Jacks

1 YEAR LATER

“I’m going to lose my mind if you take another one of those crab cakes. Those are for the guests, not for you!” Cam says sternly, her hands on her hips as she glares at me.

“Who the hell is going to eat crab cakes at a baby shower?”

“It’s not a freaking baby shower you idjit; it’s an adoption party. And people like crab cakes. Besides, that’s what was requested. Now keep your paws off or I’ll forbid sex for a week.”

“You wouldn’t. You like it just as much as I do.”

“I have a vibrator,” she retorts.

“And I have my hand. What’s your point, love?” I tease her. “One more?” I ask teasingly.

She penetrates me with just one look and I laugh and back away with my hands raised in surrender just as the front door opens.

Half the staff from the club, a few of their significant others, and several of Beck’s friends and family crowd into the room carrying an assortment of gifts, balloons and booze. Trailing behind the group, Mal and Beck stroll in hand-in-hand, laughing at something while gazing adoringly into one another eyes.

They struggled with the news that they couldn’t have a baby the old-fashioned way. Eventually they looked into other options and applied for adoption. While they went through the process, they endured the emotional ups-and-downs, but overcame everything once they were matched to a child. Their child, a two-year-old girl, would begin life in her new home tomorrow. Tonight is a celebration and not just for that reason. Tonight, I am officially going to make Cam mine.

Mal and I flew their dad in for the occasion, so he could meet his granddaughter and witness the events with us. Mal is actively trying to get him to move to the States to be closer to us. Part of our plan while is here is to show him a few potential rentals if he finally agrees. Cam has been calling him weekly to keep him company from halfway across the world and we all figure it’s time for him to start a new chapter.

I walk out to the back patio. Our townhome doesn't offer much, but the patio is definitely a great entertaining area. Friends and family fill the space and I couldn't be happier. Cam walks out with a tray in her hand, brushes past me, and places the tray on the table in front of a few of our dancers. She looks around, sees her Pop, and gravitates towards him.

I feel the weight of the square box in my pocket and figure there is no better time than now. I step forward and clear my throat.

"Everyone!" I throw my voice across the area.

Voices die down, and all the attention is directed to me. I motion for Cam to come to stand with me. When she stands beside me, I smile and wrap my arm around her waist.

"I want to just thank everyone for coming today. It's a special day and I know that over time, we've all become a family, one that I enjoy working with and sharing moments with. Mal and I would not have been able to make the transition from dancers to club owners, The Essentials would not be the top-rated entertainment venue that it is, and our lives would not be so full and satisfying. So, thank you.”

“We know we’re all here to share in the excitement for Mal and Beck. They're doing something amazing by adopting a child and I can't wait until they bring this kid into the fold. Let's just make sure she doesn't go to the club, eh?" I clear my throat as everyone laughs. "We're happy to have Mal and Cam's dad here, because not only is this about Mal and Beck, it's about him. We’re also celebrating that this bloke will be moving to the States soon and we all couldn't be happier." I look down at Cam, who has tears in her eyes. I kiss her cheek.

Cam holds her glass up and adds, "I just want to chime in here and say congrats to the soon-to-be new parents and we can’t wait to welcome her into our lives." She lifts her glass over her head and smiles.

Everyone erupts into cheers.

"Before we all go about our business and start celebrating and getting rotten, I have just one more thing I want to say." I grab Cam's hand, turn to her and get down on bended knee. I hear a gasp somewhere off to my side and Cam's hand covers her mouth as her eyes widen.

"Cameron. While we've known each other for a long time, being that your brother is my best mate. Hell, on the mantel inside, I have a picture of me and Mal from many years ago. I framed it because it reminded me of good times surfing with my best mate. But now I know that photo is special for another reason. It's because you are special to me and you were a part of that moment. You’ve become my other half, my partner, my equal. You're with me everywhere I go, and I know we are more than just boyfriend and girlfriend, even though you never liked to refer to us as such. We're soulmates. I know that with every bit of my being. And here in front of our family and friends, I want to ask if you'll be mine. Forever. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, Cameron?"

You can hear water drop from the faucet inside the house. All sounds on the patio have disappeared. That is, except for the "Yes" that falls from Cam's lips as she sinks down on her knees to be eye level with me. Tears stream down her face as she repeats herself. I grab her face and kiss her mercilessly until we're both breathless.

I pull her up to a standing position and yell to the crowd, "She said yes!" Everyone cheers.

I look at my fiancée and the sounds disappear again. It's only our breaths that I can make out.

"I love you," I whisper to her.

Her arms wrap around my neck. We pull our bodies up against one another.

"I love you too, Jacks."

I never thought that when I moved from Sydney to Las Vegas and became an erotic dancer then start my own business with my best mate that I would find love. It's hard being in a relationship with that kind of job. Becoming a club owner and working crazy hours as the night manager made it seem even more unlikely. Then my best mate's sister and I spent a drunken night together that would change our lives forever. And I couldn't be happier. While I'm her first in so many ways, she's my absolute first in everything I didn't know I needed.