Chapter 34 Jackson
JACKSON
It’s only been two weeks since my official first date with Rosalie, and yet I can’t imagine a life without her.
Tonight we’re having our closest family and friends over for dinner, which feels like a major milestone.
Everyone already knows we’re dating, but today they’ll see us as a couple.
Which is why I go all out with the food.
Edward helps me prepare several dishes, but ditches me as soon as his friends arrive. I love how he and Rosalie are already so integrated into my family. It makes all of this more enjoyable. Definitely less pressure.
Her house is full of laughter and ten different conversations. I smile and wave, putting the finishing touches on the last dishes.
Rosalie touches my back as she steps to my side in front of the stove.
“Almost ready?”
“Yep.” I turn off the remaining burners and the oven. All that’s left is to pull the dishes out. “Mind handing me the pot holders?”
She walks to the drawer where they’re kept, retrieving them before coming back to my side. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, darlin’.” I steal a kiss as I take them from her, grinning as a blush reddens her skin.
“What the hell is happening here?” Maeve leans on the island counter.
Ryan eyes Aiden, laughing. “I think it’s pretty clear. Our baby brother went and settled down.”
Maeve shakes her head, clearly exasperated. “Rosalie, what have you done to my brother?” She turns to me. “And when did you learn to cook?”
“She’s put a spell on me for sure.” I take the last dish from the oven, and don’t even bother removing the potholders from my hands before wrapping my arms around Rosalie. She leans her back against my chest, allowing me to hold her close.
“Oh, my God.” Aiden chuckles. “That’s so cheesy, bro.”
“I think it’s sweet,” Sarah says, standing beside him.
“You should know, he’s been holding out on you all.” Rosalie motions to my siblings. “He’s an excellent cook.”
“This domestic vibe suits you,” Val says.
“I think so, too.” I squeeze Rosalie before releasing her.
“Don’t let this one get away,” Ryan teases.
Before I can answer, Rosalie says, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“When do we get to plan the wedding?” Maeve practically bounces as she turns to Rosalie. “I’ve always wanted us to be family! And I get another sister!”
“My friend, I love you.” Rosalie rests her hands on my sister’s shoulders. “Slow down. We just started dating. We’re not engaged.”
“Not yet,” I murmur, and everyone in the room laughs. Rosalie shoots me a warning glare.
“Don’t encourage her.”
I’m not opposed to the idea. I’d ask Rosalie to marry me right now if I thought she’d say yes. But I’m in no rush. All that matters is we’re together. In my heart, I know we’ll figure it out. There’s no one else in this world who makes me feel the way she does, and I’ll never take that for granted.
“Okay, everyone. Food’s ready. Come make a plate. There’s plenty of seating outside. Drinks for the kids are in the cooler out there. Adult beverages are here.” I motion to one end of the counter. “Don’t be shy. Help yourselves.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” My nephew Zach appears from the sofa, joining his little sister to start the line.
“I need a drink,” Rosalie states.
“I got you.” I head for the end of the counter and pour her a glass of wine.
Conversation fills the room, and more guests arrive. I hang back, waiting for everyone else to serve themselves until eventually the crowd thins.
Rainer steps into line, balancing a plate in one hand and a child in the other.
“Let me help you with that.” I take the plate from him. “Want something to drink?”
“A beer would be great. Thanks, man.”
“Of course.” I always thought it was a little crazy how Rainer stepped up when my sister’s first husband stepped out.
I hold a great deal of respect for him. Now, I get it, though.
When you love someone, you love the people most important to them too.
It’s not a hardship. It’s what you do when it comes to family.
I follow him to a table where Rosalie is sitting with Maeve, Jamie, Asher, and Bernadette. There’s an empty seat next to my sister, and I place the food down for Rainer, along with his beverage.
“You aren’t mad, though?” Rosalie asks Maeve.
My sister shakes her head, confusion crinkling her brow.
“Why would I be mad?”
“Because you were pretty mad when you . . .” Rosalie looks around and lowers her voice. “When you found out we spent that week together.”
“Pssh,” My sister waves her off. “That’s when I thought you two were just hooking up. And with this guy’s track record . . .” Her gaze cuts to me. “I didn’t want to see two people I love get hurt.”
Rosalie’s shoulders instantly relax. I can tell she’s relieved. It’s been weighing on her mind, and I’m glad she had an opportunity to clear the air with Maeve.
“Oh, no.” Jamie winces. “Clint!”
“How did he take the news?” Bernadette nods.
Rosalie answers honestly. “We decided we’re better off as friends.”
“Oh, good.” Bernadette says. “He’s such a nice guy.”
“Of course he is.” Maeve sits up proudly. “Only the best for my friends.”
“I’ll try not to be offended by that,” I grumble.
“Me too!” Jamie glares at my sister. “Tell me again why you won’t set me up.”
“My matchmaking days are behind me,” my sister states.
Rainer chuckles, and my sister turns to him, taking the baby off his lap so he can enjoy his meal.
“I’m serious,” she says. “I’m done meddling in the love lives of others.”
“Whatever you say,” Rainer tells her.
Rosalie, Bernadette, and Jamie all share a smile.
“I don’t know how you did it, man.” Rainer meets my gaze.
“What?” I walk behind Rosalie’s chair, and stop to massage her shoulders. “Convince Rosalie to be my girlfriend?”
“No.” He pauses with a forkful of food poised at his mouth. “I’m talking about getting out of cooking for every single family gathering. This is fantastic.”
“Seriously, so good,” Bernadette adds.
“If the cowboy thing doesn’t work out for you, you could start a career in catering,” Aiden calls from one table over.
“Or open a restaurant,” Val chimes in. “This town is growing. Wouldn’t hurt to have another option besides the diner.”
“Count me in as a silent investor.” Rainer points his fork in my direction.
“Hey, now!” Ryan shakes his head. “Don’t y’all go recruiting my best ranch hand.”
“Don’t worry, brother.” I slide my gaze down to Rosalie as she leans back to look up at me. “The only thing I’m investing time in right now is a relationship with the town librarian.”
Everyone grins, turning their focus to Rosalie. Her cheeks flame bright with the pink of her blush. She doesn’t love to be the center of attention. I don’t want to embarrass her, but I’m too lovesick to hold back the way I feel about her.
“You haven’t eaten yet, have you?” I ask her. The least I can do is give her a reprieve from everyone’s attention.
“I haven’t.” She places her hand in mine and stands. We walk back into the house, hand-in-hand, and I can envision us doing this for a lifetime.
“Things are going better than I expected,” Rosalie says as we step inside.
“Everyone is happy for us.” I nod, and hand her a plate. Everything is as it should be. I don’t even know how this night could get better.
Rosalie’s phone interrupts my thoughts, ringing from where it’s sitting on the counter. She hands me her plate to retrieve it, frowning at the caller ID.
“Who is it?” Everyone we know is here.
“Beckett,” she whispers, her eyes wide with worry as they lift to mine.
“Oh.” My heart sinks. This can’t be good. “Do you need to take it?”
“He never calls. I probably should.” I can tell she’s conflicted.
“Go.” I nod to the bedroom. “Don’t worry. Take as long as you need. Everything’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks.” She slips from the room as she answers.
At her absence, a knot of worry forms in my gut. He never calls. So, why the fuck is he calling now?