drool over my ring a bit, everyone leaves to give us time to celebrate alone. I even heard the mention of grandchildren again. I’m not ready for that, but don’t mind practicing.
As soon as Alex closes the door I jump into his arms, “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too”. Did I surprise you?”
“You sure did. That was the sweetest proposal. I love that you included Ben.”
“I’m so glad. Brittany gave me the idea.”
“It was perfect. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“I can’t wait for that either. Let’s go practice on those babies,” he says, slapping my ass as we hurry upstairs.
I lay here next to my fiancé. I keep replaying the night’s events in my head. The love we shared with each other tonight was like nothing I have ever experienced before. It was like the night he told me he loved me but tonight was so much more. He was so caring, passionate and worshipped me, every single inch of my body. I cried during and after the most mind-blowing orgasms I have ever had.
I can’t believe how different my life is. I would have never expected this. When I was a child, this was exactly what I wished for. It may not have happened exactly the way I thought it would, but I have the man of my dreams, a job I love, a beautiful home, and even a dog who I adore. Now, the only thing I’m missing is children. That won’t be too far away, but I don’t want to share Alex just yet.
We may not have been each other’s first but I have no doubt that we are each other’s LAST.
* * *
THE END
Acknowledgments
I want to first and foremost thank my family for being so understanding at how much time and effort it took for me to write this story.
Melanie Harlow has also helped me so much since the very beginning of this journey. I’ve learned so much from her. She is what I consider my mentor, my guardian angel.
Many other authors along the way have also helped answer a ton of questions and have become wonderful friends. Marie Skye, Harloe Rae, Brooklyn Taylor, Brooke May to name a few. I’m sure there are more and I’m drawing a blank. There were times I could have just given up, but these amazing women helped me to keep going and had faith in me when there were times I didn’t. I’m so grateful to all of you more than you’ll ever know.
If it weren’t for my bestie Brittany, one night over several drinks, throwing around ideas and helping me believe that I could really write it, I may have not written this book. I did it, but not without these awesome people. Thank you all so very much! I love you all!
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