"Isn't there anything on the pro side of your list, Jess?"
"Of course there are good things—lots of things," she replied. "You're kind and generous and funny. You're smart and handsome. You're a free spirit, and you've made me feel like myself again, like the woman I used to be, someone who could laugh and break rules and have fun."
"You should have fun. You should be that woman again. I actually like her a lot."
"I like her, too."
He took her hand. "You don't have to pay penance for the rest of your life, Jess. You made some mistakes early on, but you're a great mom, and you deserve to be happy. You deserve to have everything you want."
"I really want to be happy, Reid. I want to be happy with you."
"You do?"
She took a deep breath. "Yes. I didn't just break up with you because I was scared you would hurt Brandon; I was terrified you would hurt me. I broke up with you because I was falling in love with you and I didn't know what to do about it."
The pain in her voice, the blurry moisture in her eyes, made his heart turn over. He'd been caught up in anger the last two weeks, judging her for ending things so fast, for not giving him a chance, but now he could see what kind of turmoil she was in. "That's a terrible reason for breaking up with me. And why didn't you say that before?"
She gave him a watery smile. "Because it seemed stupid to tell someone you've only known a few weeks that you're in love with them, especially when they're probably leaving."
He squeezed her fingers. "What if I told you I was in love with you, too? And that I'm not going anywhere?"
"I'd say you're being nice or the bump on your head is making you say things you don't mean."
"I've never been nice enough to tell someone I loved them."
"Never?"
"No. If we're being honest, I'll admit that commitment and a long-term relationship has never been part of my plan. In a lot of ways, I feel like I've been a dad; I practically raised my sister. And I've had to take care of my mother, too. So when I went out with women, I tried to keep those relationships light and easy."
"I understand. And I really don't want to stop you from having the life that you've dreamed about."
He thought about her words, then said, "Today I ran into a house that was on fire, and upstairs I found two elderly people. They were in their late eighties, I think. The woman fell unconscious from the smoke. Her husband couldn't lift her, and he couldn't leave her. He told me they'd been together for fifty years. He wasn't going out until she did. He was willing to die next to her."
"I hope that didn't happen."
"It didn't. They're going to be all right."
"Thank goodness."
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about that man. My father wouldn't have stayed in the house to protect my mother, me, or my sister."
"But you would stay to protect anyone, Reid. That's who you are."
"You're right, I would." He took a breath, pulling her closer. "I want that kind of love, Jess. I want it with you. I'm not taking the job in Chicago or any other job that would disrupt your life. And I want to be there for Brandon as much as I want to be there for you. I know there's still a lot of scary question marks, but if we try to answer the questions together, maybe it won't be so terrifying."
Her gaze filled with hope and amazement. "I just don't want to hold you back, Reid."
"You're not. I have a new dream now," he said. "And you're it. I don’t need to move somewhere else to find what I already have—an amazing life and an incredible woman. Instead of breaking up, I think we should go on our seventh date, and then our eighth and our ninth."
"And then we stop counting."
"And then we stop counting," he echoed with a smile. "How does that sound?"
"Wonderful. But you're going to have to say all this again tomorrow when you're not on painkillers or dazed from a concussion."
He laughed, then groaned at the pain that rocketed through his head. "Deal. I will tell you again tomorrow and the next day and the day after that. But I know exactly what I'm saying and how I'm feeling. I missed you so much the last two weeks, Jess. I don't want to go through any more days without you."
"I feel the same way."
"We're going to make it," he added. "I have a good feeling about us."
"I like the word us," she said, giving him a sweet smile.
"You, me, and Brandon," he said, wanting to make sure she understood that.
"Don't forget Wiley. He better not be a deal breaker."
"Not a chance. He brought us together."
"Don't remind me."
He grinned. "Oh, I intend to remind you all the time. Now, isn't it time you kissed me already?"
She leaned in and pressed her lips against his mouth, her kiss filled with love and tenderness. He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in again for another kiss, one deeper and more sensual, filled with passion and desire. He couldn't wait to get her alone, really alone, so he could show her all the ways he wanted to love her.
A shrieking beep from a nearby machine broke them apart.
Jessica gave him a breathless, worried look. "What's happening? Are you having a heart attack?"
"Probably. You'd be worth it." He laughed. "But I think it's because I pulled out the plug on the monitor," he said, holding up the end of the cord.
A nurse entered the room. "What happened here?" she asked, giving them both a suspicious look.
"The cord came unplugged," Reid said.
"Uh-huh," she said, plugging it back in. "I think it's time for you to rest."
"Or I could just go home," he suggested. "I feel fine."
"I bet you do," the nurse said with a knowing gleam in her eyes. "But you're staying put until tomorrow."
"She's right," Jessica said, giving him a guilty smile.
"You've got one minute to say good-bye," the nurse told her, as she left the room.
"Make it a good minute," Reid said with a laugh, as the nurse left them alone.
Jessica shook her head. "No way. I want you healthy."
"And I want you."
Her eyes darkened. "You have me, Reid. For as long as you want me."
