“What changed your mind?” I ask after a while.
“A lot of things. One was a firm but necessary lecture from Terri. The other was my mom’s hypocrisy. One minute, Dad’s blood pressure is so high she’s afraid he’s going to stroke out. The next, he’s playing soccer with Charlie in the yard like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He also refuses to see his doctor. I started to realize just how much they manipulate me.”
He nods. “I’m sorry it’s like that.”
“Terri pointed out that they may be afraid of becoming empty nesters, although I don’t think Ivy is going anywhere any time soon. By the time she finishes her class, takes and passes the exam, and then starts actually selling and making money, it’ll be months before she saves enough to get her own place.”
“Yeah, it takes a while to get on your feet with that.”
“Regardless, I need to start living my life. My parents won’t like it, but as long as you and I are on the same page, they have to understand that we love each other.” She pauses. “You do love me, don’t you?”
I chuckle, taking one of her hands and bringing it to my lips so I can kiss the inside of her wrist. “You really have to ask? After all we’ve been through and how long I’ve waited…”
“I just…” She sighs, her eyes fluttering closed. “I didn’t know how mad you were.”
“I was disappointed and frustrated, not mad.” I lean over to kiss the tip of her nose. “I also should apologize for my knee-jerk reaction and ending things the way I did. I was afraid I was losing you again and it was the only way I could protect myself from that inevitable broken heart I desperately wanted to avoid.”
“I was afraid too,” she says. “And my heart was pretty shattered. That’s why I knew I had to come to New York and make things right. It just took a few days for me to get my head on straight.”
“So, we’re good, now, right?”
“Absolutely.”
“Well, I had a thought.”
“What kind of thought?”
I take a breath, because this is going to change everything. For both of us.
“How about we start looking for a house? We’re probably not going to find something we love right away, so why not use this time while you’re finishing school to start the search? It’ll give me time to work on your parents and ease them into it. But if they threaten to cut you off, you can move in with me at Jude and Chloe’s. I’d already asked before we broke up, and they’re fine with it.”
“You already asked them?” Her eyes puddle with tears and then she buries her face in my shoulder.
“I want us to be together, but I’m willing to be patient because I want you to be happy. I don’t want the early days of our relationship filled with anger, resentment, or guilt. Let’s do our best to do this right this time.”
“That’s what I want too,” she murmurs. “But I need you to know I’m ready. If they don’t come around, I’m not going anywhere. I really do love you, Jordan. More than anything in the world. And I don’t want to live without you another second.”
Chapter 37
Victoria
Jordan’s soft smile is all the response I need. He stares into my eyes and gently strokes my cheek, his expression saying more than words possibly could at this moment.
“You know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that?” he asks quietly.
“Four years?” I whisper.
“Probably longer. Since the first time I saw you.”
The taxi pulls up to the hotel and Jordan hands him some cash before getting out. He holds out a hand to help me and we walk toward the elevators. As soon as the doors close behind us I move into his arms and he gently presses his lips to mine.
“I’ve missed you so damn much,” he whispers against my mouth.
“I missed you too.”
“Did your parents freak when you left?”
“Dad was at work. Mom was upset but I left anyway.”
