Page 76 of A Kiss at Midnight

“You came because it’s good to get out into the real world.”

I’m feeling off because I visited with my brother today. It was another heartbreaking experience. He clung on tight to me and begged me to take him away from the foster home. I told him I was doing everything in my power to make it happen. Am I really, though?

The answer is no. I need to suck it up and agree to marry Blake. I’m going to get the courage tonight and say yes. Whatever happens down the road after, I’ll figure it out. I can’t leave Justin in a place he isn’t loved for weeks, or possibly months.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts as Tyler moves toward us, his trademark smile resting on his lips. “Hello, Beautiful, I’ve missed you,” he says before wrapping me in his arms and lifting me into a bone-crunching hug.

“Do you have these parties often?” I ask when he finally lets me go.

“I like to have people over. It’s no big deal,” he says. He puts my arm through his and leads us out where too many people are milling about. “Besides, Jewel, you need people in your corner.” He points out a man engaged in conversation. “That man over there is a DA. The guy he’s speaking to is a judge. It will benefit you to mingle, and to show all of these people what a great guardian you’ll be for Justin.”

“I’m not good at mingling,” I say. I have to stave off panic.

“It’s a piece of cake,” he tells me. “Simply walk up to someone and ask a question. Everyone loves to talk about themselves. Ask about their families, work, hobbies, and interests. You can have an entire conversation by only saying a dozen words. The beauty of this is you’ll get to know them, and they’ll walk away feeling like they’ve had a great conversation.”

“I’ll give it a go,” I say.

McKenzie walks away with me and starts introducing me to people. I’m soon lost as I move around the large property, with no chance of keeping all of the people’s stories straight. If I can meet someone who can help me win Justin back sooner, it’s all worth the stress and chaos.

After a couple of hours, I hide in a dark corner to give myself a moment to breathe... and instead find Blake leaning against a wall looking devastatingly handsome... as usual.

“Having a good time, Jewel?” he casually asks.

“Not the best time of my life,” I honestly tell him.

“Can I help?” he asks. He takes my hands and leads me away from the partygoers to a dark gazebo with benches. The two of us sit, relieving my aching feet.

“No, I’m not in the best of moods tonight, and it’s difficult to speak to strangers. I recognize some people from the office, but there are far more people who I don’t know,” I tell him.

“I should take you out more,” he says.

“This one’s on me, not you,” I tell him. I realize Blake puts a lot on his shoulders. He might initially come across as arrogant and controlling, but it’s because he’s harder on himself than he is on everyone else.

His hand’s in mine as he strokes my palm, lowering my stress the longer I’m with him. I can’t look him in the eyes though. We’re surrounded by people, even if they aren’t directly in front of us at this very moment. When I look into his eyes, I’m well aware of what happens next.

“I’m trying to give you more respect, Jewel, trying to be a better person,” he says, leaving me absolutely shocked. “My brothers seem to think I act too much like an ass.”

I chuckle. “You said it, not me.”

“A person can change,” he says.

I think on this for a moment. “Not too many do,” I slowly tell him. I don’t want to fight with him though, not when he’s being open.

“I’m trying, Jewel. I’ve decided it’s better to listen to others when more than one person says old Blake isn’t providingcustomer satisfaction,” he replies as he continues stroking my hand. I don’t know what this means.

My head’s spinning as he moves to caress my knuckles. “I... uh... I don’t know what to think.”

“You don’t have to think, Jewel. Very few things in life are black and white, and sometimes it’s better to trust our gut. We can’t predict what will happen every minute of every day, but we can learn to roll with the changes. Or the punches. Or whatever cliché you want to use.”

“It’s easy to think like that when a person doesn’t have a lot to lose,” I tell him.

“That makes sense,” he says. Then he grips my chin and forces me to look in his eyes. It’s dark out, but there’s enough light for me to see his smile.

“I bought a house,” he spits out, leaving me stunned.

“A house?” I ask, confused.

“We’re going to have a child living with us, so I figure we need a yard.” In his world it’s easy to want something and immediately get it. How nice would that be?

---