"That's going to be forever."
"I hope so, but it's so fast."
"It doesn't take long to know when something is right."
"But making something last is harder. We both know that."
"And we both know what it takes. We just have to believe in each other. I can believe in you. Can you believe in me?"
"I can," she said with a nod.
"Good. Now, how about one more kiss?"
"Not a chance. You need to rest so you can get your strength back. You're going to need it for all our upcoming dates."
He liked how relaxed she suddenly was now that they'd put their cards on the table and the worries and doubts were gone. "You, too," he shot back. "I have some big plans for us."
"I can't wait." She gave him a cheeky smile from the doorway. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"And every day after that," he promised.
"And every day after that," she echoed.
Epilogue
Four weeks later…
Her men were waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. Reid wore a dark-gray suit with a maroon-colored tie, his hair styled, his face cleanly shaven, his appreciative grin as sexy as ever. She didn't think she'd ever get tired of looking at him.
Next to Reid was Brandon, dressed in a black suit with a silver tie to match the ushers at Isabella's wedding. In his hand was the satin pillow he would carry down the aisle to present the rings.
Seeing Brandon and Reid together made her heart swell with happiness. In the last few weeks since Reid had gotten out of the hospital, they'd spent every second that they weren't working together.
Reid had shown her how to bodysurf, and he'd taught Brandon how to throw a baseball. They'd cooked together, watched movies, taken bike rides, and they'd even made up a story together, one she could illustrate with a new s
ense of purpose, a story she might eventually publish.
She'd introduced Reid to her parents, who had shocked her by actually appearing to like him. They'd made an effort to ask him questions about his life. Reid had even gotten her father to go on a walk with him and Brandon. While they'd been gone, her mother had told her that she thought it was time she had another man in her life, someone who would stand by her, who would love her the way she should be loved. It was the first time in her life she'd ever had such a personal and positive conversation with her mom.
The next weekend, they'd gone to Reid's mother's house. They'd met her boyfriend, and they'd been there to take pictures of Tara and her date before they left for the winter formal. Tara had looked amazing in her dress, and she'd been thrilled to have a little attention for a change.
The rest of the time, they'd just been living life together, and it was a sweet, happy life, one her son was thriving in as well. And when Brandon was asleep or with a babysitter, she and Reid had gotten even closer.
All the worries had vanished. She couldn't imagine Reid not in her life, and she was done worrying about the future. Reid had taught her to enjoy the moment, and every moment was better than the last.
"Mommy, hurry up," Brandon said.
She smiled to herself and started down the stairs. "I wanted to make an entrance."
"And you did," Reid said, as she reached them. "You look beautiful."
She beamed under his regard, knowing that the champagne-colored, short, silky dress fit her like a glove. "It's the dress. Kate and Isabella were very kind to the bridesmaids."
"They definitely were," he said approvingly. "I hope you don't outshine the bride."
"Not a chance. You two look very handsome. Are you guys ready to go?"
"We are. Let's do it," he said.
They got into Reid's car and drove a few miles north to Pacifica, where the wedding was being held in a small church on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Her friends had definitely chosen some scenic locations in which to get married.
"I'm going to find the girls," she said, as she got out of the car.
"Brandon and I will hang out together until it's time for him to do his walk down the aisle," Reid said.
"Can we go over there?" Brandon asked, pointing to a gazebo on the edge of the property.
"Sure, we'll take a look around," Reid said.
"Just don't get dirty," she told her son. "At least not until after the pictures."
"I'll keep an eye on him," Reid promised.
"Thanks," she told Reid, giving him a quick kiss.
"I'm going to expect a little more gratitude later," he teased.
"You've got it."
Knowing she was running late, she left Reid and Brandon to explore while she joined her friends in the dressing room next to the church. As she entered the room, she was almost overwhelmed with the flurry of silk and satin, the scent of perfume and hairspray and the sight of flat irons and makeup trays. She'd chosen to get ready at home since she hadn't wanted to bring Brandon to the church too early, but her friends had obviously been here for a while.
"You made it, Jessica," Isabella said happily, moving away from the full-length mirror.
"Oh, wow," she said. "Your dress is gorgeous, and so are you."
Isabella did a little spin in her white gown, the color setting off her dark hair, eyes, and olive skin perfectly. "I hope Nick likes it."
"How could he not? Plus, he loves you; that's all that matters," she said.
"I think it's time for our toast," Liz said.
"You read my mind," Kate said, as she brought around a tray of champagne glasses. "I have sparkling cider for you and Andrea," she added, as she handed a glass to Liz.
"You're both showing," Jessica said, seeing the cute baby bumps her friends were sporting.
"And my baby is kicking up a storm," Andrea told her, moving next to her. "He might be a soccer player."
"He?" she asked.
"It's a boy," Andrea said with a grin.
"That's wonderful. I can't wait to meet him." She turned to Liz. "What about you?"
"We're having a boy, too," Liz replied. "I was kind of hoping for a girl, but now my boy and Andrea's son will probably be best friends."
