Chapter Seven
Miles
Several Months Later
The things that have been going on around me have put my life in perspective. Kitty is pregnant and being stubborn as hell about her man. I get it, but I hope she gets her shit together. El is a good guy and I don’t think he’ll give up on her. Fucking Dex has a child. The small world we live in brought him and his girl back together, right in the reception area of Queen of Hearts Ink. DJ is Dex’s answered prayers. He told me about the “girl in New York” when it happened, but she was the one who got away.
When I first saw the toddler in the shop when I met Carrie-Ann, I was shocked. I already knew who the baby belonged to, before she even said it. It was like looking into a portal, back in time when Dex was that age. The hair, the nose, and especially those eyes. I have no idea what’s going on with Chip, but I haven’t seen him in days. I wish he’d tell me what he’s going through. Jax assures me he will when he’s ready.
I did figure out his drunk rumblings a few months ago was about Elizabeth McIntosh, but that is all I know. Jacquie and I have been keeping our relationship quiet, but not really on purpose. Everybody is doing their own thing. I understand that, but I did raise them, and I got them in the worst moment of our lives to the best ones. This must be what parents go through when their children leave the nest.
At this point, I am tired of all the back and forth shit we have doing between her house and mine. Though lately, we have been exclusive at my house. The one item I am finding the most in my house? Ponytail holders. They seem to multiply all on their own. I find them in the weirdest places, but I smile every time I do. She has made herself at home, but I want more.
Is a few months too soon to be thinking about marriage, babies, and all that comes with that? Probably. Will waiting any more time tell me what I already know? I decide that it won’t, because I know what I want and I what I want is her.
I know she has her house out in the woods and I feel selfish for asking her to give it up, but I can never sell this house. There is no way I could do that to my siblings. It’s all we have left, besides the money they left us.
On my drive over to Moosehead, I am contemplating all of this. I unfold myself from my truck in front of Jorgensen’s Jewelers.
When I walk inside, I am greeted by Torran. My Viking-descended buddy looks like he’s still a frat boy, even in his three-piece suit.
“Hey man. Long time no see.” I say, shaking his extended hand.
“Yeah, it’s been a minute. What can I help you with?” He says.
“I need the perfect engagement ring.” I say looking into the cases.
“What is in the water around here? All my friends are pairing off left and right. Not that I am complaining. I make bank on the commission's.” He says, laughing.
“No wife in your future?” I ask dryly.
“Not freaking likely.” He replies hastily.
“Famous last words.” I say just as I spot the ring. “Let me see this one.” I say pointing.
“Excellent choice. This is from an estate sale. It’s from 1910. A vintage two carat oval cut pave engagement ring in 14 karat rose gold.”
I notice the price tag briefly, but I don’t balk at it. She is worth a million times more than this.
“I’ll take it.” I say, handing over my debit card.
“Nice. Thanks man. We’ve had this one for about ten years. I was beginning to think it would never find a home.”
“It’s perfect.” I say, and I wait while he boxes it up and hands me back my card and receipt. We chat for a few more minutes, then I head out to complete the rest of my errands.
Later that evening, her ring is burning a hole in my pocket. I make a crazy pasta dish from the cookbook Kitty left here. We sit down to eat and make small talk. I take a sip from my beer, my throat is suddenly dry, but my palms are sweaty.
“How was your day?” Jacquie asks me.
“Pretty good. I did a huge back piece today. An eagle.”
“Sounds badass.” She says.
I have no reason to believe she’d say no, but I wonder if all men feel this way before they ask the woman they love to marry them. I can’t even remember the last time we stayed at her house. More and more of her stuff makes its way over here. She has added throw pillows and something she calls a “couch blanket” to the sofa in the living room. The house looks lived in again.
She is singing in the kitchen while she does the dishes. Singing is something she does all the damn time and not very well. But I think that is the best thing about it and she doesn’t give a fuck about it. Today she is singing an operatic version of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears. I am impressed by her Italian.
I clear my throat and move behind her. She turns into my arms and we dance for a few minutes, before kissing me sweetly. Stepping back from her, I go down to one knee and hold out the ring to her. Her eyes light up.
“Oh, shit.” She says, one hand clutching her chest.
“Jax, I love you more than I have ever loved anything. I need to see you every morning and every night before we go to bed. Will you be my wife, my love, my best friend, and the mother of my children?”
She stares blankly at me. She isn't saying anything. I don’t know how I will handle it if she says no...