Page 71 of Until Forever

“Don’t even think about it.”

He grips my belt loops, keeping me from getting away. “You seemed like you were having a shit day, so I figured I’d bring you back to our spot.”

I nod and place my palms on his arms. “Thank you. It brings back memories of all the times we came out here when one of our parents pissed us off.”

“Mostly my dad.”

I stare at him, my mind wandering again, thoughts of how surreal this all feels. My father’s voice creeps to the back of my mind, his concerns and disappointment taunting me. Then I think about how easy it was for Jasper to start over here.

“You okay?” he asks, searching my face.

“What was life like before you came back?”

His brows pinch together, but he answers me anyway. “It was good. Why?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just wondering what you left behind to be here.”

“Nothing. I had an apartment, made a few friends, but nothing really. I told you that already. What’s this about?”

I shrug again.

“I know your dad got under your skin today. But we’re fine, baby. There’s nothing in Georgia that matters. I’m where I’m supposed to be, and that’s all I care about. I feel like we have a second chance here, and I’m not walking away from that, ever, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“No. I believe you. It’s just I’ve never seen him like that, you know, so angry. He’s tough, always has been, but he called me silly today.”

“Ouch. Look, he’s just doing his job. Honestly, I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t concerned. You’re his baby girl. He’s going to always want to protect you, even when you aren’t in danger. I mean, take us, for example. You didn’t tell me about JJ right away, and if I hadn’t shown up at the hospital, we probably would have gone about things differently. It took an entire month before you allowed me to be alone with him.”

“But is he right? Are we moving too fast? Are we confusing our son?”

“It is fast, but we’re doing what’s best for us, for our family. Hell, if I heard correctly, all of our friends were madly in love by the third date.”

I laugh and nod. “True.”

“There’s no time frame for love. At least not for me. We can slow things down, but that’s never really been us. We met in high school and were inseparable within a week. And while I know you’re still wrapping your mind around us, I’m not going anywhere. So no, I don’t think we’re moving too fast. I actually feel like we’re playing catch-up. And I’m pretty sure JJ is the happiest kid on the planet.”

“He is pretty happy. I heard him telling his friend Brandon that he’s going to show off his dad at the game.”

He chuckles. “I’ve graduated to Show and Tell. Winning.”

“No.” I shake my head with a laugh. “Don’t encourage him.”

“Hey, I’m a dad; it’s literally my job.”

I smile. “You’re a great dad.”

He brushes a strand of hair out of my face. “Only because you raised such an amazing kid that being his dad is the easiest thing in the world.”

Jasper pulls me close, planting a kiss on my lips and then my forehead. We separate and find a spot to sit and watch the city. It’s peaceful, the way I remembered, and all of a sudden, I feel better about the day.

We talk for what feels like hours, sharing stories about the things we’ve been up to over the years. I learn about his friends back in Georgia and his time in college. Pride fills me to hear that he had a pleasant life.

We turn at the sound of a car pulling up, us both peeking over our shoulders to find a group of teens exiting a beat-up Mustang.

“Looks like that’s our cue,” I grunt when I stand.

Jasper is on his feet, dusting himself off, then he holds a hand out to me, and I accept it. I lead the way back to his bike, picking up the helmet the moment I reach it.

“I can’t believe you still have this thing,” I say while running my fingers over the warm metal. “You’ve been back almost two months, and I never really paid any attention.”

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