Page 24 of Treasured

"No, it's important for me to explain it all."

Next to her, Creed shifts around and looks over at the two of us and gives a rare smile. I realize it's been ages since he's seemed particularly happy.

Tracy. She's the one who makes everything in our lives better.

"Well, maybe we can have that discussion over breakfast," he says. Then he rolls Tracy toward him and caresses her face with his palm. He glances over toward me. "Why don't you go and get breakfast started while I entertain Tracy?"

A tiny spark of jealousy comes over me, but it vanishes just as fast. I like seeing both of them happy together.

By the time I get out of bed and head for the shower, Creed is resting on his elbows, holding himself over Tracy while she smiles up at him and brushes a few loose strands of his hair out of his face.

A quick shower and fresh clothes and I'm in the kitchen making French toast and sausage when the two of them come strolling in, arm in arm. Tracy is wearing the shirt Creed had on last night and they both look fresh from the shower.

Tracy disengages from Creed and comes over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist and gazing up at me. "Good morning, Jake. It smells great in here."

I lower my face and give her a slow kiss, pressing her body the length of mine before releasing her.

"Come on, I'm hungry," Creed says, taking the plate of French toast out of the warming oven and putting it on the table and then pouring coffee all around.

"Wow, this is some great service," Tracy says, taking a seat. "Thank you."

"Well, once we're married, you'll probably want to do things your way," Creed says.

I shoot a glare at Creed. Usually I'm the one who puts my foot in my mouth, but today it's Creed's turn. Though it's still early so chances are, I'll be stepping in it soon enough.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, brother,” I say.

Not that I’m not dying to slip this ring on her finger and run off to find the preacher, but I also remember how Tracy reacted last time this subject came up. Sure, time has passed and we’ve all matured and obviously after last night things are very different, but…

Creed and I sit on either side of her and each take one of her hands. "You're our fated mate, Tracy. You know it, we know it," I say. "This wasn't just a one night thing. You know that. Don't you?"

"I-I guess so," she says, but she pulls her hands out of our grasps and carefully spreads her napkin over her lap with more attention than is necessary.

I'm trying not to be offended by her lack of enthusiasm, but considering that she left town for six years the last time we proposed, I guess we're making progress.

Creed heaps French toast on Tracy's plate and his own before he passes the stack to me. Same with the butter, syrup, sausage and strawberries. Meanwhile, Tracy is twisting her hands together in her lap.

I rest my hand on top of hers. "We can talk about this later. I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable."

* * *

Tracy

I push my food around on my plate. When I came into the kitchen with Creed, seeing Jake cooking for all of us, my heart swelled with happiness. It just felt perfect.

And then Creed mentioned the M word.

I don't know why I freak out so much about that. I don't want to run from my feelings any more. I really don't.

But they don't know me. Will they still want me once they learn the truth?

I take a sip of coffee to fortify myself and then start talking.

"I was arrested and held in jail for two weeks." Hardly the smooth opening I'd hoped for.

The two of them exchange a glance and then they both gape at me.

"Are you all right?" Jake asks, taking my hand between both of his. His eyes scan over me, like he's checking for any injuries.

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