Disclaimer: Please see first chapter for disclaimer.
Rating: T
A/N: Well, this is it. The end. Whoo! Thank you so much, for putting up with my crazy, roller-coaster and nutty journey on this. Weird how a little oneshot idea, that was written in the early hours of the morning, would turn into this! Lol. It's all good. It was definitely an experience, I'll say that, hehe.
Thank you . . . Moonlight Silhouette, Hot n' Exotic, LossOfSurroundings, Satellite Falling, Moondancing Millie, GeekdomBeckons-88, I want to be Jesse's girl, ellie and Kaytee Jay! And of course to the wicked readers and the like, who faved this story and me :gasp: in their faves. You all rocks! And deserves choccie and huggles! :D Hehe!
Enjoy this last, cutesy chapter :)
Kisses of Untold Promises and Unconditional Love...
I rushed around the kitchen and the living room, like a headless chicken. Picking up and then placing back down pieces of life that seemed to be littering my house. My hands full of restless energy I couldn't seem to get rid of. I was trying to make the place look more presentable than it already was, for the party guests. That - hopefully - would be arriving in a couple of hours. It was a useless effort though. I was pretty sure it was going to be a complete mess by the end of the day anyway. But I wanted everything to be as perfect as possible for Jesse.
I knew it was only a barbecue and party, to celebrate Jesse's return and signing off from the Army. After months of waiting for them to decided whether he was going to be shipped back out there or not, they finally gave him a medical discharge. Which meant he was free of the military. For good. The final call and sign off had happened a few weeks go. He travelled up to sign the official documents, give back any gear he might still have had and was released. I was swamped in relief he was definitely home to stay now. So considering everything was going much smoother now and that everything between us was going perfectly; we thought it deserved a celebration.
And the fact I was dying to show off my engagement ring also helped.
Jesse's proposal to me, was a welcome and completely heartfelt surprise. It was everything I imagined it would be. Not overly done, nothing flashy or over the top. It was just perfect and all I could of asked for. The tears that tried to come, but that I managed to hold at bay, were reflected back to me in Jesse's eyes. Happiness, relief, joy, love. It was all there, waiting and beckoning for me.
The evening and proposal was so romantic and perfectly us, it made me smile just remembering that magickal evening...
xXx
He had sprung a surprise of cooking a wonderful meal for me. Something that had filled me up and left me satisfied and delirious with how perfect a man, Jesse is. Serving me a dessert that was extra special and delicious to my senses. Not unlike Jesse himself. A chocolatey heaven, that had me aching for more, but too indulged to ask. For both Jesse and the treat.
But it was our time afterwards that was the most special to me. We laid before a roaring open fire in our living room, with me wrapped in his arms while I lazily watched the orange flames climb the walls behind them. Our only source of light in the dark room. Adding a warm cozy feeling to the atmosphere and the world around us. Our comfortable silence was only broken by the soft sighs of contentment being breathed from me.
For hours after our dinner we laid there. My back leaning up against his chest with his arms snuggly holding me around my waist in a secure hold. His chin resting on my shoulder while we sat on cushions strewn all over the floor. Whispered words were exchanged between us every so often. Slipping through on a sigh. Barely a ripple in the moment. I was slowly dropping further and further into a comfortable relaxed slumber. Safe and just where I always wanted to be. The world forgotten and just Jesse and I occupying it.
His soft lips had brought me slightly back to my senses. Playing across my skin in an ancient dance, that left me sighing and melting into him more. Caught between wanting to curl up in his arms and drop into a restful sleep. Or to let his lips rove further once again that night. Reaching out to me further with his caresses. But it was my mind and body, both craving the same thing that helped me choose; Jesse.
My hand had crept up behind his neck, weaving into his thick wavy hair. Letting my nails crawl over his sensitive flesh and down the back of his own neck, while he continued his assault. My skin tingled where his lips brushed featherlight kisses along my throat and across my jaw. Trailing up to my ear, until his warm breath brushed across it. Making me shiver and tremble in his hold. Half lost in a dazed and desired world. Waiting for his next target as my arm grew heavy and fell to rest on his own. Letting his hand trace lazy circles on the smooth skin of my stomach.
