Page 35 of Yours To Keep
“Come back to me, angel. Don’t escape into your mind,” he says and I feel the sting of unshed tears. I hate how well he can read me.
“I believe youthinkyou want that,” I say quietly, scooting to sit on the edge of the bed. I pick at my nails, my eyes dropping to the floor.
“And you think you can decide what I want and what I don’t?” He asks, quirking an eyebrow at me.
“No! It’s not that. I know I can’t make your decisions for you. I just don’t think you really…know. I mean, look at me and look at you, Dalton,” I say, hating how pathetic it is sound.
“You think I don’t see you, Magnolia. But you’re wrong. I see you with more than just my eyes. I see you with my heart and soul. All the ways I see you are what make you the most beautiful woman I've ever known.” The conviction in his voice is impossible to ignore.
Tears roll over my bottom lashes, and I don’t try to stop them. This man awakens something in me I never thought I would experience. He shows me my self-worth and makes me feel like I don’t have to make myself small to please him. He crosses the room, crouching in front of me and pulling my hands apart. His fingers thread through mine, stopping my self-harm from continuing.
“You think you want to disappear, angel. Because that would be easier. But all you really need is to be found. I know because the moment you found me, I felt a quietness in my soul I never imagined I could feel. I understand how you were raised, but I don’t care. Unlearn that shit, Magnolia. You deserve to love your life,” he says, and I smile through my tears. I’ve never met a man who could make me laugh and cry all at once until now. “You want to romanticize your life like the books you read, baby? Then do it. You deserve the sweet forehead kisses, someone who adores the fuck out of you, and a fire-breathing dragon to destroy anyone who's ever crossed you. I look at you, and it terrifies me the things I would do for you.”
“Tell me this isn’t a dream, Dalton. Tell me you mean it,” I whisper, squeezing his hands in mine. His lips meet mine, a perfect answer to my question. He pours every ounce of emotion from his heart into mine, and there’s no way I could doubt him. His hand wraps around my neck and his lips move against mine as he speaks.
“You are mine and only mine. You are my woman, angel. Understand me now?” A whimper escapes my lips as a nod so slightly. This man brings every one of my wildest fantasies to life. Never in a million years could I have imagined a man like him loving a woman like me.
“I understand. I think you’re insane, but I understand,” I tell him, placing my palm against the scruff on his face. His eyes close instantly, and I can see the tension draining from his features. The fact that I have that effect on him blows my mind. I can see the peace in his features, like I’m his lighthouse in a violent storm.
“Oh, angel, I know I’m insane. Being crazy about you is just the top of a long list.” He laughs, kissing me and wrapping a powerful hand around the back of my neck. Our foreheads rest against each other, just breathing in this moment.
I love him. I’m not going to say it. I’m not prepared to bare that much of my soul just yet. But I feel it all the way through my bones and into my soul. I know this man would stop at nothing to protect me and keep me safe. He respects my ideas and tells me how beautiful my mind is any chance he can get. How could I ever ask for anything more?
“Is leatsa mé, is liomsa thú,” he whispers, his lips barely grazing mine. “I am yours, and you are mine.”
IRIS
A few hours later, we’re all gathered around the massive table in Breaker and Rory’s dining room. The sounds of babies babbling, chatter, and laughter brings a smile to my face. I come from a big family, full of love and warmth, so it’s no surprise that I surround myself with people who create the same feeling of family anytime we’re together.
“Here's what I'm thinking,” Everett says, drawing the attention of the group.
“Enlighten us, dear,” Kelsea says with a snort.
“I think we should all attend this party on the fourth. Magnolia said it’s a big deal. I’m sure if she asked her dad, he wouldn’t say no. That way if her mom or Aaron try anything, we’re all there. I mean, it would be stupid as hell to make a move at such a public event, but we’ve all proven time and time again that we’re stronger together. I’m not trying to create a problem where there isn’t one, but if some shit goes down and you guys are a hundred miles away…” Everett trails off and everyone around the table shakes their heads in agreement.
“I know my mom would watch the kids,” Eli says. “And I’m sure Willow will help, too.”
“Let me call her and ask,” Ember says, standing and handing her son off to his father.
I can see the panic building in Magnolia's eyes. She's afraid to put our friends in danger, but what she doesn’t realize is anyone at this table would drop everything to help another if they are able.
“You know you all don’t have to get involved,” Magnolia says softly, her voice quivering slightly.
“Yes, we do,” Rory says, squeezing her hand. “We love you Magnolia, and we love Iris. We’re not just gonna sit here and watch this asshole take advantage of you, watch your own mother come after you like this, and do nothing. This is a family. And nobody fucks with our family.”
Everett starts a slow clap for about five seconds before Kelsea smacks him and he giggles like a little boy.
“I guess…I guess I can call my dad,” Magnolia says, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
“Make the call, angel. We’ll be there.” I tell her, taking her hand in mine.
eighteen
The soundof laughter echoes around the fitting room at Revamp. My dad was more than happy to invite anyone I asked him to. Part of me wonders if it’s because this is the first time I’ve invited friends to any family gathering. I was never an outcast, mostly because I had the right family name and money. But I never felt like I had genuine friends, either. At least, not until now.
Coming back into Revamp today made me so incredibly nervous. I didn’t want to face Malcom after leaving the other day, but in a town as small as Grovewood, theres only so many places to shop. To my surprise, Becca was behind the counter when we got here. She pulled me to the side and told me she fired Malcom after reviewing the footage from the stores security camera on the day I quit. She apologized at least a dozen times and begged me to come back as the store manager. I said yes without a second thought and hugged her tightly, promising to call her next week to work things out. So many things in my life are looking up, and I can’t help but think it has something to do with the luck of the Irish.
“If you wear that, my brother is gonna put another baby in you.” Rory says, and Ember snorts.
