Chapter Twenty-Four #3
Belle is quiet for a long time, holding my phone and staring at the image of us. I want to know what she’s thinking to have that look on her face. A million thoughts are clearly running through her head, and just as many feelings.
“I can tell them to nix these,” I say gently, earning her attention.
But then she blurts, “No.”
“No?”
She leans her back against the headboard. “I don’t know what the rest look like, but we look so…natural in this one. I can’t explain it. What I do know is that I’d love to see this framed. It’s beautiful. The lighting. The clothes. The poses.”
“That’s all you,” I tell her plainly.
She blushes. “No, I don’t—”
“You want to know why the first picture they sent looks so plastic and manufactured? It’s because it lacks chemistry.
But their picks are electric because we’re exuding the kind of chemistry that my teammates have been placing bets on.
Let’s be real, Bells. I’ve been protective of you for a long time, and it had to do with selfish territorial behavior more than anything.
When I look at that picture, at the two they love, I see…
” I pause, letting my gaze roam over her face to make sure she can handle this truth.
We’ve gone this far, may as well not stop now.
“I see the future. Pretty sure the photographer captured the moment I was imagining what the rest of my life would be like with you. And I’m a selfish prick when it comes to you, so I want it all.
The marriage. The kids. The house. A quiet life.
Happiness. But I want that with you. Seeing you holding Harper put a lot into perspective for me. ”
Her eyes get watery as she lowers the phone down to lap. Tongue swiping along the seam of her lips, I can tell she’s processing what I’m telling her.
To make it clear, I top her chin up to meet my eyes. “I love you, Belle.”
The softest breath escapes her, like she can’t believe I said that. But those pictures paint that picture for themselves. I love this woman and I want her for the rest of my life if she’ll have me.
Eventually, her hand goes to my arm. “I thought I heard you say it the other night, but I wasn’t sure. I mean, I know you’ve said it before. But this feels…”
“Different,” I finish for her because I agree.
It does feel different. It’s real. Nothing can change my mind about what I want.
“I know you have so much you want to do with your business, and I will do anything I can to make it happen. I don’t know if I’ll keep playing.
My body doesn’t have much more in it, and I’ve never enjoyed the thought of coaching.
So, when the times comes, I’ll hang up my skates and work for you.
Help you build your business. Do whatever you want. I’m in this for the long haul.”
Because I love her.
Something she soaks in as her hand moves to my cheek to cup it. “I love you too, Jesse.” Her words sound as watery as her eyes are.
I rest my forehead against hers and breathe her in.
“Do you really think you’ll retire?” she asks softly, knowing it’s a sensitive topic.
All I can do is shrug. “I’ve thought about it.
There’s a lot I need to discuss with Amber, Coach Hoffman, and a few other people.
But yes. I’ve put my time in. I’ve given just about all I can to this sport.
I think it may be time to start investing it in other things.
Other people.” I give her nose a peck before nuzzling it with mine.
“As long as you’re okay with that, of course. ”
She scoffs, brushing her lips against mine in a quick kiss that I wish lasted longer. “I think you know by now that I’d follow you anywhere, no matter what you decide to do.”
“That’s the thing, sweetheart.” I pull away to look her in the eyes. “It’s time I started doing that for you. We’re a team.”
“Team Clarkson,” she says with a smile.
I kiss her again, this time making it last just a little bit longer. If she weren’t on her period, I wouldn’t hold back. But I don’t want to overstep.
“About the pictures,” she says, lowering her gaze to my phone resting between us.
“I love them. And maybe this is how we hard launch to people and not give a shit about what they say. But I think we should figure out when they want to publish the print ads so we can talk to our parents first. They deserve to know before everybody else.”
I nod in total agreement. “I can call and get details today. Then we’ll plan a dinner with Nora and Frank and talk. Only if you’re sure.”
It takes her no time at all to confirm, “I am.”
And I can tell she means it.
“Come on,” I urge, tossing the blankets off and getting out of bed. I do my best to hide the morning wood. “I should cook us something before I say fuck it and strip you bare.”
“I’m on my period,” she reminds me.
I chuckle, eyeing her. “A little blood never hurt anyone.”
Her blush turns scarlet, but her thighs press together like she’s not totally opposed to the idea.
I let it go. For now.
Holding out a hand for her, I wait until she takes it and walk us downstairs. She feeds the cat. I get out eggs and bacon. And it all feels like the start of a domesticated life I look forward to doing for many years to come.