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I blink back tears, his words cutting through my defenses like a blade. “Do you know how hard it is to believe that? When I’ve spent so long feeling invisible in your world?”
He scoots over to sit beside me, his voice low and firm. “You’re not invisible to me. You never have been. I see you, Cari. I see all of you. And I fucking made each of them see you, too.”
The way he looks at me is unbearable, like he’s peeling back every layer I’ve tried to hide behind.
“But what if—”
“No,” he interrupts, his tone fierce. “No more what-ifs. No more doubting us. I love you, Cari. I’ve loved you for months, and I’m not letting my father—or anyone else—get in the way of that.”
We sit in silence for a moment, his words sink into my heart and ground me. Giving me strength.
“I still need to leave the company,” I whisper, hating the way his face falls. I don’t think it’s right for me to continue working for him, not when we’re together. I want to keep my work and personal life separate.
“I understand, but it sucks.”
“There’s so much to figure out. Brooke, my business, your life—”
“Our life,” he corrects, his voice firm.
I look away, my heart aching. I am deliriously happy, but a part of me is wary too. By being with Jett, I’m stepping into a world I’ve avoided. A world I got to taste in Bermuda, where some of the people and situations left a bitter taste in my mouth. But then there was Celine. My heart softens as I remember her. She told me to be careful, and maybe I’m trying to do just that. Not jumping into this blindly, but with brakes on. “I need to find my footing first. I can’t be the woman you need if I don’t even know who I am outside of this.”
He leans back, his jaw tightening, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he nods slowly. “If that’s what you need, then I’ll give it to you. But I’m not letting go of us, Cari. Not ever.”
His eyes settle on mine, like he’s looking for confirmation, like he needs to know that I’ll be fine. His concern for me—now that I know it came dressed as orders and commands—is as endearing as it is heady.
This man loves me.
Delicious goosebumps break out all over my skin. I’m lucky to have him.
He’s lucky to have you, honey.I remember my mom, and a knot forms in my stomach. She liked Jett. Thought he was a good man. She could see that, somehow.
“Shall we go? I have someone at home who’s missed you as much as I have.” Jett’s lips turn up at the corners, and I mirror his smile.
“Brooke.” Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of her or missed her. It was bad enough not having Jett in my life, but Brooke, too? I missed her impish smile, her big, beautiful eyes. I missed being around her, brushing her hair, talking to her, hearing her funny stories, seeing her walking around with Elephant in one hand. It felt as if I’d lost a part of me. “I can’t wait to see her.”
We return to the apartment to find Brooke waiting for us with Anna who arches her eyebrow as soon as she sees me and Jett walk in holding hands. She gives me a knowing smile.
“Cari!” Brooke rushes to me, her face all lit up as her tiny arms close around my legs. I crouch down, hugging her tightly, my heart swells at the way she clings to me.
“I missed you.” Her voice is muffled against my shoulder.
“I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper, my throat tight.
“May I go now?” Anna asks. I stand up, with Brooke still glued to my body.
“Of course.” Jett moves towards the door, as Anna grabs her things.
“Nice seeing you again,” I say, setting Brooke down and going over to Anna.
“I always suspected something,” she whispers, hugging me lightly.
“I guess most people did, except for him.” I nod in Jett’s direction, but he’s busy on his phone.
“Thanks for stepping in,” Jett says, looking up.
After Anna leaves Brooke pulls me into the living room to show me her latest drawing. Jett watches us, his expression soft. Everything feels right—like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. But Jett and I exchange a look.
There’s a lot to do.