CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE #2
Malcolm rubbed the back of his neck, wishing more than anything for working legs so he and Jessie could run away. “Mom, we’re kind of figuring that out.”
“Yes,” Jessie interrupted. “We’re back together.” She snaked Malcolm’s hand, keeping him by her side. Like he’d want to be anywhere else ...
“Ahhhh!!!” Daisy screamed as she paraded out onto the desk, arms full of wine glasses. Paul was right behind her, with a bottle of champagne, Javi, Trevor, and Whitney bringing up the rear. “Does this mean?” Her eyes darted back and forth between Malcolm and Jessie, bottom lip trembling.
Estelle stole the moment, shouting, “They’re back together!”
Daisy thrust the glasses to a confused Trevor and then leapt into Estelle’s embrace. “It’s finally happening. I can’t believe it.”
“Praise the Lord,” Estelle chanted, causing Craig and Malcolm to both roll their eyes. His mother hadn’t been to a church since it was a set on Atlanta Hearts.
Paul and Javi went to work popping the cork and pouring glasses. Whitney approached and giggled. “I knew this would happen.”
“How?” Jessie had to raise her voice to be heard over the mothers’ squeals of delight.
Whitney cocked a hip, raising an eyebrow. “Well, aside from the fact that your momma never shuts up about you two, and I saw the looks you’re always throwing back and forth, it was only a matter of time.”
Javi joined them, pressing chilled glasses into their hands. “How the hell did I miss this?” he marveled, shaking his head. “I’m almost embarrassed.”
“You should be,” Trevor tormented Javi. “I mean, part of your job is being observant, and you ignored the signs for years.” He smirked at Jessie and Malcolm before offering his own congratulations. “Seriously, I’m glad this is finally settled. It was getting tedious, y’all. I’m just sayin’.”
“You thought it was tedious?” Malcolm admonished, earning a playful nudge from Jessie. “But you’re worth the wait, JJ.” He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, simultaneously loving and hating that their families were here.
Estelle yelped, “They’re kissing again! Craig, where’s my purse? I need to find my cell phone. We need to be documenting the moment.”
“Mom,” Malcolm ground out while Javi saved the day.
“Estelle, there’s actually two reasons we’re celebrating.” He tipped his head toward Daisy and Paul, who were huddled in the corner, giving heart eyes to each other.
“Oh?” she asked, already on the verge of another reaction.
Daisy held up her left hand, the new diamond sparkling in the twilight. “Paul and I got engaged tonight.”
That did it. There was no point trying to harness Estelle when there were things to celebrate. She practically teetered out of her heels as she skittered over to the couple, enveloping them so tightly Paul had to gasp for air. “Craig, camera!” she ordered in between sobbing her congratulations.
And so their evening continued with tears, joy, laughter, and a little too much enthusiasm from their favorite soap star.
Gus even hopped around, clearly thrilled that everyone was excited.
He tripped over his own ears and rolled off the deck, but he’d found a forgotten hot dog from the night before and happily munched away. All was right with the world ...
Craig joined his son, cuffing his shoulder as his eyes glistened.
He rested his other hand on Jessie’s arm and squeezed.
“I’m very excited for you kids, and I want to say .
..” His voice hitched, and Malcolm feared he’d burst into tears with his old man.
“You’re both going to be very happy. I know it.
You’ve been in each other’s orbit for your whole adult life, and I’ve watched you both grow, mature, and excel.
I’m glad we can share in this moment with you. ”
“Thanks, Craig,” Jessie said, tears already falling.
She tugged his dad close for a hug, and Malcolm used the moment to gather his own whirling emotions.
Even though they were good feelings, they were a lot to handle.
After years of starving for more of JJ, he’d been offered everything and more on a silver platter. He still couldn’t believe it.
As Craig stepped back, Malcolm asked the question that he’d had since their arrival. “How did you know to come here?”
Craig looked embarrassed. “Trevor texted that y’all were coming over here for news. We weren’t sure if it was good or bad, but your mother and I ...” He waved helplessly toward the group. “Well, you know how she is.”
“Sure do,” both Malcolm and Jessie said in unison.
Whitney joined them, her cheeks flushed. She chewed on her finger nails for a moment before nudging Malcolm. “Um,” she whispered. “I’m totally embarrassed that I’m even asking, but do you think your momma would ...”
Craig saved her from further awkwardness by reaching out to shake Whitney’s hand.
“I’m sorry, darling, we haven’t met. I’m Craig, Estelle’s husband and Malcolm’s father.
And I can promise you, my wife will appreciate whatever you want to ask her.
” He lowered his voice and added, “As long as it’s remotely related to Atlanta Hearts and isn’t illegal, it’ll make her day. ”
That was all the confirmation Whitney needed before she darted over to Estelle. Malcolm heard, “I’m so sorry, Ms. Winters, but I’m your biggest fan.”
And that was the story of how Whitney and Estelle became BFFs.
Not for the first time, Malcolm chafed at not having a space for Jessie and him to escape to. He still couldn’t drive, his parents were staying at his house, and Jessie was currently shacking up at her mother’s place, where his boss was also staying. What a quagmire.
Jessie gripped his elbow, scooting them a few paces away from the chaos.
Javi had started arguing with Whitney and Estelle on the best season of Atlanta Hearts while Daisy and Paul cuddled on a lounge chair, Gus dozing at their feet.
Trevor was busy tidying up the empty glasses, clearly trying to get his girlfriend’s attention so they could leave.
“Can I just say?” he asked, nuzzling Jessie’s neck.
She angled herself so he had better access, and he felt himself react to her moans as he peppered her with kisses. “That we’re still basically teenagers without any privacy?” she supplied.
