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Chapter 36
Jasmine
The wedding was beautiful, but Jasmine had a hard time staying focused. Her mind kept wandering towards Atlas. She kissed her daughter goodbye before Belle carried Zoey to their truck. Bently pulled Jasmine in for a hug.
“I can’t believe you are doing this for Atlas,” she said.
He let her go and looked her in the eyes. “I’m doing this for you.”
He must have seen the question in her expression because he continued, “Hear him out. And if you don’t think he’s the one for you, I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again. But don’t make the same mistake I did and push everything good away because you think you don’t deserve it.”
She nodded.
“But don’t let him off easy either. Make that man earn your forgiveness. Because you’re worth it.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“I will.” She chuckled.
His phone chimed in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered. “Hey, Charli—” His face transformed to worry. “Slow down. What happened? . . . Is he okay? . . . I’m on my way. Sit tight.”
He hung up the phone.
“Did something happen to the baby?” Jasmine asked, fear streaking through her.
He shook his head. “No, Finn was in an accident. He’s being airlifted to the hospital in Washington.”
“Oh my God.” Jasmine gasped, covering her mouth. Poor Charli.
“I’m gonna head over there now, and Belle will take Zoey to our house.”
“I can just keep her.”
He shook his head. “No, Belle has her. You enjoy your night.”
He waved, walking around the car. “Give him hell.”
“Tell Charli to text me if she needs anything,” she called after him.
“I will.” He got in the vehicle and drove off. She checked her phone. Onlythirty minutes before Atlas would be there. Jasmine slipped inside to her room. She freshened up her eyeliner and slid on some ChapStick. She pulled at the fabric of her dress. She wouldn’t change. This was the nicest dress she owned.
Knock. Knock.
She jumped, her nerves making her feel on edge. She checked her phone. 7:45. It was probably someone else. She reached out and turned the knob, her stomach twisting with it.
Atlas stood outside her door. His black dress shirt was unbuttoned at the top, and the sleeves were rolled up, showing off his sinewy forearms. “I know I’m early. So, if you’re not ready, I can wait.”
His deep voice vibrated through her. His eyes lit with need as his gaze caressed every inch of her exposed skin.
“I’m ready.” Not really.
The corner of his mouth turned up. He held out his hand to her. “I have a surprise for you.”
She slipped her palm into his and allowed him to lead her down the stairs to his black Mercedes. He opened the door for her and she sat inside, slipping her phone in her pocket.
He turned the radio on low while they drove the few miles towards town in silence. The tension and anticipation in the car were too thick for conversation. Her body sparked like a live wire. The man was pure temptation. But she needed more than sexual attraction. She needed a man who’d be strong enough to weather the tumultuous seas with her.
He parked the car in front of the run-down building she’d passed countless times on the way to town. She turned towards him. “What are we doing at the old fish market?”
He unbuckled his seat belt, a nervous smile painting his lips. “Come on in and see.”
