Page 151 of His Secret Gift

Wesley has already gone down to meet with the others, so it’s just the two of us.

“Ooh, Jack.”

“I just had to do that,” I say, breathlessly.

Her arms are wrapped around my neck. “I don’t mind.”

“Listen, what would you say about us just finally coming out and telling everyone about us?” I know she’s had reservations in the past due to the target it might put on her back, but if she’s okay with them knowing, I am, too.

I’m sure some people will have their own snide remarks about how I’m repeating the same mistake that I made with Harper, but I don’t care. They can say whatever they want to say. What I have with Kayla is different.

For one thing, we seem to mutually respect each other. That’s a big change. Plus, Kayla makes me feel good about myself. Harper always made it seem like she was too good for me, and that I should thank my lucky stars for every day she bothered to spend with me. Well, I’m happy to say with full confidence that Kayla Allen is nothing like that. Moreover, I know that my mother wouldloveher, and that warms my heart above almost anything else.

I search her green eyes as she seems to think things through.

“Are you sure about this?” she finally asks.

“Yes! I want to be able to kiss you whenever I want, and I want to be able to act like any other couple. Like tonight, for instance,I want to be able to dance with you and proudly hold you in my arms for everyone to see.”

She beams. “Okay! Yeah, let’s do it.”

I kiss her again before we head out to a place called Calypso, a restaurant Denver recommended.

When we pull up, I see that it’s covered in pinkish purple flowers. They’re gorgeous. I bend down and find a few on the ground that must’ve blown off in the wind, and I place them behind Kayla’s ear.

She cups them and mouths, “Thank you.”

I just wink.

We all sit outside on the patio, and I take in the water view.

“It’s really hard to get tired of this place, isn’t it?” I say to her.

“Absolutely. It’s so gorgeous.”

Everyone orders drinks, and I take a few quick sips of my beer in the hope that the alcohol will help me gain the courage I need to make our announcement.

I think it’s working—but it might just be a placebo. Either way, I make eye contact with her, and we both nod before I take a knife and lightly tap it against my glass.

“Can I have all of your attention?” I call over their booming conversations.

Kayla stands up with me, and I notice Callie smiling at us. She must be able to tell what is to come because she also gives us a thumbs up. Bryant, too, looks on approvingly, and he dips his head to communicate that. The fact that he’s on board also speaks to the amazing woman Kayla is. Before that, he probably would’ve rather sawed off his own toe than see me end up with another employee.

I cough to clear my throat. “I’m not sure if some of you have caught on but, um. I’m happy to let you know that Kayla and I—” I can hardly believe I’m saying this in front of everyone. “Kayla and I are an item.”

To emphasize this, we give each other a peck. Then, I brace myself for their reception.

Denver is the first to raise to his feet and hug both of us. After that, everyone else around the table claps. Well, except Jenkins. But he hates my guts for firing him, so that’s expected.

“To Kayla and Jack!” Denver says after returning to his seat.

It feels amazing that I can finally just put my arm around her in public without fear of judgment.

We kiss again.

“That went rather well,” she comments quietly.

“Right?”

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