“Yeah, pretty much. I’d suggest we trespass again, but I won’t jeopardize the job that’s keeping you here.”
He meant it as a joke, but Jessie stiffened in his hold. She pivoted so their eyes locked, and she shot him a stern look. “You’re keeping me here, Malcolm. Full stop. The job is a financial motivator, but not the reason I’m staying.”
“I didn’t mean to—” but she cut him off with a hand over his mouth.
She leaned into him, and he almost licked her palm so he could explain.
The juvenile action wouldn’t win him any favors, so he stilled and listened.
“I’m sorry, for all the running away, for the doubt over our future, for all of it.
” She squared her shoulders, which provided the perfect view of her cleavage in this dress.
Being a man, his gaze swept down, but Jessie caught him.
“Eyes up here, mister. I’m pouring my heart out, okay? ”
“Mmmkay,” he mumbled through her hand.
“I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere,” she started, licking her lips.
“I grew up in this perfect family with a dad and brother who always knew what they wanted to do. Momma’s always been supportive, but she couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to follow in her footsteps and become super wife and mom.
” This wasn’t news to Malcolm, that Jessie felt this way, but hearing her be so vulnerable stole his breath.
Sensing he wasn’t going to stop her explanation, Jessie’s hand fell away.
“When I left for that first tour, right after high school, I’d never been more terrified or excited.
I found something that was only for me, not connected to my family or any expectations.
And you know what? I still couldn’t get you out of my head.
I was so happy to see you over the holidays, even though I knew we’d break each other’s hearts again.
” A long shuddering breath escaped as the tears finally dried.
“But I realized something when you picked me up at the airport after Daddy ...” Her voice caught, and Malcolm cradled her close.
“Shhh, you don’t have to do this now, JJ,” he promised, meaning every word. The end result is what mattered to him. Jessie wanted to be here, with him; the explanations could wait.
Jessie shook her head. “No, I do. You need to understand that you’re where I belong, Malcolm. All of my doubts, my insecurities, my fears melt away when I’m with you. You’re where I belong, you’re my home, and I’m only sorry it took me years to figure that out.”
There was no stopping his waterworks at Jessie’s admission. He was certainly doing his mother proud with the spectacle as Jessie’s words sank in.
“You’re my home, too, JJ. I’m here, and I hate to say that you’re not allowed to leave without me. The next time you hop on a plane, it’ll be for vacation with me.” A honeymoon sounded nice, but he wouldn’t press his luck.
Javi noticed their combined sobbing and came over to investigate. “Oh hell, Smithy. Did you muck this up already?” He thrust his hands on his hips and sighed. “I’m going to watch you two like a hawk from now on. I’m not missing a thing.” He made a V with his fingers and pointed at them.
“Shut up, Javi.” Jessie stuck out her tongue.
Trevor came up from behind and pulled him into a headlock. “I swear to God, Ortiz.” He gave him a noogie before Javi broke free.
Daisy sighed, clearly exhausted from the busy night. “All right, children, everyone calm down.”
Whitney followed Estelle and Craig inside, whistling for Gus to join them. Once everyone was in the living room, Javi announced he was leaving. “Anyone need a ride?” He jangled his keys.
Trevor took Whitney’s hand, already backing away to the door. “We’re going to head out. Congratulations to the happy couples.”
Estelle retrieved her purse, looping it through her arm. “I guess we’ll take you kids back to Malcolm’s place.”
Even though they were nearing thirty years old, neither one wanted to state the obvious—that they’d very much like to spend the night together alone.
“Actually,” Jessie said. “I was thinking Malcolm and I could go for a quick drive.”
Trevor made a gagging sound, tugging Whitney out after him. “That’s our cue to exit.”
While her brother was grossed out at the prospect of his sister’s love life, Whitney was a walking pair of heart eyes. “Love y’all. Have a wonderful night.” She admonished Trevor with a poke to his tummy. “You hush up, this is lovely.”
Javi followed them, playfully punching Malcolm in the shoulder. “I’m serious. I’ll pay more attention, Smithy,” he promised.
“Not too much.” Malcolm winked and Javi smiled.
“See y’all at book club! It’s going to be a blast. And maybe it’ll involve more than one happy ending.” He crossed his fingers.
“Ortiz!” Chief choked out, eyes wide.
Javi stuttered, “N-no! I meant, never mind. Good night, y’all.”
“See you at book club, Javi.” Once he’s stepped outside, Daisy took her car keys and shoved them in Jessie’s bag. “Think fast!” she ordered as she threw Jessie’s purse. “We’ll see you when we see you.”
“Subtle as a freight train, Momma,” Jessie replied, catching the jangling bag in the nick of time before it clattered to the floor. All teasing aside, she wasn’t the least bit bothered by the dismissal. She turned to Malcolm and asked, “You ready?”
The look she flashed him was mischievous, and for a moment, Malcolm thought they were back in time.
This was the Jessie of high school, smirk in place and a sparkle in her eye.
That was what felt different now. This was truly his JJ.
She wasn’t looking for an exit, wasn’t building walls between them.
Yet the biggest difference was in Malcolm. He was listening to her, to what she needed and wanted. He wasn’t lost in the idealized version of his girl; he wanted Jessie, however she was in that moment.
And in that moment, she was perfect and his.
“Ready for anything, JJ.”
Unable to be apart from her, he wrapped an arm around her waist and followed her to Daisy’s car. “You want to go on a mini road trip to the opposite side of town?”
Malcolm pressed a soft kiss to her lips, savoring the freedom to kiss her whenever. “JJ, I’ll go anywhere with you.”