Page 57 of Serve and Protect
“Yeah, I guess so.”I love you.I want to say it so badly, but I don’t want to put her on the spot.
I’m shocked when she beats me to it. “I love you, Chris Nelson. I don’t need time to think it over. If you want me, I’m yours.”
“If I want—are you crazy, woman! Of course, I want you!”
Granny waves from the kitchen table, where she’s eating spaghetti with marinara sauce and garlic bread. “If you two are done canoodling, come eat dinner before it gets cold.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I say as I take off my hat. I start to unbuckle my duty belt. “Is there somewhere safe I can hang this?”
Jennie nods. “My bedroom closet.” And while I’m off to do that, I hear her say, “We’re coming, Granny.”
* * *
After we eat, the three of us hang out in the living room on the sofa watching an episode ofLittle House on the Prairie. The funny thing is, I remember watching this show here at Jennie’s house when we were kids. Thedéjà vuI’m feeling right now is pretty intense.
A little after seven, Jennie helps Rosie with a bath and gets her dressed for bed. Once Rosie’s tucked in, Jennie returns to the living room and snuggles beside me on the sofa.
“It’s funny how the tables have turned,” she says. “When I came to live here, she and Grandpa took care of me like I was their own child. Now, it’s my turn to take care of Granny. Life comes around full circle, doesn’t it?”
She pauses a moment, deep in thought, before she adds, “You know, if you want a life with me, that includes Granny. I plan to take care of her for the rest of her life, whether that’s one year or a decade.”
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it. “I’m all in, Jen. Rosie was more of a mother to me when I was growing up than Kitty ever was. Rosie was the one who patched my boo-boos. She was the one who helped me with my homework. She’s the one who baked me a birthday cake every single year, without fail. She did more for me than my own mother ever did.”
Jennie has tears in her eyes at this point. My chest tightens, and there’s a knot in my throat. I love this woman, and I want to be part of her life. “I love you, Jennie. I always have. All I’ve ever wanted is to be part of your family.”
She stands, takes my hand, and pulls me to my feet. “The condoms are in my top nightstand drawer just waiting to be used.”
I smile, feeling like a kid whose dream has come true. “You don’t need to tell me twice.”
* * *
This time, it’s going to be different. There’s nothing to stop us, nothing to come between us. We love each other, and we both know it.
I feel like I’m getting the biggest do-over in my life.
We step into her bedroom and close the door quietly behind us.
“Help me take the sling off.” I want both of my arms functioning for this, both of my hands available to touch her and hold her. To make love to her with all my heart and soul and body.
She makes a face that says,Are you sure this is a good idea?“Dr. Talbott said—”
“Hey.” I press a finger to her lips. “Trust me, Dr. Talbott would be okay with me ditching the sling to have sex with you.”
She laughs. “Really? Is this some kind of guy code thing?”
“Yes, it is. Now help me, please.”
“I’m going on record saying I think it’s a bad idea.” But still, she helps me release the buckle and allow the sling to fall away.
I gingerly flex my right arm, slowly moving it, rotating it, wincing a bit. I extend my arm slowly and then retract it. It’s stiff and more than a bit sore, but not enough to change my mind. “See? It’s all good.”
“Do you want to know what my fantasy is?” she asks.
My mind goes blank as my dick grows hard as a pike and starts throbbing. All my blood is rushing south, and I feel lightheaded. “Tell me. Please.”
She grins. “How about I show you instead?”
Chapter 21 – Jennie
