“Oh yeah?” He pressed a kiss to the nape of my neck and rolled me over to face him. He grinned as he kissed my forehead. The smile faded from his lips as he ran his fingers through my hair. “Last night was . . .”
“Yes, it was.” My finger trailed down his cheek and over his lips.
“I won’t lie; I was afraid I’d wake up to you freaking out.” Nick laid his head on the pillow.
I pursed my lips. “That little faith in me?”
Nick shrugged as he settled onto his side. “I know this is all . . . hard for you. I just want a chance—” I cut him off with a kiss.
“And I just want you. Running from what you want is exhausting . . . and silly. Don’t you think?” I winked and pressed a kiss to his chin.
He chuckled and pulled me on top of him. “Little and wise. You’re like a sexy Yoda.” I grabbed a pillow and smacked him over the head. He tickled my side until my phone buzzed across my nightstand.
“Shit,” I muttered after I swiped the screen. “My in-laws just asked when I can pick up Jack. He’s been asking to come home.” Talk about a big cold bucket of reality. “I better get dressed.” I sat up and pulled out a bra and a pair of underwear from my drawer.
“Poor kid.” Nick sat up and reached for his pants and shirt from the rumpled heap next to the bed. “I’ll get going.”
“Listen.” I grabbed Nick’s wrist. “Jack would love to see you. Why don’t you come with me to pick him up? We can all go to breakfast at the diner or something after we get him.”
Nick squinted at me in disbelief. “You’re sure?”
I gave him a slow nod and as a smile tugged at my lips. “Yes. Very sure. I said I wanted to be happy. I didn’t mean only behind closed doors.”
A wide grin split Nick’s mouth. “The diner sounds awesome. I’d love to come with you guys.”
It was time to move on—out in the open. Balls to the wall, all the way.
“Thanks, Ellie.” My mother-in-law opened the door to usher me in. “Jack did so well all weekend, but he woke up a little sad today. I think he missed his mother.” Marie gave me a warm smile. “Thanks for letting us have him.”
Marie and John were the nicest people you could ever ask for as in-laws. Jack had been their only son, but they put aside their devastation to help me when he passed away. Their grandson helped heal them as much as he did me. I didn’t know how they’d feel about me dating or bringing someone new around Jack, but they, along with everyone else, needed to get used to it.
“Marie,” I took a deep breath. I was a lot braver an hour ago. “This is—”
“Nick!” Jack barreled past Marie and into Nick’s legs.
“Hey, buddy.” Nick ruffled Jack’s hair. “I thought I’d take you guys to the diner for some breakfast. Is that okay?”
“Yes!” Jack pulled Nick by the hand toward my car and glanced over his shoulder. “Bye, Grandma.”
I draped my hand over my eyes as I shook my head.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Taylor,” Nick called over his shoulder as Jack continued to pull him away.
Marie laughed as she motioned to Nick. “Is he your . . .” What was he exactly? We agreed to be exclusive, so I guessed that meant I had a boyfriend.
“Yes,” I replied with a slow nod. The crestfallen expression on Marie’s face made tears prick my eyelids. I wasn’t the only one holding a place for someone not coming back, and seeing it filled, I was sure broke Marie’s heart. “Marie, I’m . . .” My voice croaked as an unexpected lump rose in my throat.
“Stop.” Marie kissed my forehead and squeezed my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. It’s time. It’sbeentime. Be happy, Ellie. That’s all we want . . . and all Jack wanted.”
The tears fell freely as I dropped my head to her shoulder. Marie let out a sad chuckle as she rubbed my back.
“Go. Jack didn’t eat, so he must be starving.” I nodded and waved goodbye.
Nick had already strapped Jack in, and they were laughing at something. A grin spread across my cheeks as I watched them both.
Happy.It took some getting used to.
“ARE YOU SUREit’s okay we come over tonight?” Ellie squirmed in the passenger’s seat after she strapped Jack into the back of my truck.
