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Chapter 26
The date- Part two
Tris' POV
This date has been everything and so much more. I admit I was thankful for the distraction of the kids when I first saw Tobias at the door. I'm truly glad that not everything has changed over the years. Like how Tobias' ass looks in blue jeans, delicious and firm. Again I'm glad many things haven't changed, like his muscular chest and strong arms, they too have stayed well formed and delicious. I wasn't surprised when he had on a gray and black flannel shirt. He always had a thing for them. I'm sure that too has stayed the same. Seeing he is the only man I have ever known to pull it off so well.
Although the night was almost ruined when Christina whispered in my ear to remind me to keep my legs closed. That I already have enough that I can handle with Emily and I don't need another love child to raise on my own. Damn that girl needs to shut her mouth sometimes. It took everything I had in me not to lash out at her and instead walk out with Tobias and try to keep calm.
When we were teenagers, I always dreamed what dating Tobias out in public would really be like. To not care who saw us together, to hold hands and talk freely like we are now. I didn't expect him to of course go out of his way and rent a car for us, honestly I would have been more than happy to drive us both. Of course now as I drink not my second, not my third, but my fourth pina colada…. I probably would have had to order an uber home, unless Tobias would have driven us both home.
"Wanna get out of here?" Tobias asks, as the band begins to pack up for the night. I nod my head, not trusting my mouth at all right now. He stands, obviously the beers that he drank had no effect on him as he counts and places down a few fifties. He reaches out for my hand and helps me to my feet. Once I'm steady, he places his right hand on my lower back, which I love, guiding me forward out of the restaurant.
"I thought tonight would be a great night for a walk." He says, gesturing towards the beach. The moon is full and bright. The stars are out in full force, helping light the way. I raise my hand to his shoulder, steading myself as I wordlessly raise one leg at a time, removing my heels. There is no way I can walk in sand in these and having Tobias carry me right now is not an option. Although given any other time that I'm sober, I wouldn't mind being picked up or hell, even thrown over his shoulders again. But with my luck, I would throw up on him. I hold up my shoes to show him that I'm in and ready. "Is that a yes?" He asks, laughing at the gesture.
"Yup," I say, nodding my head a little. Although how far I'll get… I'm not sure yet.
"Alright then." He holds his right hand out for me to take, which I happily do.
"What a night? I forgot how gorgeous it could be out here." Tobias begins, straining his neck back to look up into the sky. "You don't see anything like this in New York, that's for sure." I feel a sudden bang in my chest at the mention of him in another town. "So I'm going to start making the arrangements to move here permanently." He continues, when he doesn't hear a word from me. "I was thinking about getting a place close to you and Emily. So I can be just a phone call away."
My silence, as we walk, is louder than ever. I stare at the sand, watching my feet sink into it with every step. I want to believe him, I do, but the guilt of him giving up everything in New York just to do the right thing, kills me.
"Tris, what is it?" Tobias asks, letting my hand go to grab a hold of my upper arm to hold me in place. I look everywhere, anywhere…. The water, the waves, the sand around us. Anywhere but him. "Tell me, please." He continues, "Tris, if this is going to work between us and I mean giving this a real shot at us being a family… We need to talk. We need to be open and honest with each other. It sucks, I know. And I know I hurt you and gave you reason after reason not to trust me… But… I place my hand on his lips, forcing him to pause on his ranting.
I close my eyes, knowing damn well he is right about one thing. I need to give this a real shot if I want this to work. I do. And not just for Emily's sake, but also for my own. I love him. I know that. I never stopped loving him.
"Tobias," I begin, hating how defeated my voice sounds. "I just hate the thought of everything that you would be giving up. Everything you have worked so hard for in New York to build. LIke we are this burden that you are forced to deal with and leave everything behind out of some obligation," I finish saying. I see the hurt in his eyes as my words leave my mouth. Maybe this walk was a bad idea. Me, too many Pina coladas and the beach… Suddenly not a good mix.
"Tris." Tobias mutters, removing my hand from his very delicious looking lips. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you. I love you and I love Emily. I was completely smitten with her the moment I saw her. The only reason, the only thing that would ever keep me away from you was because of Marcus. To protect you. Had I known about Emily… I would have never left. Or maybe I would have disappeared with you or something. Been there for you, protected you better." He looks down at me with passion in his eyes. "And as for my life in New York… it isn't really a life. It's a condo that I partially furnished. Just a bed and a sofa and a bar stool at the kitchen island. I have lockers for furniture." He jokes. "I would never call that place home, Tris, you are my home. You and Emily. I want to see this through, to be a family. But understand this Tris Prior… Whether you and I work out… I want to be in Emily's life. I want to be her father and do father and daughter things. I want to threaten her first boyfriend with a rifle because no one will ever be good enough for our girl. I want to be in her life. But I want you, Tris. I always have. There has never been another and there never will be another. You are it for me, whether you like it or not. One day I want to make you my wife and maybe just maybe we can have more kids in the future." He says, bending over slightly, enough to rest his forehead against mine. It's then when I feel our heads connected together that I let out a true breath of relief, believing every word he just said.
"Tobias, I'm so scared," I admit.
"Isn't that what this love thing is supposed to be about? Taking chances even when we fear the outcome." He says, his eyes closed tightly as if praying.
"I love you so much." I whisper to him with tears escaping my eyes. He slowly reaches up, wiping the tears away.
"I love you too, Tris. Forever." He says, leaning further into me and gently touching my lips with his.
A/N
Come on… Thoughts… Concerns…. Finally they are on the same page.
Revised by: FDFobsessed
Like always, happy reading, be safe and stay healthy
Trini