His words had come to me on a faraway fairytale, every little girl dreams of hearing one day. When she finds her own Prince Charming who sweeps her off her feet and rides off with her into the beautiful sunset. Dazed and overwhelmed with the beauty the land and sky could hold. All because of that one person, who made the sun shine through the darkest day. Waiting for him to make the world perfect and safe for her. Protecting her from all the evils and the pain. And from herself. Wrapping her in his love. Only wished for her.
"Be mine forever, querida,"
His voice was timid and shy. Almost reticent to his words. But there was an undercurrent of courage and confidence that added strength and sincerity to his promise. Love and faith in me. In us. It made the breath halt in my chest and my mind clear away the fog instantly. Rousing me from my desire. His words spoken so softly to me, that it instantly caused a lump of emotion to rise in my throat.
Slowly, I turned in his arms. Gazing up at him beneath my lashes. The firelight dancing and flaring across his face. Allowing me to see his dark eyes perfectly. Letting me see the swell of hope and love there. Waiting for me to find him through the mist. And I did. He was all there. Open and willing to allow me to see. The fear of his rejection. The trust in us. His faith in the future that lay before us together. His sure confidence and belief in me and our devotion. He laid himself bare for me to see it all. His eyes, a window to his soul.
He held nothing back.
I had felt and encouraged a slow sensual smile to grace my lips as I looked up at him. Basking in all he felt for me. Absently wondering if there was ever anyone else in history, to have ever felt the overwhelming emotion and torrent of unconditional love that was being passed between Jesse and myself, in that very moment. If there has ever in time, been two people who love one another, as Jesse and I feel together.
I liked to think there was.
My hand raised and laid across his flushed and warm cheek. An absent finger tracing through the scar in his eyebrow. Brushing over his cheek. Before guiding him until he was looking directly at me and causing the distance from my lips to his own, that much shorter. I sent back everything I could possible give him. Throwing and enforcing it with every breath I took. Telling him with my eyes and answering with my sure voice. Replying and laying his fears to rest. And so setting a course for the future, towards us.
"Yes,"
I had no chance to say anymore than that, before Jesse claimed my mouth as his, all over again. Sweeping me away as if it was for the first time. His kiss was gentle and loving. So tender, I quaked for more. Slowly, he guided me until I was laying stretched out across the floor. The heat of the fire warming one side of my body. But that was nothing compared to the fire I felt as Jesse gazed down at me; resting on his hands above me. His lips hovering over my own and smiling a delightful smirk. His eyes held such treasure and worship, I couldn't do anything, but surrender to his and my own need.
xXx
The glisten my engagement ring, caught from the sunlight had me pulling myself from the memory of that night. I was twisting it around on my finger, turning it this way and the next. A habit, I had instantly picked up. It wasn't large or extravagant. But it was perfect and just what I would of expected from Jesse. It looked so right, I had to pinch myself each time I looked down at it. Still trying to assimilate the belief I was going to get married. We hadn't set a date yet. But it went unspoken between us, of not leaving it too long. He wasn't going anyway again. But still, that hidden fear was always there.
And after going through one of the toughest, most heartbreaking scenarios a couple could experience; it was the right time. Neither wanted to wait. Getting married - even though it's only be a piece of paper and a ring - was the final step for us. And maybe in the future a family of our own. But right now, we just wanted to concentrate on us first. We're still young. We have plenty of time to think about children and everything that comes with it.
Besides, the practice is always fun.
Getting my mind out of the gutter and back to the present, I looked around our spotless kitchen. The food that didn't need to be prepared on serving, was all in the fridge, waiting. The beers Jesse had stocked up on, were piled in there too. The rest, including the wine and other beverages, were sitting in the shade, in a bucket fulls of ice and water. Keeping them all cold for the party goers. We had been trying to decide whether to just go for a house party in the evening, or to go the whole hog and have a barbecue first. Just to make it a good one. It didn't take much thought, so we went for the second option.
If its one thing we learned through all of this, it's that you may as well enjoy the time we do have together. As cliched as it sounded, it rang true each day.
I'd been differing around restless for the better part of the morning and into the afternoon. Everything was ready and waiting. Even though it was going to be a while before people started arriving. But the empty echoing house was making me nervous for an unknown reason. I knew the feeling wouldn't last forever, but it was unnerving in moments like this. I was craving for a distraction, other than twiddling my engagement ring and stacking then re-stacking the paper cups, (better to play it safe). I'd put the music on low, letting it fill some of the void, but I was still restless.