"I wonder if we'll all end up having boys," Julie put in. "First Jess, now you two…"
"Are you pregnant, too?" she asked Julie.
"No, no, definitely not," Julie said, quickly putting up her hand. "Just saying…our group is expanding in a very male way."
"Speaking of males," Maggie said, giving Jessica a speculative glance. "Word on the street is that you decided to bring a date to the wedding."
"Yes, I brought Reid, and, yes, we're still going out, and things are really, really good."
Maggie squealed. "Yay! I'm so happy, even though I haven't had a chance to meet this wonderful guy yet, but everyone who has met him seems to love him."
"Do you love him, Jess?" Kate asked. "Should I clear my schedule? And, more importantly, am I going to be the last single woman standing?"
"No proposals yet, but he's the one. I've never been more sure," she replied.
There were more squeals of delight, followed up by hugs.
"This is Isabella's day," she protested. "Enough about me."
"Jessica is right," Kate said. "We'll talk about her love life later. Right now, let's take our fun, candid photo before the more formal ones."
They gathered around Isabella and took a selfie and then grabbed their bouquets and headed to the church.
Brandon and Reid were in the vestibule with Michael and Matt. As the guys went to sit down together, she made sure Brandon's tie was straight and the rings wouldn't fall off the pillow. Then she watched him and the flower girl make their way down the aisle before getting in line with her friends.
It was a small wedding, only about fifty people in the church, which was what Isabella had wanted, and as Jessica stood up next to her friends and watched Isabella and Nick share very personal vows to each other, she was touched by the love she could see between them. By the time they kissed and headed back down the aisle, she was wiping her eyes and trying not to smear her makeup.
After the ceremony, they took pictures for a while and then the group dispersed to go to the reception, which was a few miles away. She found Reid and Brandon behind the church near a small pond. Brandon was entertaining himself by throwing pebbles into the pond.
"Are you done?" Reid asked her.
"All done. We can go to the reception now. If we can rein Brandon in," she added, watching her son spin around in the sunshine.
"Our boy does have a lot of energy," Reid said, putting his arm around her. "And he seems to like to make himself dizzy."
"I know. He's crazy. By the way, I like when you call him that—our boy," she said, looking up at him.
"One of these days we're going to make it official, Jess. Maybe after our fifteenth or sixteenth date."
She shook her head. "I told you to stop counting. We're together. That's all that matters."
"We are together, and I've never been happier—in case you haven't noticed."
"I feel the same way, Reid. Every day, I fall in love with you a little bit more. I don't know why I was scared of feeling this way, because it's incredible."
"Kind of like surfing the wildest wave."
"Well, I wouldn't know, but if this is what surfing feels like, I might need to take a few more lessons from you."
"Any time," he promised. "But in all seriousness—"
"We're being serious?" she teased.
"Yes. I want you to know that I do want to marry you. And I want to be Brandon's stepfather. I won't try to take the place of his dad, but I want to be there for him, and I want us to be a family. I want it all."
"Now who's thinking three steps ahead?" she asked, breathless at his words, the intense look in his eyes, the promise of forever.
"I couldn't see the future before I met you. Now it's all I can think abo
ut. You told me to go after my dreams, so that's what I'm going to do."
"And here I am—just living in the moment," she said with a laugh. "The tables have turned."
"They sure have," he said with a grin. "By the way, that wasn't a proposal. I'm going to do it up right one day soon."
"Oh, yeah, how?"
"It's going to be a surprise."
"Well, if it's going to be a surprise, don't tell Brandon; he cannot keep a secret."
"Trust me, you'll be the first to know, and it's going to be magnificent."
She laughed. "With you, I wouldn't expect anything else." She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a long, loving kiss that made every nerve in her body tingle with happiness and joy. "I feel alive in a way I haven't felt in a very long time," she told him. "That's because of you."
"Actually, I think it's because of Wiley," he joked.
She laughed at the reminder of how they'd met when she was stuck in the doghouse. "You're right. I'll have to give Wiley an extra treat tonight."
"How about giving me an extra treat tonight?" he teased.
"Absolutely," she said. "I have a lot of treats in store for you."
He groaned. "How long is this reception going to be?"
"Long. But don't worry. It will be worth the wait."
"You're killing me."
"Only with love," she said. "Our forever starts tonight."
"Or right now," he suggested, as he wrapped his arms around her and gave her another head-spinning, breath-stealing kiss.
# # #
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed reading Jessica and Reid's love story that began on such a fun note! If you'd like to share your thoughts with other readers, click here.
The Bachelors & Bridesmaids series has one more book to go, and you're going to love Kate's story in DREAMING OF YOU when the wedding planner finally finds love for herself.
If you're all caught up with the series, I hope you'll check out some of my other books. The Callaway family series has spun off into the Callaway Cousins, and the next book ONCE YOU'RE MINE is coming soon. My new romantic suspense trilogy LIGHTNING STRIKES is also now complete and all three books are available: BEAUTIFUL STORM, LIGHTNING LINGERS and SUMMER RAIN.
Forever Starts Tonight Page 17