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I wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him. He seemed surprised by the gesture and slowly wrapped his arms around me, which was hard since he was still standing outside the truck while I sat inside.
“Thank you,” I whispered in his ear.
“For what?” He asked with surprise in his eyes.
“For you.”
He smiled. “That’s one thing you never need to thank me for, Tatum.”
He backed out of the cab of the truck and closed the door. He jogged around to the driver’s side and climbed inside.
“To Pap’s?” He asked, seeming unsure if I still wanted to go or not.
I nodded. “Absolutely. I’ve missed that man.”
Jude grinned, looking in the rearview mirror before pulling away. “I should be jealous. I’m pretty sure you’re using me to get to my grandpa.”
I laughed, flipping down the visor so I could check my makeup in the mirror. Wiping away streaks of mascara I said, “You caught me. I’m in love with your grandpa.”
“I knew it!” He laughed, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of the song on the radio. “I’m cuter though.”
“Yeah, I’m not so sure about that,” I smiled, and it was genuine, “your grandpa is kind of hot.”
He gasped and then we dissolved into fits of laughter.
It was amazing how one minute we could be having a serious conversation, involving buckets of tears on my part, and the next we could be happy and joking. I guessed when you found the right person that’s what happened.
I tilted my head to the side, studying Jude’s profile. From the slope of his forehead, to the arch of his nose, and down to his pouty lips he was perfect for me. But it wasn’t just his looks. It was him. I was connected to him in a way I knew I’d never be with anyone else.
I hadn’t been looking for the one, or anyone for that matter, but love doesn’t wait till you think you’re ready. It comes along when you least expect it and turns your life upside down. It sends you on a journey of epic proportions and changes the course of your life. It completes you.
???
We spent the whole afternoon with Jude’s grandpa, but when it came to be evening time Jude made me wait in the living room while he did something in the kitchen.
I was desperate to know what he was up to, but I was sure it had something to do with our ‘date’.
After my cry-fest things had settled down and I let myself relax and have some fun.
“What’s that grandson of mine up to?” Jerry asked me.
I shrugged. “Who knows?”
Jerry grew quiet and I could feel his eyes on me. I wondered what he was thinking.
“Jude is lucky to have a girl like you,” he said.
I smiled, turning to face him better. “Thank you. I’m lucky to have him too.”
“There’s something I want to show you,” Jerry stood slowly. His back creaked as he stretched.
“Uh…” I started. “He might get mad if I leave the room and spoil his surprise.”
Jerry waved a hand dismissively. “He’ll have to go through me first to get to you. Don’t worry.”
I couldn’t help laughing at that.
Jerry led me upstairs and into his bedroom. He shuffled stuff around on the dresser and looked through the drawers. “Aha,” he cried with joy when he found the box. He smiled proudly as he handed it to me. I lifted the lid and gasped at what I found inside. Nestled in the box was a silver bracelet with a single heart charm on it. “It was my Mae’s,” he smiled. “She’d want you to have it.”
