20. Jordan

Jordan

I woke up in Jim's arms the next morning, feeling happier than I remembered feeling in a long time. Maybe ever. Lifting my head from his chest, I looked at his face. In sleep, his face looked almost boyish despite his goatee. I couldn't help the smile that split my face.

Suddenly Jim opened one eye.

"Tell me I'm the one who put that smile on your pretty face," he drawled sleepily.

"You know you did," I said smartly. "Don't go fishing for compliments."

Jim laughed, pulling me closer to him. "My life with you will never be dull, will it?"

It was the second time he talked like it was a foregone conclusion that we'd get married someday. I rested my chin on his chest so I could see his face.

"How can you be so sure? About us, I mean?"

He took my hand and placed it over his chest. Beneath my palm I could feel the steady thudding of his heart. "I just listen to my heart, baby. It's never steered me wrong before."

I stared at him for a good thirty seconds before the words that had been stuck in my throat for weeks made their way out, without any conscious thought.

"I love you, Jim."

His eyes widened and a look of wonder crossed his face. "You do? Really?"

"Yeah, really."

As I said it, I felt it not only in my heart but in my very soul. I was suddenly very sure that Jim Alvarez was the reason I came to Texas. I was meant to come here and find him, to find love with this sweet man.

"I love you too, Jordan. I've loved you since the minute I laid eyes on you. And I'll love you until I take my last breath."

Without warning he flipped us, so I was on my back and he was hovering over me.

"Don't press down too hard," I teased. "I have to pee."

He gave me a long, hard kiss that was over way too soon.

"How about you go to the bathroom, and I'll make us some breakfast?" he suggested. "Do you like pancakes and bacon?"

"You make recipes from Pinterest for dinner and pancakes for breakfast too? I'm going to have to keep you."

"I hope you will," he said, "because I plan to keep you."