Page 40 of XO

“As is everything else.”

“Of course.”

“And if you break my daughter’s heart, I’ll break you. Do you understand?”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“You can come out now, Rosie,” Dad calls gently.

I gasp, frozen in place in the sheer horror of it all. When I finally build up the courage, I round the corner, and when my father isn’t looking, Jacob throws me a sexy wink. He looks mouth-watering in a white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. In that fleeting moment, I take a second to appreciate how the shirt contrasts with his beautiful tanned skin and jet-black hair. And a pair of blue jeans that hang from his hips so perfectly, has my thoughts turning dirty.

There’s a heavy sigh next to me, and when I look up into my father’s eyes, I notice he looks tired and worn. He gently touches my cheek below the scratch from last night. I told him I’d received it from walking past a protruding branch.

“Be careful, boo-boo,” he says, his concern palpable.

When Jacob is out of earshot, giving us some space, he issues his warning once again. “Remember what I said. Boys like Jacob Lynch will only break your heart. I mean it.”

“In your eyes, any boy, no matter who he is, will break my heart.”

Dad pulls me into a hug. “Very true. If he makes you cry, he isn’t worth it. Now go on.” He gently pushes me away. “You go have a good night.”

Planting a kiss on his cheek, I smile and head out the door, turning just before the stairs. “Love you, Daddy.”

Although there’s an unexplainable, innate sadness about him, his words couldn’t come more from the heart if he tried. “I love you, darling.”

“I’ll take care of her, Mr. Reign,” Jacob calls from the bottom of the stairs.

“You better.”

With the sun still warming my skin, a small squeal escapes my lips as I run down the few stairs and leap onto Jacob’s waiting back. Securing his hands around my legs, he hoists me up and sends us in a spin around the front yard toward his Charger.

Our happiness is profound, our laughter long-awaited.

Nothing can ever tear us apart.

~

We made it just in time.

With our burgers and shakes stuffed into Jacob’s backpack, we climb the water tower, me first in case I slip and take a seat on the platform. The railing sits above eye-level and is non-intrusive when it comes time to watching the bright sun turn orange and pink as it slowly descends.

“One veggie burger for you,” Jacob says, placing it between us. He’d even packed a red and white chequered tablecloth for our picnic. He’s thought of everything, and my heart swells knowing he cares. “I still can’t believe you turned down a double bacon beef burger for vegetarian,” he jokes.

“Have you ever tried their veggie patties?”

Jacob laughs. “Can’t say I’ve ever had the desire to.”

“Well, tonight can be your lucky night.”

“Don’t say that in front of your dad after the lecture he just gave me.”

I giggle recalling the conversation. “You did very well in case I haven’t told you yet.”

“He’s a good guy,” Jacob concedes. “He’s just looking out for his daughter.”

“I wish my mom thought he’s a good guy. I can’t remember the last time I actually saw them conversing.”

“I thought they were strong?”

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