Page 30 of Jasper

Daisy pushes her hair back from her face. "If it means that much to you, then it means that much to me, too. I would love to go with you today. Please show me what you do for fun and let me in on a part of your childhood."

"It scares me," I admit softly. "Letting you see a part of what made me who I am, but at the same time, I know you have to see it. I hope it helps you understand me better."

She gets up, coming over to wrap her arms around my neck. I scoot back in my chair, allowing her to sit in my lap. I close my arms around her and burrow my face in her hair. This is what feels like home to me. She's it, the peace I've been searching for my entire life.

"Don't be scared." Her nails scratch against my scalp. "I want you to share everything with me. I've wanted this for longer than you can even imagine. Thank you for finally trusting me enough."

The scary part is I'm not sure that I actually do, but I'm willing to push all of that to the side because I want to experience all of this with her. I'm sick of doing things on my own. She's my partner in life, and it's time I start treating her like it. "Thanks for being patient with me. We gotta get a move on. You mind eating with the kids?"

Her laugh is throaty and indulgent. "I eat with kids every day. This is no different."

"Then let's go." I hitch my head toward the door.

* * *

"I'll get it for you." I put a hand on Daisy's thigh across the center console. "Don't touch that door." I don't know what the fuck is coming out of my mouth, but initiating her into this portion of my life, makes me want to do all the things I should've done before. She deserves the best and I want to give her that. I hop out and jog across the front of my truck. When I get over to the passenger side, I open the door, and reach up with my hand for her.

"I don't know what's going on with you." She laughs. "But I like it a lot."

Closing my hand around hers, I pull her out, before dropping my hands to span her hips. "I'm trying to be the man you deserve," I admit softly.

"You don't have to try." Her hands come up to palm my cheeks. "You are the man I deserve. I want you to be someone you're proud of." Leaning in, she drops a kiss against my lips.

I've never been the type of person who enjoys public displays of affection. More than likely because I never saw my grandfather with anyone when I was younger. But I'm learning by watching Boone and Abel with the women they love. They don't shy away from showing the world what those women mean everything to them. Maybe that's what I've been missing my entire life?

That's why I take the kiss I've wanted all morning. I crush her to me, covering her mouth with mine. She makes a little noise in the back of her throat, and melts against me. It's hard, but I pull away, before rolling my lips together and pressing my forehead to hers. "Not the time, and not the place, but it was worth it."

She giggles. "Definitely worth it. C'mon, show me what this place is about."

Daisy

I'm watching a different man as he sits patiently, letting one of the little girls put stickers on his face. If I hadn't loved him before now, this would seal the deal.

"Daisy?" the little girl named Amaya shrieks over at me. "Should I put one here?" She points to his chin.

"I don't know if it would stick because of his whiskers. Why don't you put it here?" I point to his forehead.

"Sure, let's make it to where more people can see." Jasper laughs. "Go right ahead."

He's griping, but it's good-natured. "Put it on there, and I'll take a picture," I offer, holding my phone up.

The girl scoots in, smiling so wide you can see that she's lost a couple of teeth. He puts his arm around her, smiling along with her. It's a look I've never seen on his face before. A joy I've always wanted to witness, but never been able to. "Say, cheese," he tells her.

It takes me a minute, but I finally take the picture, and swallow hard. What I just saw could be our future if the two of us end up having a girl. God help me, I want it more than anything.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Jasper

"Alexis, do you need help with anything else?" Daisy asks as she grabs a plate filled with baked potatoes.

"Nope, I'm coming up behind you with the toppings for what you're carrying. We should be good. Kara, are you bringing the sides?"

"Got 'em," Kara's voice carries through the kitchen. "Are y'all done with the steaks and chicken?" she asks me, eyebrow raised.

"Yep, Boone will be bringing it in. Give him just a minute."

It's been a little bit since we had a family dinner. Everyone's had different responsibilities they've had to handle, but it feels good being with the group again. I have a seat at the table and glance around at our group getting themselves prepared to sit down and have a meal. I notice that Gabby isn't here.

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