Just Let Me Love You (Judge Me Not #3)(54)

Will’s issues were close to destroying him just a few months ago, but with Chase’s determination and commitment to never again let his brother down, he has managed to save Will. And by saving Will, Chase has found an inner peace of his own, an inner peace that transcends the peace he’s found with his father, and the peace he’s working at with his mom.

Chase places his hand over mine. “What’s this feel like to you?” he asks.

Will and Emma are now engrossed in their own conversation, so I am able to focus solely on Chase.

He seems so serious, so I ask, “What do you mean?”

His blue eyes, twinkling in the glow of the festive lighting, meet mine. “I mean”—he waves his hand around—“just everything. What’s this feel like to you?”

I look around. My parents are laughing and talking with Abby and Greg, Missy and Nick are dancing, and all the other guests are enjoying themselves—eating, talking, having fun.

“It feels like a fresh start for all of us,” I say to Chase.

He nods, and replies, “Yeah, it sure does, babe. We’re starting a whole new chapter in our lives today.”

I couldn’t have said it any better than that, so I just smile and nod.

And that is the point where we fully turn the page on our old lives.





Chase



At our wedding in December, I told Kay we were embarking on a whole new chapter of our lives. And these past couple of months we’ve done exactly that.

Life is still good—better than ever, in fact—when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

The only hiccup is that Kay is still not pregnant.

Everything else in our lives is stellar, though. My contracting business with Nick has taken off, and even with the bad weather—it’s been an exceptionally snowy winter thus far—I have more jobs than I know what to do with. I’m thinking I’ll probably have to hire someone to help out by the time spring rolls around.

Me, supervising employees. Hell, Jack Gartner would be proud.

Other things in my life are good, too. I hear from Will often. In fact, just yesterday he called to tell me he’s planning on coming out to Ohio this summer. He stayed on after our wedding and spent Christmas break with us. It was a great time.

Anyway, I’m thinking since my brother will have his driver’s license by the summer, he can drive out here if he wants. He’ll have two options, too—drive the car from Mom (that fancy Challenger I discovered in the garage out in Vegas is for his birthday, just as I suspected), or he can drive Dad’s old Indian motorcycle across the country.

It may be good for Will. Mom says it’s up to him, and I’m cool with whatever is decided. Will is a responsible kid nowadays.

Crazy, I know. But it’s true. The little shit that used to cause me so much grief now gets good grades, takes extra art classes in high school for college credit, and doesn’t party at all anymore. He tells me his crazy days are behind him, and I believe him. Will left that shit in the past, along with the memories of his ex-girlfriend.

I can’t be sure of how much contact Will still has with Cassie, but I know it’s limited. They must see each other at school from time to time, I assume. Still, last time Will said anything about Cassie it was to tell me she’d gone into rehab last month.

Well, that’s a good thing. I hope she can get her shit together like my brother has done. She’s not a bad girl; she’s just not right for Will.

Sitting in my truck at a stoplight in downtown Harmony Creek, I realize I’m utterly and completely lost in my thoughts when someone behind me beeps to alert me the light has turned green.

“Okay, okay,” I mumble under my breath as I get my truck moving. “I’m going.”

I drive another block then hang a right at the flower shop. Today is Valentine’s Day and I have to take care of my girl. She loves flowers, so I plan to pick up two dozen red roses.

Ten minutes later, with my task complete, I head home to the farmhouse.

It’s starting to get dark, even though it’s only a little after six. Damn short winter days. In any case, Kay should be home from school by now. I wouldn’t be surprised to find her in the kitchen, making me a special dinner.

When she first asked me what I wanted for Valentine’s Day, I said, “Kay, you don’t have to get me anything. Your love is more than enough.”

However, I knew she’d want to do something special for me. So, when she pressed I told her I’d be happy with my favorite dinner—beef stew. Nothing like meat and potatoes—made with love—on a cold winter’s day.

Well, whatever happens today, I’ve already decided I’m taking Kay out for a nice, fancy candlelight dinner tomorrow night. It won’t be as busy since the day after Valentine’s Day never is. And, besides, we’ll both be more alert after a restful Friday night sleep with no work the next day.

Speaking of sleep, Kay’s been so tired this past week. I hope she’s not coming down with anything.

When I return home, sure enough, Kay has dinner waiting for me. And an hour later I am pushing my chair back from the dining room table, having finished a wonderful Valentine’s Day meal.

“That was delicious,” I tell Kay with a smile.

She smiles back at me from across the table. “I’m glad you liked it, Chase.”