Chapter 16
I pulled my jacket closer to me, and Nash wrapped his arms around me from the back.
I rested my head on his shoulder. I gazed at my parents’ grave for the first time with no tears in my eyes.
I owed it all to the man who was holding me in his arms. Nash came into my life and moved shit around like a real man was supposed to.
He picked up the pieces of my life and put them back together in his image.
It was two weeks before Christmas, and I couldn’t wait for it.
I still didn’t know what to get Nash either.
He kept saying I didn’t have to buy him anything, but I wanted to.
I wished I knew what he was getting me since he said it would be a surprise.
I hated asking questions, but I hated feeling like I was in the dark too.
He hadn’t asked me what I wanted for Christmas yet, but I had no doubt he’d be getting something huge.
That was what Nash was all about. He kept me on my toes.
A man like him didn’t always come around often, so I was glad I hadn’t lost out on a good man like him.
“Are you good?” Nash whispered in my ear.
I nodded with a small smile, even though he couldn’t see it. “Yes, I’m great. For the first time in a long time, I’m as happy as I can be.”
He squeezed me. “Good. I’m happy to hear that. Are you ready to talk to them?” he asked.
“Yes.” I took a step forward with him, taking my hand in his.
“Hey, Mom and Dad. I love you both so much. For the first time, I’m here without tears.
” I laughed softly. “You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Lately, I hadn’t been crying with grief, and I owe it to the man in my life.
” I squeezed Nash’s hand. “The way I’ve been crying for both of you, I know you wouldn’t want me to.
However, I can finally say I’m healed. I’m letting go of all the pain I had in my heart.
I know both of you are in a better place, looking down on me, smiling.
Thank you both so much for making me into the person I am today. I love y’all.”
I sighed in relief and turned to the man who owned my heart. “I’m ready to go now.”
Nash turned me to face him and cupped my cheeks in his large hands.
His brown eyes twinkled as he stared at me.
I didn’t want to break the gaze either. “I love you with all of me. In front of your parents, I’m letting them know that your heart is safe with me.
You won’t have to worry about anything. Whatever you need, I’ve got it. ”
Even though I just said I wouldn’t cry, I ended up crying anyway. It was all Nash’s fault too. “You made me cry,” I stated through my tears with a short laugh.
He kissed my tears away. “I hope they were happy tears.”
I nodded. “They were. You make me so happy, Nash.”
“Good, I’m happy to hear that. I feel the same way about you. Let’s get out of here and put some coffee in our systems.”
I smiled as he draped his arm around my shoulders. “I’m all for that.”
We walked back to my car in silence. Since Nash’s car was in the car shop, he drove mine. I hadn’t yet found a job, but I searched daily. I prayed that something would come up.
On the drive to wherever we were going, we rode in silence. I welcomed it too. I smiled as I replayed what I had said to my parents. I saw that as a blessing to know that I was in a better mindset now that Nash was in my life.
Nash pulled into the parking lot of a bakery. There was no way I could smell the baked goods from the car. Hopefully, it wasn’t just me.
“Do you smell that?” I asked Nash.
He nodded. “Yeah, which is why I love this place. Just wait until you get inside. Your stomach’s gone growl.”
We shared a laugh.
“I’m hungry, so it would be for a good cause. Have you been here before?”
Nash nodded, turning the car off. “Yeah. I know the owner.”
“Who don’t you know?” I grumbled, looking out of the window. Just from the parking lot, I could see that the place got a lot of business. Every time I’d passed by the place, it would be packed too.
Nash laughed loudly. “Yeah, I know a lot of people. He comes to the gym a lot too.”
I arched a brow as I stared at him. “Oh, a man owns it?”
He nodded. “Yeah. After his mom’s passing, he took charge of the bakery. He had to learn everything all over again, but he did it.”
“Aww, it’s a good thing he didn’t give up on his mother’s business.”
“Yeah. You’re right. As much as I’d like to continue this conversation in the car, I’m hungry,” Nash declared.
I burst out laughing. “My bad. We can continue in the bakery.”
He got the key from the cup holder and got out of the car. Once he opened the car door for me, I got out, reaching for his hand. We walked into the bakery together and stood at the counter to place our order. The place was busy with everyone everywhere. It reminded me of a cluttered place.
After we got our orders taken, we went to find ourselves a seat. Our number would be called for us to get the food.
“Is this place always packed like this?” I questioned Nash.
He shrugged. “I’m not sure. It’s been a while since I came here to eat, but I wanted to do something for you. You deserve a piece of pie in your life.”
I beamed, staring into his light, bright face. Since the weather had changed, Nash’s skin had gotten lighter. He was already light-skinned, but the way his face appeared much brighter made him seem happier. I loved to see the smile on his heart-shaped lips.
“You’re so right, even though I wish it were your mom’s peach pie. Now that lady can bake her ass off.”
He chuckled. “Don’t let her hear you say that. She’ll be in the kitchen baking every day.”
“As she should.”
When our number was called, Nash went to get our food. He had ordered the pecan pie while I got sweet potato. Also, we ordered a cup of coffee to go along with it. While we ate, we made small talk.
“Do you want to get another job or find a place you can buy to run your own clinic?” Nash asked.
I shrugged. “For right now, I need some money coming into my pocket. I’m not used to not getting a check every week. I need a job while I work on getting my own business.”
He sipped his coffee and placed it down. “Fair enough. Just know I’m here to help you in any way that I can.”
I gave him an assuring smile. “I know, and I want you to know I appreciate you so much.”
He winked. “That’s what I’m here for. Whenever you need anything, just let me know. I’ll come running.”
“Like you’ve done many times before.”
“You damn straight.”
The pie and coffee went great together. I loved all of it and looked for seconds when I was done.
“Thank you for bringing me here. I’ll be coming back.”
“No problem. The man who owns the place is not here, but when I see him in the gym, I’ll let him know what you said.”
I only nodded. Today was special for me. Nash had made me fall deeper in love with him from the way he continued to care for me. He wanted to take care of me, and I allowed him to do that. He was a man who handled business, and I was grateful for him. He was everything I ever wanted in a man.