“One more sunrise, brother,” I say.
“And forever after.”
Chapter 21
Juniper
I’m ignoring every curious look from the townsfolk as Nick, Jax, and I walk together through the festival. I’m in awe of the decorations this year. They’re so much more attuned with the Rumpus lore than in the past—less commercial, more handmade. As if the brothers themselves had a hand in it.
At least, that’s what I already know Marge is going to say.
I took my time looking at the wooden ornaments, round yarn balls, and icicle-like crystals dangling from the trees on the walk to the main road this morning. Nick and Jax took a few down to let me look at them closer, and I actually kept a few.
They were beautiful.
I’m still so fucking sore from yesterday, in all the right places. Looking at my body in the mirror this morning struck something within me. I’ve never felt so worshipped, so claimed and cared for, and not in the way that might make me feel stuck or in need of changing.
It’s a different emotion than anything I’ve ever felt, and the more I look between them, the more I feel myself sinking deeper into this.
I love it.
We make our way down the vendor alley first. I can’t stop grinning each time one of them touches my hand, my waist, my arm… Any time one of them shows me an interesting trinket or crocheted plush. I quickly learn Jax is the spender and collector of the two. He purchases anything he thinks is useful or cute, while Nick smirks at him and shakes his head.
The only thing Nick ends up purchasing besides coffees and sweets is Rumpus toys for Oreo and Pack.
I didn’t get more than a couple of minutes alone with him this morning. He looks more haunted than ever, and somehow, I swear it’s spreading to Jax.
As Jax makes conversation with one of the local artists at the gallery, I feel Nick press his back against mine and set his chin on the top of my head. The fact that he can do that makes me laugh under my breath.
“That’s not fair,” I say as I reach for his hand.
Our fingers entwine, and I feel his chin move as if he’s smiling. “What’s not fair is the fact you haven’t told us how you want to spend tomorrow, birthday girl,” he says in my ear.
I fight a smile as I twist in his arms. “It’s just a birthday,” I say, almost drowning in his gaze.
“Something tells me it isn’t.”
I would hate that he can see through me, except he and his brother are the first ones to ever try.
“Who told you?” I ask because I don’t remember telling him.
“Jasmine.”
“Ah. Figures. No wonder I have the day off,” I tell him.
His brows lift. “That makes things easier.”
“Oh?” I squirm at the thought of whatever he wants to plan.
“Any requests?” he asks, pushing my hair off my face.
I contemplate my answer as I look up at him. “I know you’re probably thinking about positions and dinner, but I can only think of one thing that I want.”
“What’s that?”
“Come to the jetty with me.”
A muscle in his jaw feathers as if the mention makes him ache. “Really?”