I was just about to go out to the backyard and soak up the sun for a while, when the doorbell rang. Interrupting the stubborn quietness and nervous energy I was harbouring inside me. I all but ran to the door, looking forward to some company. I knew it wasn't Jesse, for obvious reasons that he wouldn't ring the bell. And it was too early for the guests. But it was someone. It could have even been the postman, I didn't care. Just to see a friendly face was all I wanted. I let the click of my low heels carry down the hall. Following me as I swung open the door with a welcoming and eager smile on my face.
So it was with shock, that I came face to face with an equally smiling expression and disarming twinkling blue eyes. I nearly laughed at his own equally grinning smile at me. My eyes instantly carrying up the tall stranger in front of me. His hand holding a bouquet of flowers, that seemed to glow and shine as bright as his smile. His dishevelled brown hair gave him a roguish and slightly boyish look, that made my fingers itch to pat it down for him. He was good looking and he knew it.
I would of known who it was, even if I hadn't of seen photo's of him.
"Good afternoon, Ma'am," He drawled in a overly charming tone. "Is this the De Silva/Simon residence, by any chance." Although by the humorous look in his eyes, he knew he had it exactly right. Curious and feeling too light to knock him off his own pedestal, I played along.
"That's right kind, Sir," I innocently replied, letting my smile dissolve slightly, to stop myself from laughing too soon. "Would you care to step inside?"
"Well don't mind if I do," He nodded at me stepping through the door I held wide open for him. Coming to his full height before me. "Thank you. Am I assuming you are the Lady of the house, Ma'am?"
"Why yes, Sir," I said, feigning shock that he knew. "You would be correct."
"Well," He grinned, bowing to me. I fought to hold in my humor a little longer. "in that case, Ma'am; these are for you." And he handed over the bouquet of rich colours to me. Pleased with himself that he managed to surprise me slightly.
"Oh, my!" I exclaimed lightly. The laughter was rising closer and closer to the surface with each second the charade carried on. "They are most lovely kind, Sir," I took in a huge breath of their sweet scent. "That was most gracious of you." I met his twinkling blue eyes properly this time, and that was all I needed. I couldn't hold my laughter in any longer. The ridiculousness of the conversation and prim behaviour was just too much. And far too over done. But it was perfect and hilarious too.
We both let out large bouts of laughter at the same time. Our combined looks of amusement being our undoing, as we stood in the hallway of mine and Jesse's home. My sides hurting while tears ran down my cheeks freely. I was so glad I wore water-proof mascara that morning. I just knew I was going to end up crying for some reason or another. And I was beyond relieved it was due to laughing too hard.
The guy had charm and character oozing out of him. He was relaxed, calm and so in-tune to the atmosphere and people around him. Not that you would recognize it by looking at him on first glance. But I'd heard a lot about him from Jesse and there was no-way I was going to miss a beat with him. He was witty and sarcastic. Cheeky and mischievous. And I liked him already.
Once we managed to get a hold of ourselves and we calmed down a little, he held his hand out to me. "The name's Nate, darlin'," He grinned, shaking my hand firmly. "It's good to finally meet ya, Susannah."
"Suze is good," I replied, pulling my hand from his cool palm. "And it's nice to finally put a face to the name. And the stories." I laughed. Any other person would have cringed at being told some of the horror stories Jesse had dished to me, about Mr. Nate Brooks. But not him. He just grinned unashamedly and looked all smug. His personality was infectious and I'd only been around him a very limited time already.
"Come on through, Nate," I said, throwing the door closed and leading him down the hallway and into the sun lit kitchen. "And seriously, thank you for the flowers. But you really didn't have too." I threw a quick smile at him as I pulled out a vase from underneath the sink. Filling it up with water to place the flowers in temporarily.
"It was nothing. The 'least I could do for Jesse's gal," He nodded, brushing off the gracious remark and turning it into humor. I knew I was going to be accepting a lot of that over the next couple of days. Or duration of his stay. "Speakin' of," He broke off, looking around him as if expecting him to pop up out of nowhere. "Where is my good buddy?" He moved to sit at the breakfast bar, swinging himself up onto the stool effortlessly.
