Page 36 of Jasper

I inhale deeply, my heart thudding within my chest. I'm light-headed, and feel as if I'm going to pass out, but I know I have to get over this fucking fear. I have to put into words what she means to me. I dip my chin into my chest, mouthing the words first, and then after mouthing them three times, I try to give them a voice. It's a whisper, but then louder. "I love you, Daisy Mae."

Her eyes widen, and a gasp works its way from within her chest. "Jasper..."

"I love you. I've always loved you, and I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."

Now that I've said it, I don't think I'll ever be able to stop.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Daisy

The past couple of days have been difficult with headaches and I tend to forget recent memories, but it's getting better each day. My soreness is going away, and the bruises I had will fade soon. Jasper didn't like going back to work while I've been here, but I made a promise to him I wouldn't do anything without calling him first.

It's different, considering how independent I am. My dad's even come over during trips from out of town. In fact, he should be here in a few minutes. My phone buzzes next to me on the couch and when I notice Jasper's name, I do my best not to roll my eyes.

J: You okay?

D: I'm doing cartwheels. That's okay, right?

J: I'm going to assume you're being a smartass because you're sick of me checking up on you. In case you aren't, just lie to me. I know you aren't used to me being so over the top concerned, but you know where I come from, Daisy Mae.

And now I feel like an asshole. I do know where his concern comes from, and I know it's how hard all of this has been for him. It's been hard for me too, but in many other ways.

D: I am, I'm sorry. Dad'll be here in a few minutes, and I think he's staying until you get off work. You won't have to worry.

J: Alright, I'm going back to work. I love you.

I'm still not used to him saying those words so freely, or typing them as the case may be.

D: I love you, too. I'll be good until Dad gets here. I promise.

There's a knock at the door.

"Daisy. It's me."

"C'mon in, Dad."

He opens the door slowly, looking around it, making sure I'm on the couch. "Hey." He waves. "Brought you a surprise today." He holds up a bag from Get Baked.

"Oh my God, I've missed it so much."

"Gabby's missed you, too. She said she'll be over some time this week."

This lifeline to the outside world is more than I could've hoped for. "Thank you. It's not the same as texting each other. I can't wait to see her. I appreciate you going to grab lunch."

"She said this is your favorite, so I hope she was right."

He reaches into the bag, and I smell my favorite food. My stomach growls loudly. "Yup, she was so right. Are you hanging out until Jasper gets off work?"

"I will, as long as you want me here."

He has a seat next to me on the couch, and I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "I do, Dad. I always want you around."

Jasper

Landon's SUV is still parked in the driveway when I get home. I wasn't counting on him really still being here. There's a surprise in my pocket that's burning a hole in it, but if I have to wait for him to leave, then so be it. Barrett and I park next to each other, waving as we go to our own sides of the duplex.

As I open the door, Landon is standing there, surprise on his face when I almost hit him with the door. "Fuck. Sorry."

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