Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(130)

Over time, Mr. Frasier explained to me and shared stories that he was Jared’s grandfather. I confided in Joe and he helped me hire a private investigator to validate my suspicions and Mr. Frasier’s claims before telling anyone else. Once I had proof beyond some of the pictures Mr. Frasier shared over time, I spoke to Nathan during one of our business meetings when Jared wasn’t around. Nathan and I debated back and forth about our apprehension before ultimately deciding on reacquainting them. The question no longer became should we, it was then a matter of how and when.

Mr. Frasier is Jared’s mother’s father. Not long after losing his wife to illness, Mr. Frasier had also lost his only grandson after the incident with Jared and Jared’s father. Apparently, Mr. Frasier had known that Jared was different at an early age despite his daughter’s and son-in-law’s denial. When he found out that Jared had left, Mr. Frasier has been searching for Jared ever since. Mr. Frasier didn’t want Jared to think he felt the same way as Jared’s parents.

Leaving Jared and Mr. Frasier alone, the rest of my friends and family mingle with our guests. The two men have a lot of catching up to do and I’ve got plenty of time to hear all about it. I’m just happy that the reunion   is a positive one.

Sometime later, I feel familiar arms wrap around me from behind.

“Thank you,” Jared cries into my neck.

Spinning to see him, I return the gesture. “You’re welcome.”

Not wanting to let go, Jared and I stay locked for a long while.

“I love you,” he professes.

“I love you too,” I genuinely remark.

“You don’t know how much this means to me . . .” he begins before tears take over again.

“We’ve got plenty of time for you to tell me all about it,” I encourage.

“Yeah,” Jared sobs. “I wish I could do the same for you.”

“Tonight isn’t about me,” I scold gently. “I’ve given Mr. Frasier accommodations until Sunday here at the hotel and I also got you and Nathan a room for tonight.”


“Yeah, they told me. He insists you call him Pop-Pop,” Jared affirms, nuzzling more into my neck.

“Pop-Pop it is.” After a few minutes of our embrace, I pull back a little and wipe the tears from Jared’s face. “This is supposed to be a happy day,” I tease.

“It is. These are happy tears,” he explains.

“Good,” I say. “Today is your birthday. Go visit with your grandfather. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You better not,” he taunts, kissing me on the nose.

The rest of the night, the air is filled with love, laughter and happiness and the man of the hour is Jared. The DJ plays wicked music for dancing, we have half naked men as servers who also put on a burlesque show for the birthday boy, all courtesy of Nathan, and the drinks and food are endless.

I finally sneak out to use the restroom and to take a breather. As I step through the doors to head back into the party, I hear Jared getting on the microphone.

“Excuse me everyone,” Jared begins.

A hush gradually drapes the crowd.

“Excuse me. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for coming tonight. It means so much to me.”

A few people whistle and yell Jared’s name.

“There are a few people here that I want to acknowledge and thank. Emma, Maggie and Nathan. I love you! Thank you for making tonight happen.” Jared clears his throat before continuing. “If you haven’t met him already, please make sure you meet Pop-Pop.” Jared pulls Pop-Pop up on stage. “I haven’t seen my grandfather for ten years . . . .”

The crowd erupts with cheers and whistles.

“And . . . he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for someone else in this room . . . someone very special to me,” he pauses to hold back tears. “Emma . . . where are you, Kitten?”

Dread consumes me. Jared knows I hate being the center of attention, especially with large crowds. I duck into a corner to hide.

“I know you’re out there. Stop hiding and get your ass up here, Kitten,” Jared requests with an assertive but loving tone.

Joe snatches my hand and drags me to the stage as I shake my head profusely. Crap. How did he find me? Maggie pushes me from behind.

“No, no, no . . .” I mutter.

A few people meow as I’m pulled closer to the stage.

“Here she is . . .” Jared announces as he helps me up the stairs. “You’re going to need to get used to this for Maggie’s wedding,” he broadcasts over the microphone.

I wince at the truth as everyone politely laughs. See a chance, I try to flee.

“Ohh no you don’t . . .” Jared stresses. “You’re staying right here.” He wraps his left arm around me holding me tight. “Words can not express my deepest gratitude to my girl . . . my sister . . . my Kitten . . . my Emma . . . for making tonight even better, by helping bring my Pop-Pop back to me. I love you, Emma.” Jared squeezes me and kisses my cheek.

The crowd cheers and applauds as the discomfort settles into my bones.

“So with that said . . . thank you everyone, again, and enjoy the rest of the evening!”

I’m grateful for Jared’s short speech and know that I’ll get over it after another drink or two.