Page 30 of Come Back to Me

I make my way to a seat next to Shayna as the brothers begin to unwrap their presents. Most of the kids have gone back to playing while they wait for their cake, but Tommy is sitting on the ground cross-legged at Jack’s side. He looks so excited he can hardly sit still.

Ben gets mostly fishing lures, golf balls and a few gift cards. Jack gets two beautiful, yet masculine, embossed journals, a set of fancy engraved pens, and some specialty coffees.

When it seems like all the presents have been handed out and opened, Tommy tugs at the leg of Jack’s shorts and holds up a small box for him.

“What’s this, buddy?” Jack asks. He ruffles Tommy’s hair and smiles down at him.

“Uncle Jack, don’t be silly. I can’t tell you or it will ruin it,” Tommy says, beaming.

Jack takes a few minutes and unwraps a coffee mug with a photo of Jack, Tommy, and Gracie on it, with writing that reads, “If you think your dad is great, you should meet my uncle.”

“Oh, man, I love it!” Jack says, pulling Tommy in for a hug. He holds him tight for several long seconds.

“It’s got a picture of all your favorite things, coffee, Gracie, and me.” Tommy smiles from ear to ear.

“That’s right, buddy. Thank you so much. It’s my most favorite present ever.”

Just then, Rose calls out that the cake is ready, and Tommy quickly hugs Jack again and then runs off to get cake.

I can’t take my eyes off Jack while he stares at the cup. I catch him wipe a tear from his eye with the heel of his hand, and I make my way over to him.

Damn it, how am I supposed to stay angry at a maddeningly gorgeous man who hates being the center of attention, is kind and generous, loves his family, and gets sentimental when the nephew he stands in as a father figure for gives him a heartwarming gift?

I’m think I’m screwed.

CHAPTER 15

JACK

Annie is quiet most of the way home and I’m worried I’ve really upset her by not telling her it was my birthday. I’ve asked her twice already if she’s mad and she’s said no both times—but she’s not acting like herself. I hope I didn’t mess this up.

When we pull up to her house, she asks if Gracie and I can come in for a while. That makes me feel a little better, at least.

I park, we let the dogs out in the yard for a few minutes, and then we all make our way upstairs. Gracie and Bean find a spot on the sectional and snuggle up together, exhausted from the day of playing.

I decide I’m going to go crazy if I don’t figure out why Annie is acting oddly. I sit down on the couch and face her. “Please tell me if I upset you. I promise I didn’t mean to.” I reach for her hand.

“I’m not upset. I’m… a little scared,” she answers tentatively.

“I don’t understand. What’s got you scared?”

She looks up at me with huge eyes and says, “I… I want pineapple and it’s scaring me a little.”

I’m totally confused right now. I’m trying to figure out what she means, but I don’t get it.

“Sugar, I’m going to need a little help here. I don’t understand.” I cup the side of her face with my palm.

She moves closer to me and nearly whispers, “I wantthepineapple. From the hockey game… the boyfriend package.” She looks down, cheeks flushed like she’s embarrassed.

I lift her chin up so I can see her face. “Are you saying what I hope you’re saying? Please say you are.”

Annie smiles shyly but keeps eye contact. “Yes. I’m saying I know we’re not just friends. I don’t want to be just friends. Just… just please don’t hurt me, Jack.”

I lean in and kiss her softly on her lips. “Baby, I promise I’ll never intentionally hurt you. I won’t always be perfect, but I swear to you I’m going to do my damned best to make you glad we took this chance.”

Annie watches me for several long seconds, then nods slowly. “Okay, Jack, but never say never.”

She gets a mischievous look in her eyes, wiggling closer to me. “So, since we’re doing this, does that mean I can do this”—she climbs into my lap and kisses my lips before continuing—“whenever I want?”

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