I am sorry for the long wait on this. I wrote most of this story months ago, but delayed with the completion and then got sidetracked with some other ideas. I considered changing it, but decided to keep with my original idea, so again sorry for the long wait. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for reading!
12:00am
"Happy birthday to you." The whispered words were carried by the cool wind whipping through the night, before he leaned in for a short kiss. "Happy birthday to you," he murmured again coming in for a second that lasted longer than the first. Pulling back slightly, "Happy birthday dear Jocelyn." Joss's laugh was cut short by another kiss. "Happy birthday," he caressed her lips with his thumb, "to you."
The final kiss he prolonged, pulling her close so not even the wind could sneak between them. He didn't pull back until they both were thirsty for oxygen.
"Thank you John," Joss said softly peering up at him. "But you know it is a song."
His brow drew upward. "You really didn't expect me to sing it did you?"
Joss leaned back, arching a brow. "I sang it to you."
He loved the sass that appeared suddenly in her voice. "I know and although I love your voice, I think my presentation was a little more original."
"Mmm true," she admitted begrudgingly. "But you don't have to be smug about it."
Fingers curling into his shirt collar she tugged him down, returning his favor from earlier. Joss smiled as he drew his arms around her again. Neither had plans of pulling away anytime soon. At least until John cracked one eye open and saw the light above them flashing repeatedly on and off.
He broke their kiss laughing at the flashing light. "Your son is giving us the sign." He said with amusement. Joss looked up at the flickering light. Taylor had developed a habit of turning the step light on and off whenever they stood too long outside the door.
"I think Dad's trying to let me know it's past curfew." She joked resting her hands on his chest beneath the lapels of his suit jacket.
"Does Taylor ever tire of that joke?"
"Never."
"Joke or not, I think he has good timing. I should go." He had kept her and Taylor up late enough with his visit. But it was becoming so hard to say goodbye each night. "I don't want you to be too tired for your birthday." He kissed her temple, still not letting go.
Joss sighed searching his eyes still trying to uncover every secret she could find in their depths. "You know I love you. And I'm so proud of you John." He wouldn't ask why she was proud even though she knew he wanted to know, so Joss continued talking to satisfy his unspoken curiosity. "We've come far this year. I know it's not always been easy for you to be open. It hasn't always been easy for me."
That was putting it mildly. They had had their fair share of struggles. It hadn't taken them long to realize that letting their walls down for one day was easier than making a habit of the practice. Sometimes they pushed at each other emotionally, usually whenever fear closed in. They grew angry, became frustrated. Sometimes they walked away, but they ALWAYS returned. For every setback, they worked twice as hard to regain the steps lost, aiming to go above and beyond where they had been.
"And you're great with Taylor." Joss went on. "I don't think you understand how much he likes you. No, he loves you. We're starting to feel like…" She swallowed down the first word that came to mind. Nearly choking on it.
John dropped his chin trying to catch her eye. "You and Taylor are my family Joss."
She cupped his face in her hand, her eyes serious. "You've been strong- no baby, look at me." John clenched his teeth. He didn't deserve this. Not after playing the coward and pushing her away how he did. But she kept his face in place, making him hear her out. "I know you don't like to hear good things about yourself, but you have been. Stronger than you ever were before. John every day you face your biggest fear just for me. You try so hard to make this work between us. I can't tell you how much that means to me. You've done real good soldier."
"Even though I broke your heart first." He reminded, voice full of condemnation.
She responded with a careless shrug. "I made you beg to get me back, let's say we're even."
He shook his head. "No. We're not even. Not even close. By the end of today," his fingers trailed down her cheek, "we will be."
She licked her lips. Of course. Her wish. "Right." Her voice came out breathy. "Then maybe you should go home. The sooner you leave the quicker my wish can come true."
Slowly his arms fell to his side. "I'll see you and Taylor later."
She nodded before he gave her one final peck, whispering a goodnight and then walked down the stairs. Joss followed him with her eyes.
She folded her arms feeling the sudden lack of warmth she had found moments before when he was near.
Soon, very soon they would be even. She couldn't wait to wake up each morning to the man walking away from her now. Couldn't wait to be a wife again. His wife. She was ready now.
Are you? You were ready before and remember what happened. You ended up alone. All alone.
Her jaw locked. No! She wouldn't think that way. This time would be different. John was different. He was the only man she would take the risk on. No matter what, by the end of the day, she, Jocelyn Carter, would be the future Mrs. Reese.