"Jesse's gone to get some more coal for the barbecue," I replied absently, placing the flowers on the other counter-top and away from danger. "Just in case it's needed. Can I get you a drink?" I asked, going to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of orange juice for myself. All that laughing had left me with a parched throat.
"Beer would be good, please," He smiled charmingly. I rolled my eyes at his boyish behaviour and pulled out a chilled bottle of beer for him. I picked up the bottle opener, already out ready and took them over to him. "Cheers, darlin'," Uncapping the bottle, he instantly lifted it to his lips and downed a good portion of the beverage in one go. Breaking away with a contented sigh. "Ah, that hits the spot." He chuckled.
"Just as well we have plenty more," I laughed lightly, leaning against the opposite counter lazily. "So," I began. "how was your trip down here?"
He waved off my question bored. "The usual," Then he turned his suddenly bright and intense blue eyes on me. "Come on then," He waved, beckoning me. "let's see this rock Jesse laid on ya," I narrowed my eyes at his simple way of putting our engagement. But as soon as my eyes found his own, I could see he genuinely was happy for us. It was just Nate's way of playing down a potentially awkward situation.
I walked over to him, holding out my left hand and the glistening ring for him to see. "You mean the perfect symbol of his love for me and our soon to be marriage, don't you?" I gushed, suddenly struck with a devilish imp on my shoulder. Something told me he wasn't the settling down type of guy. And would run a mile if marriage or even an engagement, happened to be brought up. So I played on it, oh so sweetly. "Isn't it beautiful," I cooed going all girly while he eyed it and me suspicously. "I was so shocked! But I can't wait to get married to Jesse! He's my Prince Charming!" I swooned, fighting not to laugh at Nate's horrified expression.
"Er," He looked really uncomfortable. "yeah. Each to their own and all that." He quickly replied, shifting in his seat and downing the better portion of his beer that was left. This time, I did outright laugh at him. Surprised he would take me seriously and that the mere thought of marriage, had him breaking out into a cold sweat.
Once I got over my outright mirth at him, I couldn't help but rubbing it in a little further.
"Did you seriously fall for all that?" I giggled, shaking my head at him in mock disgust. "I'm ashamed, Nate. I heard better things of you. I could put it down to the long travelling you did, I guess. Or even the beer you just downed. But I can't help but feel a little disappointed, that the great Nate Brooks got psyched by a girl." I sighed dejected. "What is the world coming too."
I looked back at his shocked face. Openly gawking at having had a stunt pulled on him, without him being in the loop. And at being trashed by someone, he had literally only just met. Before his face broke out into a wide grin and he laughed heartily along with me. Shaking his head at his own disgust for himself. His pride - surprisingly - seemed to have hardly got a dent.
"Well, I'll be!" He chuckled, winking at me. "Damn you're good! Not many people would've been able to pull that off. But you had me going for a minute there. Nicely done!" He stood up and extended his hand to me. "My respect for you has just gone through the roof. You and Jesse definitely deserve each other." He smiled, relaxed and calm again.
I took his hand shaking it in return. I knew I had just won a battle, most wouldn't of ever have been able to win. I couldn't stop the smug happiness I felt, at being accepted and respected from Nate. The need for acceptance of me - from any of Jesse's friends - never happened to me before. It was Jesse's opinion I wanted. His friends that didn't like me, could go stick their heads in a blazing fire for all I cared of their views of me. So it was surprising and shocking, to realize Nate's acceptance and blessing of me, meant so much.
"Thank you," I replied happily. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"Good," He smirked. "It was meant as one," Just like I expected, he looked around me to the fridge again, breaking the possibly tense air to come to us. "Now how about another? A hit to my ego like that, only has one cure; beer."
"Sure," I acquiesced, smiling. "You deserve it I guess." I retrieved the bottle and handed it over to him. Throwing my own empty bottle of juice in the recycling trash. I heard the hiss and clink of his bottle cap and was about to say something else; when I heard the front door handle jiggling in the hall. I turned to Nate, who paused with his bottle halfway to his mouth hearing the sound too. I saw something evil come to his eyes, that no doubt had something to do with Jesse. But I narrowed my stare at him in warning before he could even get up. He gave me the kicked puppy-dog look in return, that no doubt has had many woman dropping to their knees before him. But I was immune to that look.
