Page 31 of Bring Me Back
“Thank you. Hearing him talk about my baby that way… it’s just surprising.” I tell her, leaning against the kitchen counter as she pours two fingers of whiskey into John’s glass.
“Not to me. Meeting you has been a long time coming for us, my girl. We’ve heard stories about you and Jaxon for a few years now. I know my son. He means every word he says. He loves that boy like he raised him himself. That’s perfectly clear to us.” Claire’s words soak into my heart, warming me from the inside out.
“Is this the part where you warn me about hurting him? Because I’d never hurt him, not if I could help it.” I reply, knowing without a doubt I am in love with Beckett Hayes. Every single thing about him is exactly what I’ve always wanted in a partner. She laughs wholeheartedly, and the sound is so bright it’s infectious.
“If you were the kind of woman who needed to hear such things, you never would’ve made it to my front door. I’m not sure if you know this about him, but my son is not the wildest bachelor in the world, honey. He doesn’t waste time on women who aren’t worth it.” She pulls a pan of turnovers from the oven, and the smell fills the kitchen around us. This is what a family home is supposed to feel like. Unconditional love, kind words, and apple turnovers.
“I don’t take your presence here lightly. There was a time not long ago that I worried I would be the one burying my child. That’s something no parent shouldever have to face. But Beck was lost when he left the Corps, and we knew he would be. The guy needs a purpose in life, and he’d lost his. The night I found him in the barn out behind our house, gun in one hand, curled up on the floor like he was dying from the inside out, I knew I couldn’t help him. Not the way he needed, at least. I’ll be grateful every single day for the rest of my life to those men you call your friends. They saved his life because that’s what brothers do.” Her eyes are glassy with unshed tears, and I know mine are the same. The idea that my beautiful, kind, selfless man ever felt like he wasn’t right for this world is devastating. I make a promise to myself now that no matter how things turn out, I will always make sure he knows he belongs here, with me.
“They gave him a new purpose, something he could take pride in. And look at everything he’s built with it. He and John built this house together. I was disappointed when he told us he was staying in Grovewood for good after that, but it didn’t take long to figure out why. The boy was in love. He started casually mentioning you and Jaxon, then you became the stories he couldn’t wait to tell us. Makes a mama feel good to know her baby is loved by a good person, by someone who will care for his heart the way he deserves. And I know he has that in you. You just have to let yourself believe it,” she grins, reading my mind.
I know Beckett would go to the ends of the earth forme and for Jax, but the idea of loving someone that much is terrifying. I thought I loved Cooper that much, and it nearly killed me. But deep in my bones I know that what I felt for Cooper is nothing compared to the love I feel for Beckett.
“I love him,” I say, barely loud enough for her to hear.
“I know you do. And I can’t imagine how scary that is for you. But look at that man, I mean really look at him,” she says, turning me around so we can see the guys laughing together out in the yard. “He is not your past. He could never hurt you in that way. But he could be your future, if you let him. Bring those turnovers out with you when you come join us, will ya?” She gives my shoulders a motherly squeeze, picking up the glasses and walking back outside.
I’ve given myself, body and soul, to Beckett. The future with him feels both unknown and completely certain. He will love me the way his dad loves his mom. The way I always deserved to be loved by a man. And I will love him just as fiercely and thoroughly as long as I possibly can. This is only the beginning of our life together, and I’m tired of being scared of it.
With my new found determination, I pick up the plate and walk outside. Setting it on the table between his parents, I stand in front of Beckett, looking down at him as he relaxes with his family. His smile is so easy, so natural, one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. And I can’t wait to see it for the rest of our lives. My hand skates across the stubble on his jaw, and he turns to kiss my palm. Such a small gesture, but the kind of gentleness I’ve never had before him.
“I love you,” I tell him, my eyes never leaving his.
The smile that breaks across his lips is magnificent. I don’t even care that his parents are watching this moment. I’m tired of balancing on this knife’s edge between what I know I want and what I think I deserve. Beckett is mine, and I won’t let him go.
“I know you do,” he replies, winking back at me. His dad barks out a laugh behind us, and I hear his mom smack him lightly. “I love you, Willow. More than anything. I’ve just been waiting for your head to catch up with your heart.”
“You’re so cocky, you know that?” I laugh, falling into his lap. He shifts my legs over his, wrapping his arms around me as I lay my head on his shoulder.
“Not cocky, pretty girl. Just confident. I know what’s true and what’s not, and you’ve been in love with me nearly as long as I’ve loved you.” I can’t argue, because in reality, he’s right. I have.
He kisses my temple, and I enjoy the comfortable silence. Here around this fire pit in his parents’ backyard, the world seems to all make sense. If I could, I’d stay in this bubble as long as we possibly can.
twenty
By Sunday morning,it takes every ounce of strength I possess to slip out of bed while Willow still sleeps. I make my way into my parents’ kitchen, knowing they’re both early risers. I find them both sitting at the bar, sharing a plate of bacon and eggs, and both reading the same paper. My parents have always been disgustingly adorable, and I hope to be just like them for the rest of my life. I want to love my wife out loud, so loudly the world never has to question it.
My wife.
That thought came so fucking naturally I didn’t even have to try. Willow will be my wife. It’s just a matter of time. Of course, she’ll have to be divorced first. Honestly, I’d prefer widowed, but that’s just my opinion.
“Morning, son. Theres breakfast in the oven if you’rehungry,” my mama says, not even bothering to look up from her paper.
“Dad, do you think you could do some work for me today before we head out?” I ask, pouring a cup of coffee and leaning against the counter.
“Sure, I don’t have any appointments until tonight, so we can head to the shop whenever. Anything in particular you’re looking for?” He replies, meeting my mischievous eyes.
“Yeah, I know what I want,” I smirk, and he scoffs.
“Yeah, you always did, son.” He laughs softly, and I don’t argue. He’s not wrong.
“Should we be planning a trip to Grovewood soon, dear?” My mom asks, raising an eyebrow at me with a knowing smile.
“Well, you know you’re always welcome, Mom. You don’t even have to plan. Just show up and it’s a party.” I shrug, and she tosses a piece of bacon at my head.
“You know what I mean, Beckett Hayes. A trip for a special occasion?” She pries even more, and I just laugh.
“I’ll keep you posted. We have some… obstacles to work through. And Jaxon is graduating soon. The fun just never stops in Grovewood.” My laugh is dry, and they know I’m keeping secrets, but they don’t pry.
