Page 69 of Fumbled Beginning

I pressed my cheek against his chest. He was so big that I felt small in his arms. “Your mom is adorable.”

“I think she likes you.” He jerked his head over to where his mom sat, talking to a few people. His dad and stepmom were on the other side of the room. I wondered if that was on purpose.

“I hope so. I still have yet to win her over.”

He spun me around before pulling me back in. “If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

“I think it’s great that your family is here tonight to show their support.”

He tipped my chin up to meet his eyes. “The only one I care about being here tonight is you.”

My heart hammered in my chest. I was so in love with him, and I wanted to tell him so badly, but instead, I closed my eyes and relaxed into him. His arms were enough. These feelings were enough.

When the song ended, we pulled apart and joined his family at the table. After an hour of talking and laughing, it was time for JP to give his speech. The room was silent as he spoke about the Justin Watson Foundation’s importance to him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he told stories about his younger brother. If he was nervous, he didn’t show it. He was composed and knew how to command a room. By the time he was finished, I was so damned proud of him.

I stood from my seat as he returned to the table. “You were incredible.” I smoothed a hand over his chest and stole a quick kiss before he got pulled away in another conversation.

He chuckled. “Thanks.”

His smile slipped from his face, and I followed his gaze to an older couple approaching our table. “JP. It’s good to see you.”

“Charles, Michelle.” He adjusted his tie, and I noticed his hands were shaking. “How are you? I didn’t know you both would be here tonight.”

“We are doing well.” The woman looked back and forth between us, her gaze filled with questions. “We thought about reaching out to let you know we were coming, but we didn’t want to bother you.”

“You could never bother me.”

“We just wanted to support you. It’s a wonderful cause, and you have done so much for our family.” She sniffed, and he rubbed her back in a soothing gesture. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry, and I always seem to do that with you.”

“Would you like a tissue?” I pulled one out of my clutch and leaned forward to hand it to her.

“Oh. Thank you.” She smiled as another tear rolled down her cheek before wiping it away.

“Of course.”

Her lips pursed. “Are you a friend of JP’s?”

My eyes connected with his. They were weary, scared, and filled with nervousness.

He cleared his throat and held his hand out for me. “She’s actually my girlfriend. Rylee, this is Charles and Michelle Kerr.”

Surprise lingered in their eyes for a beat, while his family sat at the table, all of them looking uneasy.

What on earth was going on?

“It’s nice to meet you both.” I smiled tightly, feeling the need to do something other than just stand there.

“You as well,” the gentleman finally spoke. “We are glad to see that you are finally moving on and starting to live your life. Caroline would want that for you.”

My head swirled in his direction, but he avoided my gaze. He dropped my hand and clenched his fist at the side.

Who was Caroline?

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

Unease crawled up the back of my neck. I felt like I was trying to put puzzle pieces together that wouldn’t fit.

The woman reached out and squeezed his elbow. “It was time, JP.”

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