Page 76 of Until Forever

“Hey, sweetheart.” My mother hugs him.

Jasper faces them, his shoulders elevated, but he seems calm.

“What are you doing here?” I manage to get out.

My father stares at me for a beat, and I remember it’s been a little while since I left their home.

“Jasper called and invited us for pancakes,” he answers.

Darting my gaze to my man, I can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of my lips. He shrugs and returns the gesture, then offers my dad his hand. I watch on as they shake, warmth filling me from the encounter. I can’t recall a time when they were in the same room and not bickering.

“Vanek, party of five,” the hostess yells.

Jasper turns and raises a finger. “We’re here.” He steps aside, allowing my parents to walk in front of us.

We follow the hostess to our table, and I grab his elbow along the way. “Why didn’t you tell me you called them?”

“I wanted to surprise JJ. It’s a big day for him, and I thought we all should spend it together.” We stop at the table, and he looks at me. “Besides, I know how important your relationship is with your folks. So I’m hoping to make amends with your dad.”

I smile, and that’s all I can do. This man—so different from the person I once knew, always proving people wrong. This is why he means so much to me. His ability to think of JJ and me instead of himself is everything.

I cup his cheek. “I love you,” I announce, not bothering to whisper.

My father looks in my direction, but I don’t care. Because I do, I love this man, and deep down, I always have.

Jasper kisses my forehead and gestures for me to slide into the booth behind JJ. My parents are across from us as Jasper settles in next to me. The waitress places menus on the table, but neither of us looks over it. There’s no point, we all know what we came here for, and that’s pancakes.

“Thank you for inviting us, Jasper,” my mother says.

“Of course, Mrs. Ivy. Thank you for coming.”

“Thanks,” Dad adds.

“Can I have blueberry this time?” JJ asks me.

“It’s your day. You can have whatever you want,” I promise.

We place our orders and stare awkwardly at each other for a while. It’s not until the server brings over drinks that any of us stirs.

“You know, I was surprised to get your call, Jasper,” my dad announces.

“I understand that.” Jasper drapes his arm over my shoulders.

“Why is that?” Dad quizzes.

Jas takes a sip of water. “Well, sir. We haven’t really had the best relationship in the past, you and I. Not that we ever really had one. But I know how much you two mean to Latoya and JJ. Just like I know you have your concerns about me being back in their lives.”

“I do.”

“And I was hoping we could bury the hatchet. We both love the two of them, and I need you to know that their happiness is the only thing that matters to me. I get that I didn’t leave you with the best impression when I was young, but if you’re willing to get to know me, you’ll know I’m good for them.”

“Jas,” I try to interrupt, but he holds up a hand to stop me.

“I get your gesture. I really do. But it’s hard for me to trust someone who walked out on his family,” Dad says pointedly.

“Dad,” I cut in. “I told you… He—”

Jasper silences me by placing a hand over mine, giving me a gentle squeeze. My dad and I stare at the embrace, but Jasper remains calm. From the corner of my eye, I notice my mother as she looks at my dad while pretending she’s focused on helping JJ color.

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