Page 283 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
I run my fingers down her hair and kiss her head. “This new chapter feels like it’s made for us. I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
She leans back to peer up. “Me too.”
I kiss her, and then ask, “Cake?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” She turns to the table. “This looks amazing. And what’s this?”
Her fingers touch the gift I wrapped in newspaper. It was all I could find last minute, but next time I’ll make sure to wrap it correctly.
“Your surprise.”
She eyes the bag, skeptical but intrigued.
I chuckle. “Just open it.”
She peels off the newspaper. “You bought me a new clipboard.” She looks at it, then at me.
I see the surprise in her eyes turn to gratitude for a present most people wouldn’t think twice about.
“I did. I won’t forget the important stuff, Jade.” My voice is low. “Even the small things. Especially the small things with you.”
“I love it. Thank you.” She blows out a breath, and that protected voice of hers comes back. “I’m a mess.”
She lowers herself to the seat as she swipes under her eyes, and I wonder if a tear slipped past her strong barrier.
“You’re perfect.” I move back to my seat, pulling the chair closer to her. “Besides, I like seeing you like this, caught off guard and vulnerable. It’s cute.”
She rolls her eyes. “Cute?”
“Adorable.”
“Now I know you’re lying because I don’t do adorable. Ask anyone.”
“I beg to differ.” I sit, and our knees knock in the most wonderful way.
I slide the cake between us, and when she reaches for a fork, I catch it.
“You won’t need this.”
“Why not?”
“I’m going to feed you.”
Her lips part slightly, in a perfect circle I almost can’t resist, but I hold back.
“And you’re going to be adorable taking the food from me.”
She raises an eyebrow. “I can’t promise anything.”
I smile to myself, sliding the fork into the cake to ensure a perfect bite-sized piece. “I think you will.”
I hold it out to her, and she hesitates. For a quick moment. Long enough to question it. Long enough to stare at it like the enemy.
She’s used to being the strong one, the sharp one people don’t mess with. And I’ll bet no one’s ever called her adorable and meant it.
But I do. And I will continue until she starts to believe it. My Jade doesn’t have to soften for anyone else. Just me. And even then, only when she’s ready.
Her mouth opens.
