11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Emily

As the weeks go by, things have been weird .

People still come into my shop, browsing through the aisles, but fewer people talk to me about my pregnancy and how horrible Jack is. The influx of customers who are actually into books smile at me.

Nathan has been treating me better, no longer ignoring me but turning into the doting brother I'm familiar with—checking in on me and the baby.

Jack has been here and there. I've practically moved into his apartment, and he hasn't been home all that much—in and out of the house, hiding something I can't figure out.

I haven't been out much, mostly to work then back home. Lily has been by my side when Jack or my mom isn't. We're on the couch and she's on her phone ignoring the movie she put on. I chuckle. "You got a boyfriend now?"

"No," she says blandly, sending a text before throwing her phone on the carpet. She watches the movie like that as if nothing happened.

It's like a shift happened, and I'm the only one unaware of it.

Later that night, I ask Jack what's going on, but he just kisses me good night saying, "Fixing things."

The days go by. The bump grows. Everything flows like a movie.

Jack comes home with a bag of the sweets I've been craving, laughing at the excited noise I make. He kisses my cheek repeatedly as I ruffle through the options. "Want to go to the park? Take a walk?"

"Sure," I say, chewing on a gummy worm. "Sounds like fun."

He kisses me once more before leaving me to finish my snacks. We slowly walk toward the park—bundled up and warm, thanks to Jack. It's a lovely day despite the cold, but Jack's hand is sweaty in my grip.

I frown, dragging my feet. How odd. "You okay?"

"All good, baby," his voice is so obviously nervous, shaky around the edges. It's so different from the Jack I know.

"You're sweating. It's winter."

"Um. Global warming is a serious issue."

"Your body is experiencing global warming?"

"Yes."

I frown at his half-hearted attempts to joke but drop the conversation. At least his humor is intact, whatever it is. Before I can even wonder what's happening, the park comes into view. So many people surround the area that I pause until Jack tugs me forward.

There must be an event or something because it seems like half the town is out there, waiting for something. "Oof. Big crowd today. Maybe we should turn around."

He smiles wickedly. "No. We're going."

"Jack, what's going on?"

"You'll see."

Once we come into view, everyone starts clapping and cheering. I see my mom, my brother, and Lily all there. I gape at them, stuttering as Jack leads me closer to the center. There's a huge board in the middle and a wrapped rectangle on an easel.

I hold onto Jack's arm. "What?"

He clears his throat, the nerves back on his brow. "I'm not good at speeches but Emily, you have been such a staple for this community. Your love for books has brought so much joy and learning to the people in this town. To some, it may just be books and it may just be another shop, but for many, you're one of the best things about this place."

I exhale shakily, trying to hold back tears. Jack squeezes my shoulder. "You always smile. You're always there to help and you understand people. The bookstore is everything. You've been keeping it afloat through your pocket. That's why, for the past few weeks, with the generosity of this town, we have raised $10,000 for the bookstore."

I gasp, sobbing when Nathan rips the wrapped rectangle to showcase a large check written to my name. People around me are cheering, saying something but I don't listen, I can't. I'm gripping Jack for dear life as he kisses my head.

"And, of course, for those who couldn't make it today, we left notes for you to show our appreciation." Lily chips in, pointing to the board that I now notice has sticky notes on them. Tons of words saying how much they love and appreciate what I do.

I cry, trying to process everything. When I calm down a little, I shake my head at the crowd. "Thank you. Thank you so much . I don't know what to say. This means everything to me. I don't know what I've done to receive this much love, but thank you. You're all amazing."

I spend the rest of the hour talking. How anyone managed to find the time to do this is insane, but somehow Jack did it. I'm still in disbelief. I'm dragged from conversation to conversation. It's a blur of chats, laughs, and tears with people I see often and those I haven't seen in a bit. It's the most fun I've had in a while.

When I scour the park, I feel loved, noticed, wanted. They're here for me . I feel eyes staring and when I turn, Jack simply smiles at me from across the park.

I nod once. Thank you .

He nods back. Always .

We're lying in bed later that night when I turn to face Jack.

I'm bewildered. Even as the day ends, I can't believe it.

He smiles and turns as well, our faces an inch apart. I just stare for a moment, wondering what part of my life led me into the arms of someone who's just for me. His hand tucks my hair behind my ears. "Did you like it?"

"I love it. I didn't know you were planning all of that. Why were you planning all of that?" I cup his cheek, thumb running below his eye.

"Because I love you."

Oh.

"I love you and I want what's best for you. I've put you through a lot. Being with me will always come with baggage, but you chose me anyway. That's more than I'll ever deserve. I'll never be able to convince everyone that I wouldn't hurt you, so I let everyone else show you how much they love you. You're special, Em."

