Page 48 of Jessica's Hero

What if the food turns out horrible?

What if she doesn’t like the gifts?

What if it’s too soon to be giving Jess jewelry?

Shit. Why is dating sohard?

The security system chimes an alert as Grant and Jess approach the porch. I yank open the door and work my features into a smile, but the second I see Jess it stops being an effort.

Grant gives me a quick once over, no doubt noticing my dark gray dress pants and pale blue button down, and smirks at me. “Looking good, Montague.”

Jess’s eyes widen as she looks at me. “Kane. You’re all dressed up.”

“Just a little,” I reply. Then I step forward to hug her. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

Her cheeks pink up. “I’m just wearing my work clothes. And you saw me in them this morning.”

“And?” I press my lips to hers. “You looked beautiful this morning. And you still look beautiful now.”

“Kane.”Her expression softens. “You keep saying that.”

“Because you are.”

Grant clears his throat. When I look over at him, he’s got a giant shit-eating smile on his face. “Well. I’m going to head home. Since it looks like you’ve got things under control.”

I release Jess so I can clap him on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Tell Scarlett and the babies I said hello.”

His face lights up at the mention of his wife and twins. “I will.”

As I lead Jess inside, my mind wanders to previously unexplored places.

Places where I’m married. But not just to anyone. To Jess.

Places where I sit beside Jess, rubbing her round belly, feeling the gentle flutter of our baby kicking inside. Where I find her sitting in a rocking chair, nursing our child, her face glowing with love and happiness.

Is it crazy to be thinking about this so soon?

Is it crazy to think Jess might be the one?

“Kane.” Jess tugs on my arm. “Why are you all dressed up? Are we?—”

Then she stops. Her head turns on a swivel, taking everything in.

The flowers. The candles. The presents.

“I thought we could have a special night at home,” Iexplain as I meet her questioning gaze. “So I made dinner, and got all the flowers, and candles…”

She glances around the room again before turning to face me. Disbelief tinges her voice. “Kane. You did all this forme?”

It hurts my heart a little to see the shock in her eyes. Like she can’t believe someone would do all this for her. It hurts knowing there hasn’t been anyone to show Jess just how amazing she is and that she deserves to be treated that way.

“Well, I didn’t buy the flowers for myself,” I reply with a wry chuckle. “So, yes. It’s all for you. I hope you like it.”

Jess catches my hand and pulls me further into the room. “Like it? This is… incredible. It’s so pretty in here. And with all the flowers?—”

“Blue, of course.”

She gives me a shy smile. “You always give me blue flowers.”