Page 163 of Jake Forever
"For you to leave your job? Maybe. A guy can hope, right?"
I just had to tease him. "So, you had inside information, huh? My brothers might call that cheating."
"You kidding? They'd call it smart."
"Well, there is that." Recalling him saying that this was histhirdattempt, I had to ask, "But what about the second time? When was that?"
His answer was one word. "Vegas."
"You mean that impromptu vacation?"
He nodded. "When I thought you were fired, I figured, 'Hey, I'll take her to Vegas, make it a night to remember.'"
My voice grew softer. "Jake?"
"Hmm?"
"Just so you know, thiswasa night to remember." I burrowed against him. "And I wouldn't have changed a thing."
"Yeah?"
"Definitely." I paused. "But Iamcurious."
"About what?"
Cautiously, I said, "You weren't hoping to get married in Vegas, were you?"
"That would've been up to you." He smiled. "In fact, it's still up to you. Say the word, and we'll catch the next flight out."
The idea was almost tempting, not because I wanted to get married in Vegas, but because I was so embarrassingly eager to make it official.
Still, Vegas wouldn't be my first choice. Apparently, I had a traditional streak too. Go figure.
Tentatively, I said, "And if that'snotwhat I want?" Quickly, I added. "I mean, what if I want a big traditional wedding with family there."
His lips lifted at the corners. "Your family? Or mine?"
I knew what he was getting at. His family was a fragmented mess. Still, I wanted to be hopeful. I smiled with as much confidence as I could muster. "Both of our families."
His tone became teasing. "Yeah, good luck with that."
"Seriously," I said. "You wouldn’t mind, would you?"
His gaze met mine. "Luna, I'd marry you anywhere, any time and count myself lucky."
At this, I felt a big goofy smile spread across my cheeks. "Awwww."
After a long, quiet moment, I pulled back to ask, "Are you really going to quit?"
"With the videos?" His voice grew quieter. "Yeah."
"So you'll be retired, huh?"
"Me?" he said. "Hell no."
More curious than ever, I asked, "So what are you gonna do?"
"I've got some ideas." He stroked my back, and his voice softened. "Does it matter?"
