“I love you, Avery Godwin.”
~ ~ ~
After we shower, I order Jax’s favorite pizza, just like our first night of our marriage.
“What do you think of the pizza?”
“It’s amazing.”
“I figure that you would enjoy it as much as the first time.” I stop and look at him. “Do you feel different after the renewal? I mean, I feel like we have a new beginning.”
“Yeah, it feels better than the first time, if that’s possible. I’m glad we did this, Avery.”
“I’m very thankful for the second chance, Jax. I don’t think that you know how much it means to me.”
“You’re my wife and I love you. I wanted a second chance to do better, too.”
My heart melts at his tender words. I know that he means it. As do I. I can’t lose Jax again. I love him too much.
“Are you happy that you’re stuck in Vegas for another eight years now?”
“I’m happier that you’re stuck in Vegas with me for another eight years and well, you’re really stuck with me forever. Are you happy about that?”
“More than anything. Now,” I clasp my hands together. “I need to give you your renewal vow gift, or whatever they call it. Either way, here,” I practically shove the puck into his hands. “This is yours and I want you to look at it and know how much I love you, and how blessed we are to still be together after... everything.”
“You…” Jax shakes his head with a smile. “Thanks. I love you, too, Avery. I guess now would be a good time to tell you about yours? I wanted like a do-over for our anniversary. Do you remember the charges for plane tickets? They are for a trip to New York this summer.”
“Are you serious?” I ask him more enthusiastically than I meant. Between hockey and my previous job, we never made our way to New York for fun.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be? Start making a list of everything you want to do, Avery, and we’ll go do them.”
I giggle. “I’ll keep the musicals to one or two so we have time to do stuff you want to do too.”
“I’ve been to New York before, Avery. This is your trip, and we’ll do everything you want, even if it’s a musical every night. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be there with you, so that’s good enough.”
“A musical every night? Jax, do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” I tease him.
“Yep. I’m getting a vacation with my wife. Maybe we should plan a second honeymoon while we’re at it. We can’t get married again and not have a honeymoon.”
“We didn’t have a honeymoon the first time, remember? We got married, had sex all day, and then we went back to work the next day. But, a honeymoon sounds pretty awesome.”
“I remember, but I counted it anyway. We’ll do that then.”
I raise my glass to him. “Then here is to our new beginning and our happy ending.”
“A new beginning and happy ending, always.”