“The best decision I’ve ever made.”
“One, I’ll dedicate my life to ensuring you never regret.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Arizona
“Hey, Dad, this is a surprise.” I walked into Jameson’s kitchen, grateful I had put on actual clothes that morning—leggings and an old T-shirt of his—rather than walking around in my sleep shorts and tank top like the last few days.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He wasted no time pulling me into his embrace. “Jameson invited me over for brunch.”
“I actually have to head out for a few hours to help my dad with something, so I thought I’d invite Dustin over, and you two could spend the day together.”
I turned my head over my dad’s shoulder and looked at Jameson, who was casually leaning against the counter wearing a pair of Timberlands, worn jeans that hugged his muscular thighs, a hunter green and black flannel over a white T-shirt, and my heart soared with gratitude as I mouthed, “Thank you.”
In reply, Jameson lifted his snowman Christmas mug with a supportive smile and a head nod before he sipped his coffee.
Seeing my dad was just what I needed.
“Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away?”
“No, it really snuck up on us this year. I also can’t believe how obsessed Jameson is with Christmas décor. I thought I’d seeneverything in this town, but this . . .” He looked from the kitchen over the living room and back to Jameson’s amused expression. “This is something else entirely. You even have Christmas-themed plates and mugs.” He chuckled.
“Did you make all this?” I asked while gazing at the tantalizing spread on the kitchen table, which featured French toast dusted with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs.
“I happen to know breakfast foods are your weakness,” Jameson replied, glancing at my dad, who attempted to conceal his smile, “and I wanted to do something nice for you both.”
“Thank you; I love it.” I walked across the kitchen to where he was leaning against the counter, exuding an air of restraint. Leaving no doubt in my mind that if my dad weren’t standing five feet away, Jameson would have had me up on the counter with his head between my thighs in two seconds flat havinghisown breakfast. “And I love you.”
He wrapped an arm around my back and met me halfway as I pressed my mouth to his and peppered his lips with kisses.
“I love you too, Red. Text me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll leave you two to catch up.”
“Say hi to your parents from me.”
“Me too,” I added after my dad.
“Will do.” Jameson hugged my dad and patted him on the back before grabbing his wallet and keys to head out.
My dad then pulled out a chair at the table for me. “You look good, sweetheart, relaxed and happy.” He said with a soft smile, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Thank you. I’m feeling better each day.” I sat and started plating my food.
“I know we’ve spoken on the phone, but it isn’t the same as seeing you in person.”
I handed him the tongs for the bacon.
“I haven’t hidden anything from you, Dad. I’m still avoiding the mirror.”
“Most of the bruising has subsided since the hospital; another day or two and no one will notice.” He reached over to gently place a hand on mine, a silent gesture of reassurance.
“Oh, before I forget, Brock and Camilla want us to join their family for dinner on Christmas day. What do you think?”
“Sounds splendid. I’ll call Camilla later and ask what I can bring. Jameson sure inherited his mom’s culinary skills; this French toast is delicious. You need to lock the man down, Ari.”
“Hey, I can cook just fine on my own,” I mumbled, covering my mouth as I chewed my food.
“I know. I’m just teasing you. So, I heard the first responder’s calendar was a huge success; they raised over a hundred thousand dollars for the children’s hospital; you should be really proud.”
