Chapter 33 Rosalie
ROSALIE
Saturday evening, Jackson pulls into my driveway with his nephew Zach. I’ve already warned Edward that Jackson isn’t staying, but he’s thrilled to see him and they greet each other with their secret handshake.
After I walk Zach through the house and go over the relevant rules and tasks, Jackson and I head out.
He’s dressed in dark jeans, black boots, and a black long-sleeved button-down.
He styled his hair too, and it’s strange seeing him without his cowboy hat.
Though, even without it he still embodies his usual confidence and swagger.
The two of us together appear as total opposites, and I guess we are.
He’s country and I’m city, and yet, where it matters most, we go together perfectly.
We use the car ride to catch up, filling each other in on the little details of the week. An hour passes easily, and when he takes the exit for Flagstaff, my interest peaks. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered what he has planned for our first official date.
“Do you want to know where I’m taking you?” he asks, as if he can read my mind. I’m starting to think he can.
“Only if you want to tell.”
“It’s a place you know well.”
“Okay?” I haven’t been to Flagstaff often.
“It has your favorite things.”
“Books?” I guess.
“Yep. Lots of ’em.”
“Hmm . . .” I tap my chin. “Are you taking me to the library?”
His grin is devious. “What if I am?”
Honestly, I’d have a good time. But I can tell he has something else up his sleeve.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.” His eyes leave the road to shoot me a wink.
“Okay, if you aren’t going to tell me, let’s talk about something else.”
“Like how to keep my sister from setting you up with other men.”
“Jackson!” I scold with laughter.
“Unless you still want to keep your options open?”
“No.” I lean into the corner of the seat so I can take him in.
He’s not the kind of man I ever imagined I’d date seriously, but he’s the only one I want.
I used to think our difference in age would be an issue, but I haven’t considered that in some time.
His youth doesn’t weigh in when it comes to the man he is.
It just gives him stamina. “I rather like the cowboy in this truck.”
“You do, now?”
“I think you’re fishing for compliments.”
“Maybe.” He signals for the next exit. “I think we should host a dinner party.”
“A dinner party?” That’s the last thing I expect him to say.
“Yeah, I’ll play chef. We can tell all our family and friends we’re dating.”
It’s not a horrible idea. “My place or yours?”
“I’ve been dying to use your kitchen.”
“Really?”
“That is, if the oven even works. When was the last time you checked it?”
“Smartass.” I clear my throat and look away. “Edward’s nanny uses it all the time.”
“That’s my girl.” His chuckle washes over me like a warm hug.
“But you should know I’ve told everyone about us.”
“You have?” I’ve surprised him.
“It took less than an hour for my phone to blow up after your little declaration at my place of work.”
“News travels fast.”
“At least, gossip does.”
“Everyone loves a love story,” he says, turning onto another road.
This part of town is quaint—homes with original architecture on tree-lined streets and businesses sprinkled between.
There are people out and walking, and excitement grows in the pit of my belly.
He’s put real effort into planning this date.
Of course he has. He’s one of the few men I know who pays attention.
He turns onto another road, this one slightly less busy. He drives slowly, pulling into the first open parking spot we pass. “Stay here,” he says before getting out of the truck and walking around the front. He opens my door for me. “You ready?” He holds out his hand.
“Yeah.”
I place my hand in his and don’t let go, savoring the feeling of our closeness.
Of being cared for and protected. He leads us one block back from where we came in, but takes a left at the four-way stop.
On the street are several bars and restaurants.
The patios are full of people, and carry that delightful hum of conversation and laughter out onto the street.
I notice the sign before we arrive. My heart squeezes.
“The Library,” he states, nodding to the building. “Not the kind you work at, though.”
Inside is a vibrant and stylish restaurant.
Jackson checks us in, and because he made a reservation, we only have to wait a few minutes.
Just long enough for me to read about the restaurant concept displayed on a bronze plate near the grand front door.
They’ve repurposed and refurbished the original building, which was a library at one time.
One wall is lined with stacks of bound books.
When we sit down, even the drink menu is themed. I can’t help but smile.
“Is this okay?” Jackson catches my gaze over the menu. “Sarah mentioned this place once. I think they were up here visiting her oldest on parent weekend, and I immediately thought of you.”
“I love this.” But when his words sink in, I realize that must have been last year.
Was Jackson thinking of me last year? The thought takes a chisel to the wall around my heart, chipping away at what’s left.
“Jackson, this is so thoughtful.” I reach for his hand from across the table, needing to touch him.
“I’m glad you like it. I was starting to worry maybe it was too tacky or something.”
“Why would you think that?” I squeeze his hand.
“Well, there’s a drink called the Dewey Decimal on the menu.” He winces.
“I was thinking of going with The Spine-Tingler.” I laugh. “Jackson, I’m really glad you asked me out tonight.”
“Good.” He leans forward, ditching his menu to take both my hands in his. “I am going to prove to you every day that you are the best thing to happen to me.”
“Every day?”
“Damn straight. Gotta keep up with the competition.” He nods his head toward the wall of books. “Gotta be better than those guys.”
My lips press together but they can’t contain my smile.
“Better than my book boyfriends?”
“So, you finally admit it?” He leans in and presses the barest of kisses on my lips. “That I’m better?”
Of course he is.
Because the men in my books are in love with their partners.
I’ve never experienced what that feels like, not in real life.
And now that I have, I’m never letting him go.
If he’s mine, I’m his. Together, we can face anything.
Our happily ever after might not be conventional, but for a woman who never imagined being able to trust and open up to the possibility of a future with anyone, this is everything.