"You're such a kiss-ass. I'm already your girlfriend." I jest, not to bawl, pulling him closer. He kisses me. "I love you, too."

It's Jack's turn to be teary-eyed and chuckle. He pulls me closer. "Good. Or else this would've been very awkward."

I shove his shoulder, laughing. "Shut up."

He grabs my hand and kisses my fingers. "I meant it. You don't have to worry about anything. That money's for you. For anything you want it for. Now, you don't have to worry about the store or how it'll fare for a while. Just focus on yourself and the baby, okay?"

"Okay." I love him. "Thank you."

Jack shakes his head. "No. Thank you . I'm better because of you."

"Damn right, you are," I whisper against his lips, pulling him into a searing kiss.

"Excuse me. Sorry."

I scoot sideways before landing in my seat with a sigh. Today is officially Jack's first day back on ice. Nathan, Lily, and my mom sit beside me, all decked in jerseys. The teams are already on the ice, warming up and doing drills. It's surreal to see, exciting.

"Ah," says a voice to my side. I look up to see a comforting face. "Ms. Thompson."

"Mr. Brown! It's so good to see you!"

"Looks like you've been getting busy!" He chuckles, taking a seat next to me. Looking out into the ice, he points to Jack's moving form. "Is that your boy? Is he all better now?"

"Yes. All good now. It's his first game back." My nerves are up to my neck. I know Jack is cleared to play, but it feels insane to be here for it.

"Well, give him my congratulations." He pats my knee softly. "You've been doing okay? Is he treating you right?"

I laugh softly. Mr. Brown is the sweetest person I know. "He's been treating me better than I could've ever thought was possible."

"I don't think that's possible, but that's what I like to hear. You deserve it." Mr. Brown nods, satisfied. He vaguely waves a hand around. "Now, I've never really been for the drama and all. I'm too old. But I have heard a lot these past few days. You're a smart lady, so I know you know what you're doing. I just want to know, is he the type of person I told you to go for?"

I remember. Don't fall for someone who doesn't appreciate what you're good at, okay?

He is. I've somehow always known that he is. My jaw clenches so I don't sob in public. I exhale shakily, nodding. My eyes are damp. "He's everything."

Mr. Brown seems to understand even with such a lackluster explanation. He rubs my back. "That's all I ever want, sweetheart. I'm happy for you."

"I'm happy too."

"I'm just saying, if he ever messes up, my son—"

"Mr. Brown!" I laugh, so does he. When it dies down, I smile softly at him, grateful. "Thank you."

He smiles back, nudging my shoulder. It's scary how life moves. Everything happens before you know it. If he hadn't shown up at the bookstore, I would've never had this. If I hadn't visited him, I would've never had this. If he hadn't invited me to dinner, I would've never had this.

If I hadn't fallen for his smile, his humor, his resilience, his responsibility, I would've never had this.

Not every person believes that Jack won't screw me over, even if a lot were swayed by the fundraiser. It doesn't matter, though, because he showed me he won't.

Love is stronger than the rumors. We are stronger than the rumors.

Being there for me, talking to my brother, showing me that he cares for what I do. All of that is more than what I could dream of. It's all I wanted: for someone to know me.

I watch him skate around the rink, briefly talking to someone with the name Crawford on his jersey. He looks so carefree, so happy. Jack looks alive on the ice. The passion in his eyes is palpable.

I can't pinpoint when I fell in love with Jack—somewhere between our visits and his quips, it happened—but seeing him this way makes me fall all over again.

He supports me, and now I'm supporting him. I wouldn't have it any other way. I cradle my belly, rubbing it as I watch him. That's your daddy , I whisper to our baby. He loves you so much.

Jack skates into the view of our section. His bright blue eyes flicker toward the crowd, searching. They brighten when they land on me. He waves his stick, and I wave back. I'm happy. He makes me happy.

I can't tear away from his gaze. His face is covered by the helmet, but I see it. I see the love and adoration, the relief of seeing me support him. The satisfaction of having me by his side. The referee interrupts our moment, whistle cutting through the air. I wave him away as he skates toward his team. Lily nudges my shoulder, gripping my hand as the players settle in place.

Jack's eyes find mine again—this time full of determination, his game face. He's going to win this, I know it. I love him and I mouth it. He mouths it back. It's louder than any noise in the stadium. There's a glimmer to his wink contrary to the steadiness of his position.

I roll my eyes playfully but blow a kiss, my heart full of a love that can't fit words or feelings. A small smile quirks the corner of his lips. The game is about to begin, and it's going to happen quickly. Just like everything. Just like us.

He nods once. Thank you .

I nod back. Always .