Unless it was coming from Jesse that is.
I turned just in time to see the object of my desire come through the door. His hands holding another crate of beer and a plastic bag full on unknown items. Obviously leaving the coal in the car, he beamed at me as he pushed the door closed with his foot. I was helpless to stop my own delirious smile in return. Ignoring Nate's fake gagging from the breakfast bar at my smile. I'd get him back for that later. I knew a certain red headed intellectual, with a photographic memory, who could talk the pants off the most flexible and relaxed people. Oh yes, Nate Brooks wasn't getting off that easy.
"Sorry I took so long, querida," Jesse smiled as he made his way to me. "The queues were really long. But I picked up some mor - " He broke off as he came into the kitchen, catching sight of Nate happily chugging down his second beer. His cute smile, blossomed into full-blown pride as he took him in.
"Nate!" He exclaimed unnecessairly. "I'm glad you came," He set the crate of beer on the counter and dropped the plastic bag next to it. Going and meeting Nate's welcome. They did the usual, one armed man hug, clapping each other on the back before pulling away.
"'Course I came, buddy!" Nate grinned in return. "I wouldn't miss this shindig and offer of free beer, for anything," He laughed. I shook my head at their antics. Stepping back and out of their way, so they could have their manly moment. Jesse had told me what had happened in Iraq. Of how he got his injuries and his recovery in hospital.
But he'd also told me, of Nate's unwavering loyalty and trust when it came to fighting side by side, when he had been in the forces before. Jesse spoke so highly of him, it was hard not to see Nate in the same light. So I let them have their moment.
"And I finally met ya gal. No wonder you've been hiding her from me for so long," He continued, winking at me. Jesse stepped away from him and gave me a huge proud smile. Holding his arm open for me to step into the comfortable and rightful place and letting me join them. "She's practically my equal! Floored me before I was even in the house five minutes!" He smirked, watching Jesse's goofy smile as he gazed down at me. "And I see she's got ya whipped. Shame bud. I guess I'll have to live the bachelor life alone from now on." Not that he looked that upset about it.
"Hey, you can call it what you want," Jesse replied, unfazed by Nate's jibbing. "I'm happy. I don't need anymore than that." He leaned down and kissed me full on the lips. A lingering touch that had me clutching at his shirt and breathless when he pulled away. Unfortunately I was pulled back from my daze by Nate's rolling eyes and sickly noises at our affection.
"You just wait, Nate," I said knowingly. "You're going to meet someone one day, who you'll fall head over heels for too. Then it's bye-bye bachelor lifestyle. And you won't even know it's happened, until it's too late."
"Pft," He snorted, brushing off my claims. But I knew it got him more rattled than he was letting on. "Not if I can help, I won't." He chugged down some of his beer, while I gave Jesse a knowing look. He nodded back at me smiling. 'Got it in one,' his eyes silently said. "Now, where's that food, I'm starving!" I laughed at his sudden exclamation. He's such a guy.
"Why don't you both go try and work out how the grill works?" I suggested. We brought it new and especially for the party. Of course, being a man, Jesse had to have the latest gadgetry thing, while still keeping it rustic. Getting them to go out now, might actually mean food will be ready by the time most people have arrived and start getting hungry. Besides, it gets their macho quota of the day out of the way.
"And I'll put this new batch of beer in the fridge, so it's cold for you, Nate." The way he was steadily making his way through them now, I was beginning to wonder if Jesse should of got a little more, just for everyone else.
"Great idea!" Nate beamed, spotting an opening when he saw one. "You heard the little lady! Let's go, bud!" Scrambling off the stood, Nate grabbed his beer and made off for the french doors, leading out into the decking and yard. His steps light and carefree. Just like him. He made quick work of the doors and then he was suddenly gone. His loud cheers and whistling from outside, echoed back to Jesse and I, still standing in the kitchen and gazing after him.
"Well," I said quietly, breaking the strange silence. "he's everything you said he was. And more." I blinked away the odd scene I just watched and looked up at Jesse. Seeing the most content and soft smile to grace his face, making me melt just looking at him.
