Here we are at the end of my little story. I hope you all enjoyed it. It's funny, as I had planned for it to be longer and to throw in some more angst, but it just didn't feel true to the characters and how I think they'd really deal with each other after what happened at the wedding. So this will be the last chapter. Thanks so much to those of you that took the time to comment. It means a lot and it definitely spurred me on to keep writing. So thanks for reading and please let me know if you like the conclusion of this story!
Jackson swallowed when he heard the edge in Aprils' voice. He turned slowly, dreading the onslaught that he knew was coming. And as their eyes finally met, all he could think to say was "Hi."
"Hi?!," April replied sarcastically. "Is that all you've got for me, Jackson. Are you all out of words now?"
"April…," Jackson interrupted, raising his hands in a gesture for her to calm down, which of course only infuriated April more. He continued in the most soothing tone he could, "I get it. You're pissed. And I'm sorry I've upset you…"
"You're sorry you've upset me? Yeah, Jackson, I wouldn't call this upset. Pissed maybe. Or how about infuriated? I don't know exactly, but it's definitely a lot more than upset," April said through clenched teeth.
"I'm not sure what I can say right now to make it better…" Jackson said, his voice trailing off as he watched April continue to spiral.
She paced back and forth down the makeshift aisle of the barn and it became evident that she wasn't going to make any effort to hold back her anger. Still in her gown and clenching her fists at her side, she definitely looked the part of deranged bridezilla. Of course, she wasn't some nutcase who was mad that a bridesmaid wore the wrong shade of nail polish. No, she had plenty of justification for her anger and Jackson knew it. That's why he was determined to just listen and take it.
April ranted, "How about saying you're sorry for ruining my wedding? Or maybe for ruining my life? Or how about for rejecting me when I told you how I felt? Or telling me you love me in front of my fiancée? Or embarrassing your girlfriend? Or, or, or…" April had run out of things to rant about but still had plenty of rage inside her. And she was determined to channel all that rage toward Jackson so she continued, "… Or killing all those butterflies?"
"Wait, what?" Jackson asked, furrowing his brow. "I didn't kill any butterflies."
"Oh yes, you did," April yelled. She held up an accusatory finger as the tears started to fill her eyes. "They had to be released within the hour or they were going to die." The tears began to fall down Aprils' cheeks as she dropped into an ivory colored pile of taffeta and lace on the floor. "And they've been in their boxes for three hours now. You… you… butterfly killer!" And with that last insult, April buried her face in her hands and began to sob in earnest.
Jackson walked toward April, sinking down on his knees next to her. He tentatively placed one arm around her shoulder and when she didn't move away, he pulled her toward him and wrapped her up in his arms. He held her tight to his chest as she sobbed out all her pain and anger. He hated hearing her cry, especially knowing it was his fault. But he was also relieved that she was letting him in and letting him hold her again.
After a few minutes, April's crying slowly began to subside, becoming softer and softer until it stopped altogether. As she grew still, Jackson continued to hold her, stroking her hair and waiting for her to say something. She finally raised her face and her eyes locked on Jackson's. April bit her lip as their mouths were just inches apart. And then Jackson began to lean down toward her as April slowly lifted her face toward his. Just as their lips were about to touch, April pulled back. Jackson sighed as he dropped his head to her shoulder.
"Jackson, we can't do this. This is exactly what got us in trouble in the first place – all kissing and no talking," April said as she moved out of his arms and sat back away from him. She said primly, "So right now, we are just going to talk."
Jackson rubbed his head and then said with mock enthusiasm, "Okay, fine. Talking. I can talk. What do you want to talk about?"
April rolled her eyes. "I'm thinking we should probably talk about the wedding ceremony you ruined. How about we start with why you waited until today to tell me how you felt?"
Jackson sighed and then gave a little smile. Of course, April would have to know why. The woman couldn't just let something lie. It was one of her most maddening and endearing qualities. He looked at her apologetically as he said, "I'm not sure you're going to like my answer."
"It's okay. I just want the truth," April told him. "Don't you think it's time you and I started being a little more honest with each other?"
Jackson slowly nodded and then exhaled. "Okay, here goes," he began. "Remember last fall when we thought you might be pregnant?" April nodded as Jackson continued, "Well when I proposed, it wasn't just because of the pregnancy. I mean, I definitely proposed at that moment because we thought you might be, but I had already been thinking about you like that. I knew back then that I loved you and wanted us to be together."
A sad smile came over April's face, but she remained quiet.
Jackson continued, "But the test came back negative and you started thanking Jesus. So I decided I was done because I thought if you felt half as much for me as I felt for you, you never would've reacted that way."
April began to protest, "Jackson, I'm so sorry. You have to know that had nothing to do with how I felt about you. I was just so relieved…"
Jackson placed his finger against her lips as he said, "Sssshhh, it's okay. I kind of figured that out after you freaked out at me during the storm."
April raised her eyebrow, "So, why were you so mean to me when I told you how I felt?"
"I wasn't trying to be mean," Jackson explained. "I was just hurt and, I don't know, I guess I doubted that you really meant it."
April sighed. "And then I proved you right by going right back to Matthew."
Jackson nodded, "So I just told myself that Matthew was the guy for you and decided to move on. That was my plan."
April cocked her head. "I don't get it. What changed?"
"Well personally, I blame it all on Sloan. He told me once upon a time that if you love somebody, you tell them, even if you're scared it will cause problems or burn your life to the ground. Say it loud and go from there is what he said. And for some reason, I remembered that today. And then when you smiled at me, I knew I had to tell you."
April shook her head, smiling at Jackson. "So what about your doubts?," she asked.
Jackson shrugged. "I don't know, I didn't really think about them. I didn't think at all really. I just said what I felt and hoped that you felt the same way." He paused before he asked her again, "So, do you?"
April replied simply, "Yes, Jackson. I love you. I've always loved you."
Jackson's smile lit up his entire face as he gathered April into his arms. He pulled her tightly against him, picking her up so they were face to face. Then he looked in her eyes as he said softly, "Me and you, April. Always." And then he gave her the sweetest kiss of her life.