41. Jett

Chapter 41

Nashville - July

"Jett, how in the world did you manage to get the same room?" Wyla spins around in the hotel room we were in six years ago.

"Baby, you seriously think I would forget this hotel or the room number?" I tackle her on the bed. "I brought the love of my life to this room, that shit is permanently etched in my brain."

Wyla gives me that smile. "I love you."

"I love you too, baby." I roll on top, kissing her senselessly. It's been eight months since we moved back to Aster Creek and things have been insane but in the best way.

When we got back, we started looking for a bigger house, and let's just say, it took forever to get Stevie's stamp of approval .

We finally decided on a four-bedroom house in the same neighborhood as Anna's. That was definitely a perk because she'll just show up, steal Stevie for the night then bring her back when they're tired.

In January, we officially opened JWY gym, and Wyla decided to go back to the animal hospital part-time in February. She did try to help me at the gym for a little bit at first but let's just say, we spent a little too much time in my office.

In the spring, I helped host a preseason boot camp at the college out in Northshore that Adam, Will, and Callie flew in for. It was a fucking shock when the window opened up for trades after the World Series, Will and Adam were the first go through for the new season, sending them to play in Boston.

Trades can be an absolute shit show at times, but Adam being Adam he managed to get Callie the job as the new team photographer and still made sure he and Will could come help with this camp.

Wyla asked me if seeing them made me miss playing any, but my answer is always the same. I get to wake up next to Wy every morning and every night I get to help put Stevie to bed. I have zero regrets about retiring.

When Wyla asked for us to go back to Nashville for a weekend I knew it had to be this room. It's been six years since that night, and I cannot wait to actually wake up next to her this time—with her as my fiancée.

I've been carrying around this ring for months waiting for this weekend.

Wyla hooks one leg around my waist. I panic a little trying to remember which pocket I put the ring in.

"Why don't we skip the night out and stay here."

I brush some strands of her from her face. "I was really looking forward to a really nice glass of bourbon and Coke."

Wyla scoffs and tries to push me to the side, but I'm not moving. I thought I would do this tonight but I can't wait any longer.

"Wy, I—"

"Hey, Jett," Wyla cuts me off. "Let's get married."

I laugh, and reach in my back pocket for the ring box. "You know, Wy, that sounds like a great idea."

After a trip to the clerk's office, Wyla went shopping in the mall while I called around to a couple elopement chapels in Nashville. And what do you know, Whiskey Bell Chapel has a last minute opening.

When Wyla comes out of the bathroom in her white silk dress, it's a miracle we even make it here. We did discuss how we would handle our families on the way over and decided on having an actual reception at her parents' house, but this? This is for us.

"Wyla, in one night I knew you were it for me. I started my night out by wishing I wasn't there until you crashed into my life. All it took was one look at you, and I was enthralled. For every moment of that night I kept asking myself how can I keep this going? How can I spend another minute in her presence? How can I see that smile one more time?"

Tears pool in her eyes as she smiles that smile I love so damn much.

"Wyla, I never believed in soulmates, love at first sight, or even fate, but as you've said before I'm wrong about so many things. Wy, we had one night six years ago, but now I want all your nights, all of your days, every tear, every laugh, and every damn smile."

"Jett, for years, this picture of a perfect family was simply a fantasy to me. Finding you felt like a dream I could never attain. But then, you waltzed right into our daughter's birthday party, and suddenly I could see it again. I could see the family I'd always wanted. The man I want for a husband, for the father I want for our daughter. You bring me peace when I'm anxious. You make me smile when I'm sad. For years, you loved me enough for the both of us. Now, I want to spend every day giving you that love back."

With the exchange of rings, the officiant closes his book and smiles. "With the power vested in me, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You—"

That's all I need to hear. I cup Wyla's face and kiss her with everything in me. We've waited long enough. I want to kiss my wife.