CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
As one.
Ana walked off the plane and looked around the familiar San Diego airport and thought about how much her life had changed in the three months she’d been gone. Not only was her career on an incredible trajectory, but her heart was full of love for a man she never would’ve guessed would become her partner.
And no one had bothered her in a public bathroom in weeks, which was a huge win as far as she was concerned.
Add to that, the people who were responsible for all the false stories were finally facing the consequences of their actions.
Life was good, which, if she was honest with herself, made her a little uncomfortable. Was there another shoe out there that was going to drop? Another fan waiting in the wings to wreak havoc?
Possibly.
But it wasn’t what she needed to be spending her energy worrying about. Looking out the window at the familiar landscape, she knew it was time to develop a thicker skin and not pay attention to the press or gossip. Because if she did, then the relationship she and Jack were building would never stand a chance and the invisible threads that bound them together would have the opportunity to become indissoluble.
Spotting Jack in baggage claim, she let out a little shriek and ran into his open arms. “Missed you.”
“Missed you more,” he replied before kissing her cheeks repeatedly. “Three days is too damn long to be apart.”
Laughing, she kissed him lightly then slid down his body. “I’m so happy to be back home and can’t wait to see everybody.”
“They feel the same way about you and your dance card is full. I’ve been fielding calls since I arrived about our schedule and we don’t have a free moment until after Christmas Day.”
She wrapped her arm around his waist and grinned. “My parents can’t wait to meet you and are looking forward to having a couple of days together, so they can get to know you.”
“Your brothers called and told me we’re playing golf next Monday and they couldn’t wait to grill me.”
“Those two had better behave because I’m not above a little sisterly revenge if they get out of line.”
“It’ll be fine, and I’m more than ready for whatever they have.”
Taking his hand, she walked toward the luggage carousel and shook her head. “Tell me our schedule for the next couple of days.”
“We have dinner tonight with my brother and his girlfriend, and he said that Rachel invited Mark and Birdie as well, so you’ll get to see your favorite person tonight.”
“I can’t wait to see how the pregnancy is going.”
Lifting her chin, he rubbed his finger over her bottom lip. “Maybe we’ll get you pregnant during this trip.”
“Don’t talk about that when we’re in baggage claim.”
“Fine, but we’ll be talking about it later.”
Bumping her hip against his, she let out a laugh. “I have no doubt since you don’t let a day go by without bringing it up.”
“I’m a focused man; nothing wrong with that.”
“Why don’t you focus on getting my suitcase for now,” she replied as she pointed to her big red suitcase coming toward them.
Lifting it up, he gave her a side eye. “Did you pack rocks in here?”
“No, I have Christmas presents along with my clothes.”
“I haven’t done much Christmas shopping, so we’re going to have to go after my game.”
“That will work for me because I have to get a few more baby presents for my godchild.”
He led her out of baggage claim toward the parking lot, pulled his hat down, and put on his sunglasses. “When is the baby due?”
“In June, and I hope they decided to find out the gender soon. Mark swears it’s a girl, and Birdie thinks it’s a boy, so it will be interesting to see who’s right.”
He handed the valet his ticket and looped his arm over her shoulder as they waited for the car. “How many kids do you want to have?”
“I’ve always considered four a good number. I was one of three, and there’s always one who feels left out.” Looking up, she heard him exhale and watched a huge smile cross his face.
“Thank God. I was worried I’d have to talk you into more kids, but it looks like we’re on the same page since that’s the same number I wanted.”
The valet drove up, and she swallowed what she was about to say and watched Jack take care of the luggage and wondered why he was so gung-ho for children. Climbing into the car, she got herself settled and watched him do the same. “What would you like to do with the afternoon?”
Raising an eyebrow, he spared her a quick glance before pulling out. “Is that even a real question?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, it is.”
“We’re going to the hotel and working on…”
Covering his mouth with her hand, she let out a groan. “If you say, baby, then I’m going to lose my mind.”
Kissing her hand, he then took it away from his mouth and grinned. “I was going to say our love.”
Snorting, she squeezed his hand. “You’re such a liar.”
“Am not.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter since we’re waiting until we’re thirty.”
“Twenty-eight,” Jack replied as he drove toward the freeway.
“What?”
“I’m splitting the difference with you. I’d like to have one right away, and you want to wait four years. It’s the perfect compromise.”
“But I still have a lot to accomplish with my career, and so do you. Plus, we need time to get to know one another and also go on a real date without something horrible happening.”
“I have a date planned that’s going to blow your mind, and I’m confident it will mark the beginning of the thousands of incredible ones we have in our future.”
