Page 109 of Jacob

I whisper back, “And I’m happy I fell in love with you, Jacob.”

He lays his forehead against mine as if they’re kissing one another.

“Do we have champagne?” I grin again. I can’t stop smiling.

“Yes, we do.”

“Let’s video-call everyone.”

“Do you not want to wait until you have a ring? We need to go shopping at the weekend.”

“No, I need to share the news now, or I might burst.” I fall to the side onto the soft cushions.

He smiles before lifting my ankle and kissing my tattoo.

“I’m getting married. To Jacob,” I whisper to myself.

“And I am marrying the girl I’ve loved since the day I met her.”

37

JACOB

Two months later

“I’ve found us the perfect house. C’mon,” I say, running into the hall, and grab my keys from the sideboard.

“You have?” Skye asks. “I looked again this morning and there was nothing online. Are you sure?” Frowning with confusion, she picks up her phone to check the houses for sale app.

Sitting on the edge of her parents’ couch, she looks up at me, where I lean against the doorjamb. Her big blue eyes are full of confusion. “There’s nothing new on here.” She shows me the screen of her phone.

“It’s not on there. C’mon…” I clap my hands twice. “Let’s go.”

She pushes herself off the couch. “Okay, let me put my boots on. What’s it like? Where is it? Is it nice?”

“It’s perfect.”

My eyes travel across the room, following her every move. Stopping in front of the mirror, she checks her lipstick, then rearranges her short bangs.

A month ago, Skye decided to cut her long hair off into a short pixie cut. I thought it was a rash decision, however, her razor-sharp, short around the back and sides, with longer bangs at the front hairstyle makes her look even more beautiful now. Edgier too. She pulls off fun and glam, and I love how it highlights her bone structure and big blue eyes.

The best part is, she loves it too. She said it was a way to start again and I couldn’t agree more.

I love her whatever, however, forever.

Looking cute today in her black dungaree shorts, thick black tights, and white tee, she moves into the hall and pushes her feet into her black winter moon boots.

I pass her the long white puffy jacket I bought her for Christmas to put on.

“Is it far, the house?”

“The only thing I will say is that it’s five minutes away from here.” I make for the front door.

“Give me three guesses.”

“No.”

She giggles. “Why not?”

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