Jackson
She’s quiet as she thinks and I'm happy she’s taking my question seriously. I want to know what her dreams are so I can help her achieve them.
“I want to get married and start a family. I want to spend my days with my kids and my nights cuddled up on the couch with my husband,” she says softly.
“What about being a lawyer?”
“I don’t know. Lately it hasn’t seemed as important to me. The idea of spending a few more years in school sounds awful.”
“Then don’t. You have a bachelor’s degree. Work for Sophia for a while. Figure out what you want before you lock yourself into more years of school and more financial debt.”
“That’s a good idea… but who will I hang out with?” She sticks out her bottom lip in a pout and it’s taking everything in me to not kiss her. To not tell her exactly how I feel about her and beg her to be my girlfriend.
“Well, you have Sophia, Emma, and Bella all working at the bakery. You’d love Sophia’s husband, Peck. You’d have Cody and Jax free when they’re not in season. You’d have all of Mulberry Lane, plus the entire Rosewood University operating room crew and their kids.”
“Huh, that’s it?” She arches a brow.
“You’d have me whenever you need me. You know that.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
“What about when you get a girlfriend?”
“Boots, no one wants to date me.” I chuckle softly. “My schedule is insane and I can’t give a girlfriend the attention she deserves.”
As the words leave my mouth, I realize just how true they are. Even if I figured out a way to get Harper to date me, it would be terrible for her. She wouldn’t have me around all the time. Most of the season, I'm busy with games and barely able to keep up with laundry and cleaning my house.
“The right woman won't care about your schedule. She’ll welcome it with open arms because she’d do just about anything to make you hers.”
“I guess I haven’t found the right woman then.”
We lay on the boulder for a little while longer. I’m enjoying having Harper in my arms and pretending for a little bit that she could be mine.
“Do you want to finish our hike?” She peeks up at me.
“Sure. What are you doing the rest of the day?”
“Well… I assumed I’d be spending it with you.” She nibbles on her bottom lip.
“I guess I better cancel that date I had then.” I rub the back of my neck like I'm uncomfortable.
“Oh, stop it!” She giggles, swatting at my chest. I take her hand in mine and hold it against my chest.
“I want to take you out for a nice dinner.”
“You don’t need to do that. We can do anything.”
“I know, but I want to. You deserve the best, especially for your birthday.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“DiMaio’s.”
“Jackson! That’s the fanciest place in town. We’ll never be able to get a table.”
“You let me worry about that. You just need to finish our hike, then get home and doll yourself up.”
I grin when she rolls her eyes. Harper can dress up and look stunning, but most of the time she’d rather be wearing yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt. She values comfort over anything else.
I don’t know why, but I love that about her.
“Alright, let’s get a move on.” She hops off the boulder and waits for me to follow suit.
We take off and chit chat the entire time. Things feel like they’re back to normal between us. We’re Harper and Jackson again.
Now, I need to figure out how to make us more.
I need to make her mine. I won't stop until I do.