Chapter 46 #2
This. This is what I missed the first time around.
The laughter, the tears, the excitement.
The shots. I roll my eyes as Billy passes out another round.
But I’m okay with it. I got my second chance and I’m holding on tight.
I tap Chelsea Jo’s thigh signaling I need to get up.
I help her stand then head over to the outside bar I built for Dad years ago and put my glass down.
Sliding my hand into my pocket I finger the ring I’ve had for four years.
Some would say it’s bad luck now. That I should trade it in for something else since we aren’t in the same spot we were when I originally bought this ring.
But I don’t agree. I’ve been in the same mindset since I met CJ all those years ago.
She’s mine and it doesn’t matter when I bought it. I bought it with only her in mind.
I clear my throat, suddenly feeling a little off balance. Jackson’s eyes snap to me and that same grin of recognition lights his face. Fucking guy, I could never hide anything from him. I lean against the bar top, the stone cool against my arm.
“You know, years from now, when Dom asks how I knew his mom was the one I want to say it’s because she was the one who never left my mind. I want him to know she grabbed a hold of my heart since day one. Since that first business class we had together in college.”
Jackson laughs. “You were so corny and uncool. I don’t know what you saw in him, CJ.”
“He was sweet and wasn’t cocky like someone else I knew back then.” Jackson grabs his heart at the dagger she threw, but they grin at each other.
I slip my hands in my pocket and walk closer to Chelsea, continuing the speech I’ve had playing in my mind for some time.
“I want Dominic to know she ran,” her head snaps up to give me a dirty look.
I just shake my head and brush the hair back from her shoulder.
“She was too proud to let me chase her, but I want him to know she came back to me. She chose me. A true love will always return. And I want him to know I wasn’t perfect either.
” I kneel down now in front of her, ignoring the gasps and sniffles I hear coming from my mom and sister.
“That I took her time for granted and yet, she still loved me.
We accepted our faults and flaws and no one else ever came close to being the one I need.
I want him to know all this because when he finds his one, I want him to hold onto her with everything he has.
“Chels, I’ve never in my life felt so at ease and content, yet on fucking fire every time you look at me.
I know deep in my bones you’re the one who was made for me.
The bravest thing we can do now, is be unafraid to feel, to love, to not keep secrets.
When I told you all those years ago that I’d never let you fall, I meant it.
You’re my kryptonite and my superpower all in one.
That means I need each of those in order to live, to breathe.
I need you, to breathe.” I play with the ring on my pinky finger as I take her hand in mine.
“You’re beautiful inside and out and being here with you, seeing you tonight with our family, it’s perfect.
I have never felt more sure that you, my natural beauty, carrying my baby, are the one for me.
” Taking a breath, I move in even closer.
“You’re my morning hello and goodnight kiss.
You’re my home after a hard day at work.
You’re everything younger me wished for, and everything grown me is lucky enough to hold onto the second time around.
Chelsea Jo, you’re what the rest of my life looks like.
” I slide the ring on her finger. “Marry me.”
Tears roll down her cheeks and she leans forward in the chair wrapping her arms around my neck. “Yes! Oh, Adam! Yes, I will marry you.”
Everyone is clapping and whistling, and our son comes running over jumping onto my back, wraps his arms around my head and buries his head into Chelsea’s neck. She pulls back from me, and I swing him around in between us.
“Yay!” he yells and claps his chubby little hands. “Happy!”
I couldn’t have imagined a better life than what is in front of me right now. We walked through hell to get here, our own misguided directions taking us straight through it, but we came out the other side, still holding onto each other and a growing family.
“I told you I’d eventually replace this first one.” I twirl the love knot ring she wears on her right hand.
She smiles with a raised brow. “Yes, you did. And I’ll ignore the fact that you just told me to marry you, instead of asking.”
All I can do is shrug. She’s right. There was never a choice when it comes to her and I. It was always going to be us.
“Smart move, Adam.” Billy comes over and claps me on the shoulder. “Your baby momma preggo with your second child? Forget Chess’ three-week wedding, you better get your ass to the courthouse. Tomorrow.”
A slow smile spreads across my face. “Funny you should say that.”