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“We are. And we can’t wait.”
“I’m excited for you.” I smile as Jesse wraps an arm around me, continuing with his meal preparation. “And I can’t wait to see you.”
“Soon. It will be very soon. I’ll call you again in a couple of days.”
“Yes, please do. I miss you.”
“Miss you too, Willow. Bye.”
She hangs up and I curl into Jesse, burying my face in his chest. “I’m happy, I really am, but this is going to take some getting used to. It’s been years since I spent a week away from Sara. She’s been my rock.”
Jesse kisses my head, adding salt to his now boiling water. “I know. But trust me when I say, I will be working double time to make sure you feel comfortable here. And safe. I want you to be happy. I want this life to become ours, whatever we want to make of it.”
“Thank you. That means the world to me. And right now, I want whatever amazing thing you’re cooking. That smells delicious.”
“It’s just pasta and sauce. San Francisco style.”
“Oh.” I look at him curiously. “Is that different from other styles?”
“I have absolutely no idea; it’s just the way I know how to make it.”
“I’m up for that.”
I follow him around the kitchen, tucked under his arm, most likely annoying the hell out of him, but he never says a word. He just continues on like this is normal, like we’ve always had this life. And right now, it feels that way. It feels nice.
“I think it’s time I attended another game. Or two or three. Or all of them. I better get used to it now that you’ll be playing for another few years.”
Four days ago, Jesse finally signed a new contract, and the relief he felt was evident. Mind you, they haven’t lost a game this season, so there’s a good chance they’ll win the cup this year.
“I might even accept an invite into the Wives’ room if Lauren offers again,” I joke but then cringe. “Or maybe not.”
Jesse barks out a laugh and abandons his stirring spoon, curling me into a hug. “I would love for you to come to a game, and you can go wherever you want; sit wherever you want. But there must be a jersey with my name on it covering this sexy as hell body of yours.”
“Is that so?” I say with a yawn. “What if I want to wear Ryan’s? You know… to support my sister's man.” I shrug before stepping back, knowing I’ve just started something.
“Well, now I’m regretting that I helped them sort their shit out,” he grates as I step back again, getting ready to run around to the other side of the counter. “Come here!” He reaches for me but just misses my arms as I squeal out a laugh and make a run for it.
“But it’s such a sisterly thing to do,” I call out as he chases me around the apartment.
“Buttercup,” he warns. “You’re asking for trouble.”
“Oh no. Really?” I come to a stop and spin around to face him before lifting myself up onto the counter. “Maybe I want it.”
Jesse releases a deep guttural groan as he reaches me, spreading my legs before stepping between them. I expect him to start stripping me immediately since he’s been wanting this since I first walked in the door, but he surprises me, his face softening.
“I’m so proud of you, Willow. No matter what you do from here on out, you’ll always remain my hero. Your strength, your courage, your heart. You are everything I never knew I needed, but the one person I always missed. Thank you for moving your entire life for me. Thank you for becoming my home.”
My heart pounds in my chest as an overwhelming feeling takes over me and tears prick my eyes. Because this is it. Jesse is my forever. He’s my person. And I can’t wait for our next life to truly begin. I love this man, and always will.
My mind may not remember him, but my heartalwaysdid.
Epilogue Two
Jesse - Two and a half years later
Iglancearoundtheroom packed full of people closest to me, and yet I only recognize a dozen that are not part of my team. While I’ll admit, the number of “friends” I have has grown since finding Willow, I’m still the same reclusive asshole they all know and love.
I’m talking to Seth and Amber when Pippa comes sashaying over, an exaggerated smile on her face. “ESPN—”
