Page 116 of Can't Get Over You
“Do I gotta be real quiet while you sleep it off?”
Jesus.Sometimes he couldn’t stand the wounds in this boy’s heart. “No, Cody.” He glanced up to see the concern on his brothers’ faces. “If you get up and want some company, wake me up, okay? You don’t have to be quiet, and I’ll never have to sleep anything off.”
“In the morning, will you make me pancakes like Grampa does?”
“Yes. If that’s what you want, I’ll make them.”
“You promise?”
Holding his gaze with firmness and sincerity, Jude said, “I promise.” He decided they needed a symbol of trust, so he made a fist with his thumb up. When they bumped, he showed the boy how to tap their thumbs together.
Cody let out a huff of breath, which sounded a lot like relief. “Okay.” He stepped back and joined his grandpa and uncles.
As they stepped out into the cold evening, Finlay hooked her arm through his. “I sure hope you get to adopt him.”
“I do, too.”
“You were meant to be in his life. You and only you.” She noticed the headlights at the curb, and her steps faltered. “You rented a limo?” She stopped on the walkway and turned to him. “You didn’t have to do this.”
He caught her hand and brought it to his mouth. “I spent a lot of time thinking about what it must’ve felt like for you to wait for me, to think I played you, and it made me sick. I wish I’d made a better choice that night.” He turned it over and kissedher palm. “But I promise to make better ones from now on.” As they headed to the sidewalk, a couple approached them.
“Oh, hello.” A tall woman in a black coat smiled. “I’ve been meaning to come over and introduce myself. I’m Jenna, and this is my husband, Brian.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Finlay held out her hand. “I’m Finlay, and this is Jude, my fiancé.”
“Well, let’s walk together.” The middle-aged woman lifted a covered casserole dish. “I always bring homemade pasta. It’s my grandma’s recipe, and they love it.” When she took in their outfits, her forehead crinkled. “I think you might be a little overdressed.”
Finlay looked across the street. A few houses down, Mrs. Atherton’s place was lit up, every window blazing with yellow light. The front door opened, and a family walked in.
Tonight’s the neighborhood Christmas party.
Something Fee’s dreamed of since she was a kid.
And instead of going to that, she’ll be in a high school gym.
Alone with me.
Well, this sucks.
“Actually, we weren’t invited.” Finlay unhooked her arm from his and clasped his hand. “But we couldn’t have gone anyway. It’s date night.”
“What do you mean, you weren’t invited?” The woman was clearly confused. “Did you check your mailbox?”
“That has to be a mistake,” the husband said. “Everyone’s welcome. Just come with us. We’ll introduce you around.”
Jude’s family had worked hard to decorate the gym, but his priority was Fee’s happiness. He gave her hand a squeeze, making sure she knew it was okay to change things up.
But her smile was true when she said to the couple, “Thank you. I appreciate that, but Jude’s made special plans for us. Have a good night.”
The couple continued across the street, and Jude cupped her elbow as he led her to the limo. He opened the door and followed her in. Inside, it was dark and rich with the scent of leather. Two glasses and a bottle of chilled champagne waited in the console.
She seemed impressed. “I’ve never been in a limo before.”
“Me neither. But it’s a lot more comfortable than a party bus.” He nodded to the driver in the rearview mirror, and they glided away from the curb.
She tipped her head back on the seat and sighed. “This is amazing. I’ve been going nonstop, unpacking, decorating, cooking, shopping…and it’s such a treat to take a moment for myself. I can’t remember the last time I took a bath, did my makeup—” She froze. “Oh. I can’t believe I said that when, a little over a week ago, I pampered myself for my wedding.” And then, she shook her head in disbelief. “Isn’t that wild? How much has changed in a week? I’m living a whole new life.”
Even though he’d asked a few times, he still needed to check in. “Any regrets?”