"Yeah," Jesse murmured, looking down at me and turning to wrap his arms around my back. "he's definitely something, all right. It's good to see you both get on so well, querida. It means a lot to me that you like him."
"Jesse, I wouldn't care if he was the Hunchback of Notre Damn!" I answered, wrapping my arms around his neck. "What matters to me, is that he's a good friend to you. Even if you hadn't of told me war stories of him, I would still openly accept him in our home, because it's important to you." I received a murmured 'thank you' across my lips, before he crushed them with his own again. Teasing and igniting my senses with his delicious taste and feel. Making me relax and lose myself in a dreamy world of Jesse. Just like he always managed to do.
I would of been swept up in it more, if it hadn't of been for Nate, knocking on the window from outside and effectively interrupting us.
"Put her down, Jesse!" Nate called, half laughing and half chastising. "You've got the rest of ya lives for that monkey business! Come and enjoy the freedom of your free life, while ya still can, buddy!" Then his smirking face disappeared and all we could hear, was the heavy breathing between us and Nate's loud chuckles from the yard.
I sighed, laying my head on Jesse's chest. "Do you want to kill him, or should I?" I teased. I felt Jesse's chuckles at my statement rumble through his chest. "Laugh all you want now, Jesse. But if he interrupts us another time when it really matters, you won't find it so funny then." I lifted my head seeing the impact of my words settle in his eyes. The look of horror to cross his face was all I needed.
"I'll talk to him," He replied instantly, pecking me on the lips again, before he let me go and made quick work of going after his mischievous friend.
Spotting something he forgot just as he was about to go out the french doors, I grabbed it and called out to him. "Jesse! You forgot something," And then I threw it at him, where he caught it deftly. Giving me an questioning look as he pulled it apart to see what it was. "I expect only me to have that right, mister." I smiled, watching the dawning light come to his face as he read the apron that read, 'Kiss The Chef'. He grinned, shooting me an intense and heated stare, before he disappeared out the doors.
Sighing once again, I turned and leaned up against the kitchen island. Looking down at my perfect engagement ring. More content than I had ever felt in my life.
xXx
The party had kicked off to a great start. After I left Jesse and Nate to try and manage the grill, I mixed between watching them and finishing what needed to be done as last minute tasks. But their loud voices echoed to me quite frequently while they were out there. Nate kept up the steady supply of beer going to him. Jesse joined him not long after. I knew he could handle his alcohol well. But I had a feeling Nate would be falling to the couch, rather than the spare room later that night. The guests had started coming and swarming us quicker than I expected. But they were all welcome and only added to the electric and buzzing atmosphere that was surrounding our house and backyard. Laughing, joking, jostling and just generally having a good time.
There were only a few tears shed, when my mother and a couple of Jesse's sisters' caught sight of my ring. We'd gone and seen them a couple of days after he proposed. But this was the first time any of them had seen the ring. And just like I expected of them, they 'ohhed' and 'ahhed' over it. Most of the men looked on with confused expressions. Trying to work out why woman got into such a girlish mess, when something like engagements and babies come into the conversation. I just shared a secret and private look with Jesse over it all.
Our one look passed between us, meant the most.
As for the barbecue, Jesse had valiantly tried to be the cook. He'd been quite looking forward to it actually. Being able to play host and everything. That was until my step-dad, Andy stepped in and took over. All but pushing him aside and telling him to relax and enjoy the party, that was mainly for him. He tried to protest of course, using the, 'but you're the guest', speech. But Andy had none of it and took over anyway. I think Jesse was kind of relieved, as he'd been trying to fight off other peoples claims of help too. He started to relax and enjoy the party after that.
As the afternoon slowly started to dwindle into dusk, the party didn't die down. The wine and beer had been flowing freely all afternoon. But as twilight started to set in, it slowed a little. The music was pumping through the house, raising everyones spirits even more. Some having the nerve and courage to get up and dance, while the garden candles we had lining the edge of the yard, as well as the small lanterns strung along the fences; all bounced off their happy and lightened eyes.
It was hard not to laugh and enjoy yourself. I wanted to be everywhere at once. Fleeting between all my friends and family. Catching quick kisses and hugs with Jesse as we made the rounds. Even managing to dance a couple of times together. It was pefect and all I could of wanted for him and for us. The endless congratulations that we received, had my head swimming. Although the wine probably didn't help. But I hadn't felt that relaxed and happy, in such a long time.
