Laura
As soon as we got into the car, I turned to Jake, unable to stop myself from smiling. "Thank you, Jake. For tonight, for everything. You've done so much for me… it's all just so overwhelming." I let out while he glanced at me and smile.
"What do you mean, overwhelming? You deserve all of it." He chimed in.
I leaned forward and met his lips for a quick kiss before I sat back.
I looked out the window, trying to hold back the tears that had suddenly filled my eyes. Memories from my past came rushing back… again. The naive hope I had when I entered my first marriage with Jackson, believing it would be everything I ever wanted. I was so eager to explore all the love the future had for me but Instead, it had been years of pain and heartbreak, leaving me convinced that love wasn't meant for someone like me.
Jake looked at me and noticed I was getting emotional already.
"What's wrong? What on your mind?" He asked while he gave me a brief squeeze on my lap.
"Nothing… it's just that I never thought I'd get this again," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "This feeling of being loved and cared for. I thought I was too broken for something this good. For someone so loving." I added while he reached over and took my hand, squeezing it tightly. "Hey," he said softly. "Don't talk like that. You're not broken, Laura. You're the strongest person I've ever met. And you're everything I never knew I needed." He chimed in.
I turned to face him, a tear slipping down my cheek. "But sometimes, it feels like I don't deserve this. You. Us. It's like a dream, and I'm afraid I'll wake up."
He pulled the car over to the side of the road, turning to me with an intensity that made my breath catch. "Listen to me, Laura. You deserve every bit of happiness in this world. You've changed me in ways I didn't think were possible. I've never loved anyone the way I love you. You've made me into a better man, and if anyone here doesn't deserve something, it's me."
I shook my head, laughing softly through the tears. "Jake…"
"No," he interrupted gently, brushing a tear from my cheek with his thumb. "You're incredible, Laura. And I promise, I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you if I have to. I'm so thankful to God for sending you my way, and to you for not giving up on me." He said and looking into his eyes, I could tell he was being sincere.
His words wrapped around my heart, pulling me out of the haze of doubt and insecurity. "I love you… so much." I whispered.
"I love you too," he said, leaning in to kiss me, slow and tender. "Now, no more tears. Let's go home." He muttered.
By the time we arrived back at the house, the tension from earlier had melted away. The moment the door closed behind us, Jake turned to me, his eyes filled with a familiar heat. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
I grinned, taking a step closer to him. "I think I might have an idea."
Without another word, he swept me off my feet, literally, lifting me into his arms. I let out a surprised laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carried me up the stairs. "Jake! Put me down!" I screamed but those were just mere words. I didn't mean them and in fact, enjoyed as I flew in the air.
"Not a chance," he replied, kicking open the bedroom door and striding in. "I've been waiting for this all night." He exclaimed while I giggled loudly.
He laid me down on the bed, his touch gentle but firm, and leaned down to kiss me deeply.
The kiss grew intense ahd we were soon making out, hungrily pulling off our clothes as we jumped at each other.
Everything seemed to fade away as he pushed inside me and we both moaned in each other's mouth. The sex was slow, sweet, and passionate. We both came at the same time and he stayed in me till we both fell asleep.
When I woke up the next morning, sunlight was streaming through the curtains, and the delicious aroma of breakfast filled the air. I turned to reach for Jake but found an empty spot beside me. Just as I was about to call out for him, I noticed a tray of food on the nightstand, piled high with eggs, pancakes, fruit, and fresh orange juice.
A note was tucked beside the tray in Jake's neat handwriting, 'Good morning, my love. Breakfast is served. Can't wait to see your beautiful face when you wake up.'
I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt, picking up the tray and sitting up in bed just as Jake walked in, a towel slung over his shoulder. His hair was damp from the shower, and he looked utterly irresistible.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, his grin wide as he walked over and kissed me. "How'd I do? Did I make up for sleeping off inside you?" He asked and then added a naughty look, making me giggle.
"You made breakfast," I teased, holding up the tray. "I think you've earned a lifetime of forgiveness."
"Good," he said, climbing into bed beside me. "Now, let's eat together."
We fed each other bites of food between kisses, laughing and talking about nothing and everything. It felt so natural, so easy, like we'd been doing this for years.
Once we finished eating, Jake stood and held out his hand. "Come on. Let's take a bath together."
"A bath?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're full of surprises today."
"Always," he replied with a wink.
The bath was just as magical as everything else Jake did. He'd filled it with warm water and bubbles, and as we soaked together, he washed my hair and kissed my neck, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. It was moments like these that made me fall even more in love with him.
After we dried off and got dressed, Jake led me downstairs, but something immediately caught my eye. A cluster of colorful balloons was floating near the wall, tied together with a long string that was taped securely in place.
"What's this?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him suspiciously.
He grinned, pulling me toward the balloons. "You'll see. Pop them." He retorted.
"Pop them?" I repeated, glancing at him. "Are you serious?" He added while he shrugged playfully.
"Dead serious," he said, handing me a small pin. "Go on. Start popping."
I laughed, shaking my head, but did as he said. One by one, I burst the balloons, my curiosity growing with each pop. Finally, after popping like five ones, something fell to the ground and made a sound which got me curious. I picked it up, confused. It was a key.
"What's this for?" I asked, turning to Jake.
He nodded toward the window. "Take a look outside." He said while pointing to the window behind him.
I walked to the window, pulling the curtain aside, and gasped. Parked in the driveway was a brand-new car, sleek and shiny, with a giant red bow on the hood.
"Jake…" I whispered, my voice trembling. "You didn't." I exclaimed.
"Oh, I did," he said, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "Do you remember when we were stuck on that island, and you mentioned how much you loved this car? I haven't forgotten." He explained.
I turned to him, tears spilling down my cheeks. "I can't believe you remembered. Jake, this is too much." I didn't even remember the conversation but he did, and got it for me.
"Nothing is too much for you," he said, wiping my tears away. "Now, come on. Let's take it for a spin." He chimed in and then quickly placed a soft kiss on my nose, making me giggle a bit.
We headed outside, and Jake handed me the keys. "You drive," he said, opening the driver's side door for me.
I laughed, sliding into the seat and running my hands over the steering wheel. "This feels like a dream."
"It's real," Jake said, getting in beside me. "Now, let's go."
We drove around the city, the wind in our hair and laughter filling the car. I couldn't stop smiling, marveling at how perfect the moment was. As we cruised down a quiet street, Jake turned to me, his expression suddenly thoughtful.
"Hey, babe," he said. "Do you mind taking a detour? I need to check out a property for a client. It'll only take a few minutes."
"Of course," I said, nodding. "Anything for you."
With that, I turned the car toward our next destination, feeling like the luckiest woman in the world…