Page 62 of OneTime Lovers
“Mom, I think I can still find my own way to the pool house, unless you moved it in the last two years,” Scott jokes.
“I only want to make sure Jasmine knows where everything is.”
“I do know how to look after my girlfriend,” Scott mutters almost to himself.
But like mom’s the world over she hears him, and clutching her hand to her heart, says, “Oh, Scott, I’m so glad to see you finally settling down. I never thought this day would come. It makes me so happy.”
Scott again looks uncomfortable as he says, “Come on, Gemma, lead the way before Mom embarrasses me anymore.”
Gemma giggles as she takes us out through a large glass door, throwing back over her shoulder to me, “Ignore my mother, she has wanted us married and churning out grandbabies since we reached our mid-twenties.”
I’m a little startled by the comment, but I kind of get it as my mother shares a similar sentiment.
Scott doesn’t even attempt to hide his groan. “I thought with you getting married, Gem, the pressure would be off me.”
“No such luck, brother dear. You are still a target, especially now you have a girlfriend. I think she feels like she is coming off a win with me and Matty, so you guys are next.”
Walking past the tempting blue pool, Scott is momentarily distracted and leans down to whisper, “I hope you remembered to pack my favorite green bikini. Or maybe the red one.”
I let out a laugh at his ridiculous comment and roll my eyes at him but secretly I love how obsessed he is at seeing me in my bikini. Wait till he gets a look at my new white one.
The pool house is separate from the main house and down closer to the water. It includes a self-contained studio apartment with a balcony that is suspended over the harbor. I’m looking forward to waking up tomorrow in bed next to Scott with those uninterrupted water views.
After quickly showing us around, Gemma skips out the front door saying she’ll catch us later at lunch. Our luggage is already lined up neatly against the wall beside the front door, deposited by the driver earlier. Great, I’ll be able to freshen up before lunch.
Finally alone, Scott pulls me into his arms with the whispered promise of more naked closeness in the shower. Oh yes, I need a shower to wash away the long-haul plane journey feeling and even better if it’s a shared shower with Scott.
But first I have to ask him, “What were your mom and sister talking about? They made it sound like I was the first girl you’ve ever brought home.”
Scott buries his face into my neck mumbling, “Maybe you are.”
I pull back sharply grinning at him. “Seriously, and you didn’t think to mention it? Like no pressure or anything.”
“Jas, don’t worry, they can’t help but love you as much as I do.”
Scott’s sweet words as always have me melting back into his arms
Epilogue Scott
Five Days Later
Ican’tbelievethattoday my little sister, Gemma, is marrying my best mate from school, Matty Jones. How did I not see this day coming all those years ago when Matt and I hung out at Bondi with the local girls, Gemma tagging along on the excuse of wanting to surf with us.
It feels a world away now as I stand proudly watching Gemma and Matty exchange wedding vows. Jasmine by my side holding my hand and looking beautiful in a dark green dress that matches her eyes.
Mom and Dad on my other side, both trying to hold back tears of joy. Matty always felt like another child to them, he was around our place so often and I guess today they feel it’s become official.
I glance down at Jasmine, and as if she feels my eyes on her she looks up at me smiling. It hits me again how much I love this woman beside me. I want her always beside me. Commitment no longer feels like a dreaded disease to be avoided at all costs. Instead, when I think of a commitment with Jasmine, it feels right.
A silent question creases Jasmine’s brow and I squeeze her hand briefly before looking back to where Gemma and Matty are exchanging rings.
It’s late and thankfully quiet with the loud wedding celebrations of the day still ringing in my ears. We arrived back at my parent’s house a short while ago and we’re now finally alone on the balcony of the pool house.
I’m lying back on the daybed cushions, with Jasmine tucked tightly against my chest as we look out at the boats bobbing on the velvety blackness of the harbor water, illuminated only by tonight’s bright moonlight. There is only a slight breeze tonight, enough to occasionally ding the rigging on the nearby moored yachts as they sway back and forth.
I drop another kiss to the top of Jas’s head as we sit in comfortable silence, and I can’t think of a more perfect ending to the day than lying here with the woman I love.
Although maybe there is one way, I can make a more perfect ending to today and for once it doesn’t involve sex.