And the glances and looks I kept catching from Jesse, had my insides turning to jello. Making me shiver with his heated stare.
Nate - as I guessed he would be - was the life and soul of the party. Tag-teaming with Adam and causing all sorts of mischief and laughter. CeeCee got Adam to tame it down a little after a while, which only got Nate more riled up. Claiming him to be whipped too. Adam had no defence, much like Jesse had earlier and only succumbed to being jibed at by Nate. But Jesse's old friend was the last one laughing when he spotted Marta across the yard. Although she had been around the whole time, it wasn't until late that he clocked her.
I watched, intrigued and slightly shocked, as Marta firmly put Nate in his place and brushed off his try at flirting. He really was being his charming and jovial self. But Marta wasn't fooling for it. And he was pulling out his best tricks, too. Normally I would of expected Jesse to step in and warn him off. On the account of it being his sister. But he and I both knew, if anyone was going to deal Nate a heady blow, it was Marta. She could take care of herself and I think that was part of the pull, that dragged Nate to her. He truly was flummoxed by her apparent lack of interest.
I think he met his match, a lot sooner than I thought he would.
The party was still going strong, even long into the sparkling night. Some guests had left, while others ended up staying for the majority of the party. Enjoying the atmosphere too much to leave. I couldn't blame them.
The night hadn't robbed us of any of the days heat. There was just a balmy haze, with a cool breeze blowing through that was just right. People were mixing between the garden and the house. Wherever they saw fit. The candles and lanterns added a cosy setting for the people dancing together on the grass. While those that preferred the cool air, but to be away with some privacy, took to the kitchen or the decking. Which was where I was. Standing by the railing, overlooking my mother and step-father dancing in the moonlight. Both lost in each other.
Much like Jesse and myself.
I could feel his eyes watching me from the doorway, leading into the house. They burned into my back, making me flush with the heat and intensity I could feel from him. But I didn't turn to look. He already knew I felt him there. And he didn't lose anytime of joining me outside either. He came up behind me and let his hands slid up and over my hips to wrap around my front. Pulling me back up against him, so I was leaning on his solid chest. I purred with contentment, as his lips found my exposed neck. Trailing kisses along the smooth column of my throat and leading up and across my cheek. Stopping at the corner of my mouth, before his left me and his chin dropped to rest on my head.
"What are you thinking, querida?" He softly asked. His breath stirring my hair slightly.
I didn't answer him straight away, because I had no answer. I was more than happy to just stay here for the rest of the night, looking out over the place we called our own, watching others be caught up in the magick we'd woven through it. I had no fears presently pressing upon me. No hate, no concern, nothing devastasting. Just unbridled love for the man pressed up behind me.
"Nothing," I whispered back wistfully. Jesse needed no more prompting and only kissed me on top of my head. Taking in the scene of my mother and her husband, dancing in their own world, with me. It was beautiful to see and even more special, because we felt it too. "They look so happy," I commented absently. Melting into his arms a little more.
"Yes they do," He said, his eyes locked onto my parents. "That's us, Susannah. Just a different generation." Touched by his softly spoken and true to heart words, I turned in his arms, watching the candle light glimmer and flicker in his dark soulful eyes. I didn't need to look or hunt for anything in his dark depths, because it was all there for me to see anyway. He never held it back from me. If anything, it was powered and intensified each time.
Just as mine is for him.
"Thank you," I whispered to him. Watching his slightly confused expression at my sudden words.
"For what, querida?" I took a few seconds to try and think of all the things I could give reason for. But found there was too many to say. Too much that had already been seen, spoken and felt. I didn't know how to sum all that up into one answer worthy and deserving of him. So I smiled and gave the only answer I could in return.
"For everything," Although slightly shocked at the meaningful and deepest sincerity of my words, Jesse accepted them like he always did. And bestowed a kiss full of heavenly delight, untold promises, future beliefs and unconditional love. Coupled, with everything, that is purely Jesse...
A/N 2: Thank you again, for sticking by this and me. I really appreciated and loved reading everything you all had to say about it! Thank you, for reading. And one last time, please review :) Peace out, y'all!