The Reluctant Romantics Box Set (The Fall, The Mind, The Heart)

“The hell you aren’t,” he said, looking back at me before he flipped the last light off and the room went dark.

Jack pulled me onto a large terrace adjacent to his massive living room, and I declined the tumbler full of fresh whiskey he poured us. I looked back into the house and noted a large stack of boxes in his living room but said nothing. It was time to ask the question and then really listen to the answer.

“I’m here because I miss you and no other reason. Well, there is a reason, but I’m here because—”

“I’m glad you’re here. I want you here.”

Suddenly nervous, I looked up at him as he finished his drink. I was sure I looked a mess considering my clothes, but from the way he was looking at me, none of it mattered. It never had. He’d always regarded me that way, and I loved that about him. Jack had the ability to make me feel needed and beautiful with just a simple look.

“You’ve pulled away from me.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement, and he knew it was the truth.

“I did,” he admitted. “I’m sorry, Rose. I got into my head.”

“Well, are you done yet?” I said as I took a seat on one of his comfortable chairs. “You about done being selfish because I don’t want to go another day wondering if you’re still in this relationship with me.” I stood again, my nerves getting the best of me as my stomach rolled.

Jack moved to stand in front of me, the soft light of the porch illuminating his perfect features. I didn’t want to be the only one having the conversation so I moved to touch the scar above his lip with my thumb. “Just tell me.”

“I love you,” he said gently. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any woman in my life. I got a little freaked out when I thought you couldn’t feel the same for me. It felt like ten years ago all over again. But you were right, it was my pride. So for the last week, I’ve done a little rearranging.”

“You’re moving.”

“I hope so,” he said, looking at the stack of boxes. “I thought it a little premature to fully pack for Dallas without talking to you first. I was coming to you after the wedding. If it wasn’t for that, I'd have already been there.”

“Dallas?”

“Yes, I got on with your brother temporarily until I was sure you wanted me there.”

My heart leaped in my throat as he put his arms around me. “I can love you anywhere, too.”

I nodded as happy tears streamed from my eyes. “I don’t expect you to give up your life here. I know how much you love it.”

“I love being with you more. I’ll always call this home. I’ll always keep my place here, but I want to be with you, Rose, whatever it takes.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” I asked, frustrated.

“Because I wanted to tell you in person,” he said as he cradled my head. “I wanted to tell you I’m sorry. And I wanted to ask you if you could make room for me.”

“I told you I would,” I said as relief swept over me. “I want you with me.”

“And I want to be there, but are you sure you can handle it?”

Guilt surfaced as I looked at him with certainty. “You don’t have to worry about that, Jack, ever. Something happened to me yesterday. I can’t really explain it, but I’ve never been more sure of anything. If neither of us had lost, we wouldn’t have found each other. I can embrace that now. I’m so thankful.”

He nodded as if he understood and pulled me tightly to him. “I don’t work the same without you now, and I don’t want to try. No amount of foolish pride could’ve kept me away. I hope you believe that.”

“I do,” I said as he rubbed a gentle hand down my back and I gripped him closer. “I’m sorry about the way I’ve been acting. I don’t pretend my behavior hasn’t been borderline insane. I was terrified I’d scared you away.”

“I just came to get my second wind,” he said as he grinned down at me. “Nothing you could say or do can keep me away now.”

“That’s good to hear because I have to tell you something.”

He looked down at me with furrowed brows, and I lifted my hand to erase them.

“I’m going to have your baby.”

The smile I loved so much slowly spread over his face as he looked down at me with a mix of shock and pride.

“I confirmed it this morning. I’m due in June.”