I tear my eyes away from Rory and see Helen and Devon in the doorway, Jace behind them.
Tears flood Rory’s eyes at the sight of them.
Ah, fuck.
Chapter 24 ~
Alec ~
Rory eases herself off the bed, careful not to knock me. She looks back at me like she’s afraid to leave me.
“Go, Sunshine,” I tell her. That’s all the encouragement she needs before running across the room.
She slows when she gets to Jace’s parents but Helen doesn’t share the same uncertainty and immediately pulls Rory into her arms.
Rory holds Helen tightly—tears streaming down both their cheeks.
Jace gives them space, standing beside his dad.
Devon’s a six foot two or three mountain. Well, he’s a mountain to me but he’s just slightly taller than his son. He’s smiling with happiness as his wife and Rory embrace.
Devon puts his hands on Jace’s shoulders. Jace leans into his dad’s touch.
I used to yearn for their kind of relationship with my dad but I learnt quickly he wasn't the kind of father I would be proud of. He’s nowhere near the man Devon is.
A warm, caressing hand rests on mine. I meet Dominic’s concerned eyes and it stuns me briefly. Their chocolate depths show me he hasn’t slept, exhaustion clinging to him. Their warmth embraces me and I relish the feel of his hand on mine.
Wait. I shake my head slightly and Dom frowns.What am I doing?I pull my hand back in bewilderment.
“What are you doing?” I question quietly.
Dom looks hurt but that can’t be right. He’s the one who didn’t want to fight for us. I didn’t change my mind on what I wanted our relationship to be just because I was in a car accident.
I go back to watching Rory. It’s Helen who pulls back first. Helen reaches up, putting her hands on Rory’s cheeks.
“Look how grown up you are,” Helen says softly. It’s odd to see Rory actually the same height as someone. The guys and I tower over her.
Helen’s just slightly shorter than Rory. Her dark curly brown hair is a little wild—as though she ran here and the grey eyes—clearly having passed it down to Jace—are slightly misty.
“I guess my little bear isn’t little anymore,” Devon rumbles.
Rory glances up at him and smiles wobbly. “Hey, Bear.” She sniffles.
“Come here, little one.” Devon opens his arms and Rory falls straight into them, her shoulders shaking.
Helen moves to embrace her son next.
Finally Jace can’t deal with her crying anymore and tucks Rory under his arm.
He murmurs something to her and she nods, laying her head on his chest. Jace runs his thumb under her eyes, collecting her tears. Rory leans into his touch, drawing the attention of Helen and Devon.
“Did…are you two…?” Helen trails off.
Jace looks down at Rory who wraps her arm around his waist and nods. A faint smile dancing on her lips when Jace leans down and kisses her softly.
Helen squeals loudly causing everyone to wince. She begins fussing over them as Jace rolls his eyes.
Part of me sinks.
