Page 147 of Doctorshipped
People start to murmur, and my pulse kicks up. Duke walks over to me, “Shannon just texted. They’re almost here.”
Ella Mae, dressed in a black mini skirt, red thigh-high leather boots, and an elegant black cape lined with red satin, stands on a stepstool and holds a megaphone.
“Okay, people! She’s on her way! Phones out, your apps open, and get ready to take pics and post.”
A speaker system starts up, and a series of monster themed songs begin to play. The music carries across the field, giving the already energized gathering even more of an air of celebration.
I begin to question all my life choices.
What am I doing?
Will this even work?
Shouldn’t this have been a moment for the two of us alone?
Why did I involve the whole town?
But, when I think about it, I didn’t involve the whole town. Once people got wind of what I was doing, this idea grew of its own accord. People wanted to be a part of what I had in mind—to bless Jayme. More than that, this town wanted to help me win her back.
Fiona comes over to me and gives me a side-hug.
“Are you nervous, Daddy?”
“A little,” I admit.
I’m still not at all comfortable sharing weakness, but I’m doing what Dad recently told me to do: Show up in your discomfort, and your comfort zone will adjust itself.
I can’t say I want this to be my new comfort zone. As a matter of fact, I can say with some certainty, I really hope it isn’t. But if my ridiculous costume and the obvious willingness to humiliate myself on her behalf wins Jayme’s heart, it will be worth it. More than worth it.
Shannon’s car drives up the dirt side road leading to the field where I’m standing.
Ella Mae announces, “She’s here! It’s showtime!”
Jayme steps out of the passenger side of Shannon’s car, wearing a graphic T-shirt, jeans, and some sneakers. I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight in my life. Her eyes search the crowd, obviously trying to make sense of what she’s seeing.
I walk toward her, and our eyes lock. The smile that fills her face when she sees me makes my chest swell with warmth. It’s a good sign. She’s here, and she’s smiling—at me.
“Hey,” I say when I reach her side.
“Hey,” she says, shifting her weight slightly from foot to foot. “What is all this?”
“It’s my surprise.”
“A vampire party?”
“Sort-of. Let me just …”
My explanation is cut short by Ella Mae’s voice through the megaphone. “Okay, everyone, ready?”
Jayme gives me a quizzical look.
“Can you trust me for a minute?”
“I can trust you for longer than that,” Jayme says, grabbing my hand.
Her fingers intertwine with mine, smaller, softer, and delicate. I soak up the feel of her skin touching mine. Finally. I’m like a thirsty man finding his oasis. I give her a private squeeze, our eyes locked on each other. I rub my thumb across the soft skin on the back of her hand, and she grins a private grin, just for me.
I’m aware of phone cameras going off around us, but only just slightly aware, my eyes can’t seem to leave Jayme. I need to take her in, to see her here next to me. It’s as if looking away might cause her to evaporate like a misty dream.
