Page 18 of Treasured

That nearly causes me to swerve off the road. I glance over at Jake and he looks at me with an expression that I know is sincere. Another little chip of the bitterness that's around me falls away. Being near Tracy erases all the negative feelings I have harbored against my brother.

We arrive at the Library, which is a combination community center, actual library with books and computers for everyone to use, as well as a restaurant with a dance floor. That is our destination for tonight. I can't wait for the music to start so that I can hold Tracy in my arms and take her on to the dance floor.

I park the truck and Jake helps Tracy out, then puts his arm around her waist to guide her toward the door. But, to my surprise, before he takes more than two steps he pauses and waits for me to catch up and I also put my arm around Tracy. The three of us walk in unison into the building. This is going to be a magical night, I can just tell.

* * *

Jake

It's been ages since I've been inside the dining room of the Library. The last time was when we brought a date here that we met at the dentist. Another disaster which I don’t want to think about.

Since then, I haven't wanted to return because it's usually full of happy threesomes. It's hardly the kind of place that I want to go to with just my brother, Creed. Pat's Diner is sort of the limit of our dining out options.

But tonight, everything is different. For the first time in a very, very long time, I am optimistic about the future. Having my arm around Tracy, just being near her, fills me with a sense of peace that I haven't had in years. Six years to be exact.

I knew things had been tense between Creed and myself. I'll admit I hadn't realized how bad it had gotten. But now that some of that negative energy is starting to dissipate, I can tell the difference. I feel like my old self again.

While waiting for our food to arrive I have my hand across the back of the booth, sheltering Tracy. She has an expression on her face that is kind of sad. Alarmed, I ask, “Tracy, tell me what's the matter. Is something wrong?”

She looks at me and her eyes are full of sadness. I drop my hand from the back of the booth and caress her shoulder. She smiles up at me but it's not a smile that reaches her eyes. She looks at me and then turns her gaze to Creed, resting her hand on his forearm. “I'm just so sorry,” she says, “for the way I left town. For the way I treated the two of you. I really don't deserve your forgiveness.”

“We all acted badly then,” Creed says. “We were very young. Maybe we needed this time apart to come to appreciate each other.”

Some of the anxiety in her face lifts. “We really were so young,” she says. Then she chuckles. “Though I'm not saying I'm old now. I'm barely twenty-four. But I sure believe I've experienced a lot more of life. I’m a little bit more ready to... settle down.”

She almost blushes when she says that. “I hope you don't think I'm being too forward. I know that before you said you thought we were fated mates. And I know that I told you I didn't feel the arrow of love then. But that was a lie. I was scared. I don't know how I can ever make it up to the two of you. But I hope you'll let me.”

“We shouldn’t have pushed the proposal. It was too soon,” Creed says. I stare at him in surprise. He had been adamant for so long that the whole thing was Tracy's fault. But when I study him I can see that he's sincere.

The server brings our drinks and sets them down on the table before turning to leave. I pick up my glass of wine, the others do the same. We touch our glasses in a toast and I say, “Let this be the first day of our future where we put the past behind us and move forward.”

We all drink from our wine and then we each put our right hands over our heart. It's the strangest thing and we look at each other and smile. “I felt it that time,” Tracy says. “Did you?”

A broad grin spreads over Creed’s face. “Yes, absolutely”

I put my arm around her shoulders and draw her close, placing a kiss on her temple. “I felt it too. Stronger than ever.”

Tracy laughs and it's the most beautiful sound I've heard. “Can it really be that easy?” she asks.

“Well, we've already done it the hard way,” Creed says. “So why don't we give this a shot?”

CHAPTER10

Tracy

This whole nighthas been surreal. I'm sitting here with Jake and Creed having dinner and laughing. It’s as though no time has passed at all. I’m shocked that they have forgiven me so easily. If only I could forgive myself as quickly.

Each of us, in one way or the other, stated that perhaps the time was necessary for us to mature in our own ways. To learn some lessons. And to help prepare us for the future.

When I arrived in Eagle Canyon a couple weeks ago, I really had no intention of staying. But after being out and about, seeing old friends, even going to Stitch and Bitch, I feel more settled. Calm.

Being with Jake and Creed, I feel at peace.

The dessert dishes are cleared away and the band starts to tune up. I see Presley and Nash and Daniel make their way to the dance floor. She gives me a little wave and a wink, before the three of them begin to dance in the traditional way of the people of Eagle Canyon. Nash holds her hand and has his hand on her back like a traditional waltz. While Daniel stands behind her with his hands on her hips so that she's sandwiched between them. Just like the other groupings on the floor, they move easily to the music.

After the first song Jake turns to me and says, “Would you like to dance?”

I'm nervous. But, I want nothing more than to move around the dance floor with my two men. My fated mates. I nod and we all slide out of the booth.

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