Page 218 of From Rivals to I Do

Itiptoe through the living room, careful not to disturb Henry, who has fallen asleep on the couch, the animated characters on the TV screen providing him

with a colorful lullaby. The soft glow illuminates his peaceful face, and I can't help but smile at the innocence and tranquility that surrounds him.

Just as I reach the doorway, ready to step out into the night, Jackson's voice cuts through the silence, his words catching me off guard. "Maya, wait," he says, his voice a mixture of hesitation and resolve. "About the other issue we talked about... I need to know if you're on board with it or not. If we want to make this believable, um... you'll have to move in with us."

My breath catches in my throat, and I freeze in place, my eyes locked with his. The air in the room feels charged with uncertainty. A myriad of thoughts

floods my mind, cascading like a waterfall. This had come up while we were going through our options, but I brushed it aside to think over it and consider

all the implications, hearing Jackson rehash it now changes everything. The weight of his request settles on my shoulders, and I grapple with the

implications it carries.

Moving in together—is a significant step in any relationship. It would be more than just a façade; it would blur the lines between fiction and reality. I think

of Henry, the innocent soul who has become an integral part of my life. Would this be the best decision for him? What about our own feelings and our

developing connection? How would it be affected by such a leap?

I search Jackson's eyes, seeking answers and reassurance. I see the vulnerability etched in his features, the earnestness behind his gaze. There's a flicker of hope, of longing, and an unspoken plea for understanding.

"I know it's asking a lot," Jackson admits, his voice filled with sincerity. "But please, Maya. We need this."

"I... I understand, Jackson," I respond, my voice steady despite the flutter of emotions in my chest. "If this is what it takes—moving in with you, becoming a part of this journey, I... I'm ready."

A mixture of relief and gratitude washes over Jackson's face, and he reaches out to gently squeeze my hand.

I take a step closer, closing the distance between us, as if our proximity can provide clarity. "But we will need to establish boundaries, communicate openly, and ensure that our intentions align. I don't want what we share to be sacrificed because of this."

Jackson nods. "Okay," he says. "Thank you."

Before I can blink, Jackson pulls me into him and covers my lips with his. The kiss is warm and gentle, and I want to stay here forever. I hug him tighter, relishing this moment.

When we finally pull away, we just stay there staring into each other's eyes and wondering what the next phase will bring to our relationship.

"I am falling in love with you Maya, after losing my wife, I did not know If I would ever find another woman to capture my heart. We were so lost when my wife died and have endured so much. Since you have come into our lives, we are smiling again, thank you for that Maya," Jackson coos, brushing my hair from my face. "I know this situation is awkward, and I do not want you to think I just need you to get my ex-mother-in-law off my back. Since the day I saw you in the restaurant, my life has taken a drastic change and I owe it to you. There was a time when I could hardly lift my head out of the bed and tears flooded my pillow in grief, I did not know how I would ever go on and be the father I needed to be. You have brought so much joy back into our lives. I know we are in the midst of this upheaval. But you mean the world to me, and I want you to know that."

His words draw tears from my eyes, and I just sob. He pulls me into his embrace once again, allowing my tears to soak into his checkered shirt. After a moment, he releases me and looks into my eyes once more before planting a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll drive you home, Maya. It's late, and I don't want you walking by yourself. I'll just tuck Henry in bed and ask the neighbor to look after him all right?"

I nod, still unable to speak. The weight of everything happening is bearing down on me and stirring a conflict of emotions within me. “Maya how are you doing, I know this must be taking a toll on you, I am here for you Maya. Please do not keep all your emotions bottled within”. I say while trying to console her.

“Jackson, I am at a loss for words right now” with tears rolling down my face “I could have died tonight, had you not saved my life, Jackson, thank you. I

was so afraid. I have never been that scared, you always hear stories about fires and rescues, but I never thought I would ever experience it.” Jackson

takes a deep breath and attempts to leave room for silence to help me internally process my emotions “Maya, that is what I do, I save lives. I do not think

twice about it. You do not have to thank me. I am just so glad you’re ok.” He expresses while reaching over the seat and wiping a tear off my face.

Some minutes later, I step through the threshold of my small apartment, the silence enveloping me like a melancholic embrace. A lot has changed since

the fire, but it's still very familiar even with the renovation. It's strange to think that this place, my humble abode for nearly four years since finishing

college, will soon be left behind. Mixed feelings wash over me, a bittersweet concoction of excitement and nostalgia.

My gaze sweeps across the room, taking in the familiar sights that have become a part of my everyday life. The worn-out couch, where I've spent

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