Chapter 5
5
L ater that night, I watched Jack from the bathroom doorway while I brushed my teeth. He was bare-chested, the crisp white sheet riding low on his torso, his head propped on a pillow. His hair was disheveled, and his reading glasses slipped on his nose as he turned the page on the thriller he was engrossed in. If anyone had told my younger self that I’d think a middle-aged dude with gray hair and readers was the epitome of sexy, I’d have probably laughed. But wow…
I spit toothpaste into the sink, rinsed, and wiped my mouth before slipping under the duvet with a theatrical sigh.
“Oh, my God, it feels so good to be in bed.”
“ Mmhmm ,” Jack hummed in agreement and motioned for me to come closer.
I scooted into his space and threw my leg across his hip, resting my head on his chest. This was usually where my mind would spin in a few directions. I’d rehash the day, think of things I wanted to accomplish over the weekend, and maybe even start a grocery list for our Sunday trip to the market. I know…weird.
“How do you feel about radishes? I read an article about a Michelin-starred chef who’s famous for her radish salads. I had no idea that was a thing. They’re hard and tasteless. Am I wrong? I must be. Do people actually like eating them?”
Jack lowered his book and shot a well-deserved “What the fuck?” sideways glance my way. “I have no opinion about radishes.”
“If you had to give an opinion, what would it be?”
“I’d say, I could take ’em or leave ’em.”
“Same. How’s your book?” I tapped the cover.
“I don’t know. Someone won’t let me read it,” he snarked.
“Sorry. My head is all over the place.”
Jack set his book and glasses on the nightstand and pulled me closer, running a soothing hand along my hip and upper thigh. “Talk to me.”
“I want to, but I don’t have words. I’m just so…” I swallowed around a rogue ball of emotion and released a jagged sigh. “Grateful.”
“We’re lucky.”
“We are. I never take this for granted, but some days I’m blown away by how fucking incredible life can be. I love my job, our home, our family, our friends, and damn, I’m married to my best friend. It suddenly occurs to me that you make everything possible. That this abundance of joy and goodness is all…you. And you’re right, it was time to share that with the people who matter.”
Jack lifted my chin and shook his head slightly. “No, baby. It’s not me, it’s us. Me and you…we’re a team. We started as friends, but we’ve come a long way. Together.”
I pressed a kiss to his chest, nodding as I surreptitiously wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. “You’re right. But I’m right too. You’re the best husband in the world.”
He snorted in amusement. “Why do I think I’m gettin’ buttered up for something?”
“Because you’re also extremely smart.”
“Oh, shit. We’re babysitting again, aren’t we?” he groused without heat.
“Yep. Two hours with Henry and Hols next Saturday. I say we spoil them rotten. Lego store, bookstore, the works. Thoughts?”
Jack chuckled. “Good plan. Now go to sleep so I can find out who dunnit.”
“Yes, sir.” I rolled to my side of the bed, plumped my pillow, and fluffed the duvet. When I was satisfied that everything was just right, I turned off my bedside lamp and murmured a good-night. “Hey, Jack?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
I heard the smile in his voice as he replied, “I love you too.”
My eyes drifted shut, my lips curled in a goofy grin. It couldn’t be helped. I was happy, sated, and hopeful.
Life might throw curveballs our way, but I knew without a doubt we’d be okay. There was nothing better than marrying your best friend.