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The water splashed around us, cool and refreshing. I swam underwater a few feet away, out of reach. Just as Jaxson breached the surface, I splashed him. Through all the water, he shook his head and said, “I’m coming for you, London.”
I squealed and took off to the side of the pool. Being barefoot had its advantages as I quickly made it to the edge. Jaxson was slower. Lifting myself up, I barely made it out of the pool when Jaxson’s hand grazed my toes. More giggles as I heard them chant, “Run! Run! Run!”
“London, I will get you.”
Jaxson hoisted himself out of the water. Do not look at the wet clothes clinging to his muscular body. Sassily, I taunted him. “I can run a long ways, remember?”
“I know, but—”
I took off across the pavement to the yard. Literally, we had lost our minds as we shamelessly flirted in front of anyone who joined the show. As I hit my stride, I was tackled to the ground. Jaxson took the weight of our fall while cradling me before flipping me on to my back.
“You were holding out on me this morning during our run,” I accused.
“No, I wanted to stay near the girl I like. A lot.”
I loved those small professions. “What are you going to do now that you’ve caught me?”
“Make you fall in love with me.”
Fall in love with him. The words thrilled and scared me at the same time. Breathlessly, I responded, “I can’t wait.”
And I meant it.
A satisfied smirk appeared on his handsome face. Helping me up, Jaxson and I walked back to our audience with his possessive hand on my back. Jaxson announced, “All is good. She declared me as hers.”
I smacked his stomach as everyone else laughed.
“Would you and Millie like to join us for dinner in town?” Pam called from the deck.
“Sure. We’d love to.” I knew Millie wouldn’t mind going. I was nervous going out with his family since this was moving at what felt like an exponential speed. But it felt right. “Do I have time to take a quick shower and change?”
“Yes, dear. Come to the main house when you’re done.”
A sweet smile graced my lips as an idea formed. Without any warning, I pushed Jaxson and he tumbled into the pool. I took off past Ty and Millie. “You guys are either with me or against me. Make your choice quick.”
Pam called after her son. “Jaxson, you deserved that! Leave her alone.”
I quickly entered the code on the keypad. Millie and Ty were with me, jumping in excitement for me to hurry. Good choice. The door flung open and we got inside as Jaxson came toward me with an ecstatic smile, not listening to his mother. He loved this. I loved this. Slamming the door, I engaged the deadbolts.
Outside the door, I heard him make it to the porch. “I definitely have the goofy grin, sweetheart.”
“Me too.”
“Hurry up so I can see you again.”
“I will.”
High fives were exchanged as I made my way to the shower. Life was perfect. Well, as perfect as it had been for as long as I could remember.
DINNER PASSED BY IN A blur in the rustic dance hall diner. In the middle was a dance floor for families to dance. Tables surrounded the area. Two kids with their father were currently dancing to a country song on the old wood floor. It was adorable.
I focused back on our table. Everyone was smiles and laughing as they talked. The McCole’s were truly a family—a family like mine had been. Sydney and I were still getting to know each other as she had been traveling extensively with Mallory for dance competitions. The whole family supported each other regardless as I witnessed over the last week. Jaxson went by Sydney’s house daily to make sure everything was okay.
Leaning back, I pushed my burger away. “That was incredible.”
The moment we walked into this place I knew the meal would be delicious with the savory smells. A slow song came on I didn’t recognize. Couples danced in the center of the room while the music played from the jukebox. I loved the family fun environment the restaurant provided.
Jaxson’s arm draped along the back of the chair. “The three of us need to come back on Sunday for Sunday Sundae. It’s one of Ty’s favorites.”