Shrugging, she looked out the window and sighed. “I hope so because I’d hate to think we’re doomed for disasters.”
“We’ve gotten all of that out of the way.”
“Oh, my God…look!”
“What?”
She leaned forward and pointed the billboard on the corner. “That’s you, Jack.” Gazing up at the life-size image of her boyfriend in his skivvies, she started laughing. “My goodness, you’re impressive up there. I can’t believe I get to sleep with you for the rest of my life.” Turning, she noticed he was frowning and pulling his hat down lower. “It’s the one of you lying in the water in the white trunks, and it’s one of my favorites.”
He kept his eyes on the road and shook his head. “I can’t look. It’s embarrassing and makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“Then why did you do it?”
“Because I wanted to fund your research.”
She patted his leg and smiled. “You’re a good man, Jack Ellis, and you’re making a lot of women happy. Just think of all the smiles lighting up the freeway after they get to look at you in all your glory.”
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
Covering her mouth, she did her best not to let any of her laughter out. When she felt like she had it under control, she took his hand. “I bet when I strip you out of your boxers later, you won’t even remember you have a half dozen around the city.”
Groaning, he shook his head. “Quit while you’re ahead, honey.”
“Okay, no more talk about my super sexy underwear model boyfriend.”
He glanced over and let out a long breath. “Keep talking, Ana; just know that payback will be a bitch.”
“Can’t wait,” she replied as she bit her bottom lip.
“Bet you can’t.”
Laughing, she noticed his smile had returned. “I hope I get a kiss or two before you pounce on me.”
“More than you can handle.”
“I love you, Jack. More and more each day.”
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it firmly. “Thank you, honey. And I love you with every breath in my body.”
“Which makes me the luckiest woman in the world.”
***
Jack drove up to Chris and Rachel’s house and parked in the driveway and could feel Ana’s excitement vibrating off her. “Chris and Rachel got home two days ago from their vacation, and he said that they have a big announcement.”
“I bet they got engaged.”
“I think you’re right.” Throwing the car into park, he was surprised to see Ana open the car door before he even turned off the engine. He leaned forward and watched her run down the sidewalk toward her cousin, Birdie, and let out a laugh as he watched them hug and shriek in unison. “Guess she’s excited,” he mumbled as he got out of the car and grabbed the wine they’d brought along.
He walked toward Mark and threw out his hand when he got close. “Seems they missed each other.”
“More than a little,” Mark replied as he shook Jack’s hand. “You’ve made my wife very happy by bringing her cousin home for the holidays, and I appreciate it.”
“I’m glad it worked out because I know Ana was missing home more than she admitted.”
“When are you two heading up to LA?”
“We’re going on Tuesday and staying with her parents, so any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.”
“Her parents are easygoing, and I don’t think you’re going to have any problems. The brothers may give you a run for your money, but that’s to be expected; so as long as your intentions are sincere, I’m sure it’ll work out.”
“My intentions are as serious as can be,” he replied as he saw his brother’s front door open. “We made it.”
“So, you did,” Chris called, as he walked out with Rachel. “Everyone come in because the party’s inside.”
Jack studied his brother and knew he’d found the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. Happiness was etched in his hard features, and nobody deserved it more than him.
“We’re so glad everyone could come,” Rachel called out.
Walking up the steps with Ana, Birdie, and Mark following, Jack looked between the two. “So, what’s the big announcement?”
Chris held up Rachel’s hand and grinned. “Rachel has agreed to be my wife.”
“Congratulations,” Jack called out over the women’s loud cheers.
“I asked him to marry me in Hawaii. I couldn’t help myself,” Rachel said.
Chris shook his head as he crossed his arms. “Honey, I was seconds away from asking you. I would’ve done it in the restaurant, but that couple was arguing next to us, and I couldn’t do it when we were naked in the ocean because I had no place to hide the ring.”
“Details. I asked you, and you said yes, and now we’re going to be married.”
Jack let out a bark of laughter and bet nobody would look at sweet, tiny Rachel and big, hard Chris and imagine she’d be the one asking.
“I brought a ring to Hawaii and had plans to do it all along,” he sputtered.
She patted his massive arm and gave him an indulgent smile. “I know, dear.”
Jack smirked at his big brother and couldn’t resist a small jab. “What is it that you always told me? Oh, yeah. He who hesitates…loses.”
“Shut up, Jack,” Chris huffed.
Everyone started laughing as they made their way into the house and Ana pulled Jack’s hand before they joined the group. “Thanks for bringing me home, Jack.”
“Of course, anytime.” He grabbed a kiss before they walked into the house and joined everyone and knew he and Ana were going to have their own announcement very soon.