Page 56 of Until Waverly

“Waverly.”

She did a big dramatic sigh and leaned her head back, staring at the roof of the Comet. “How do we... I mean, are you going to move forward from this, Jackson? With me?” She cut her bloodshot blue eyes in my direction.

“I’m no longer angry at you or the situation,” I said. “It’s more disappointment. However, I forgave you about three weeks ago when I pushed whatever was wrong behind us.”

“I don’t deserve your compassion, Jackson.”

“Listen, I’m not going to lie and tell you I’m okay with the fact I missed seeing you pregnant. But then I realized something. Do you want to know what that is?” She gave a small head bob. “We’re going to have more kids, so I’ll experience each new pregnancy with you. Look, I’m not thrilled I missed daughter’s birth, but I’m here now, and I’ll have a lifetime of her firsts. Compared to the four months I missed; it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal anymore.”

I snagged her hand. “I love you, Waverly. Have from the moment I saw you in Mack’s kitchen.” Tears filled her eyes as her bottom lip wobbled. “The fact you had our kid? Just means I have you locked in for life.”

“Oh, Jackson, I’m not sure if I warrant your forgiveness or you. I promise I will do better, and when I’m not sure about anything, you’ll be the first one I’ll come to.” She gulped. “I’ve always loved you. Since the moment I met you.”

I grinned over at her. “We’re each other’s Boom, baby. Now, I understand what it means.”

I eased her closer then pressed my lips to hers and kissed the hell out of her. Our teeth clashed. Our mouths fused together. I’d missed this. I’d been starved for her. Waverly’s little whimpers of need drove me nuts. I wanted to lay her out on the back seat and crawl between her thighs and claim her as mine again. The only reason I didn’t was that we were in front of her brother’s restaurant, my place of work, and both of our families were inside.

Any other time, all bets were off.

“We’ve been given a gift. One I don’t plan on wasting.” I touched my lips to hers again. “What do you think about going inside, grabbing our kid, and heading home?”

“Won’t we piss off everyone?”

I shrugged. “Don’t know and really don’t give a fuck.” I put the key in the ignition and started the car up. “Stay here,” I stated. “I’ll retrieve Alandria, and we’ll go home. Our home.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

When I stepped back into Flame without Waverly, her father was waiting. “Everything okay?”

I smiled at him. “It is now.” I gave him the condensed version of what happened then promised she’d call home later.

His face was devoid of emotion. “She’s young—” he held up his hand “—not that this gives her a pass for her actions—”

“Mack, I’ve forgiven her,” I said. “I realized weeks ago I had to, otherwise we couldn’t reach for the future I knew we deserved.” I patted him on the shoulder. “You’re going to need to do the same.”

Mack Sr. cleared his throat and glanced away for a second. Then he looked me dead in the eye. “Forgave her the moment I held my grandbaby in my arms.”

“Why, you old softy,” I teased.

He shrugged. “We always love our kids, Jackson, even if we don’t approve of their behavior or their actions. It’s the curse of a being a parent.”

Sarah Jane rushed over to join us, Alandria in her arms. The smile my baby girl gave me made my knees weak.

“Everything okay with Waverly?” Concern laced her voice, but I could see the weariness around her eyes. Keeping her distance from her daughter and granddaughter was taking its toll on Waverly’s mother.

“She’s fine,” I said. “Do you think you could help me pack up Alandria? We both want to go home.”

Sarah Jane looked between her husband and me. It only took Mack Sr. a second to reach out and wrap his arm around her. “Everything is perfect, sugar drop. I’ll tell you all about it later.”

Chapter19

Jackson

“Okay.” Sarah Jane turned to Mack Sr. “Here.” She deposited Alandria into his arms before scurrying off.

The elder Mack cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “I expect to see my daughter married before she’s pregnant with another one of your babies, Jackson Banks. Do you understand me, young man?”

I blinked at his gruff tone. “Yes, sir.”

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