Chapter 8

Jared

All of my favorite memories as a gangly, gawky teenager have her in them. Hell, even the day that I told her about Cade's marriage, one of my secret wishes came true because I got to hold her. Seeing her now after showing her all I've done on a house I built with her in mind when I didn't even know whether or not she'd give me the time of day has me wondering what she's thinking.

Hell, I wonder if maybe I'm a little bit crazy myself because who does something like what I've done?

"Cass?" I cautiously ask. "What's on your mind?"

"You… you did all of this for me. What if I hadn't agreed to go out with you? What if I said no when you asked if we could date?"

"Then you would've said no," I reply. "But I would've kept asking, Cassidy. Because even though I wasn't sure of the reception I'd get when I asked to see you, I knew I'd keep pursuing you until you remembered what we had years ago. We built a solid friendship, sweetheart, and while I figured I'd have an uphill battle, I wasn't giving up."

"Ever?" she questions.

"Not ever," I confirm, finally stepping toward her and gathering her in my arms. "If you said you would run away with me and get married, I'd call one of my judge friends and have them perform the ceremony."

She starts giggling, her hands against my chest as she stares up at me. "Um, just saying, Mr. Knox, but as a little girl, I dreamed of someday getting married, so you're not getting off that easily."

"Good to know," I tease. "Are you ready to go grab something to eat?"

"Yeah," she replies, leaning up to kiss the underside of my chin.

Leaning down, I capture her lips with my own, slowly deepening the kiss until we're both breathless and I realize if we don't get out of here, I'll be taking her against the wall, since neither the main house nor the smaller one I built for her mom has any discernible furniture to speak of.

Taking her hand in mine, I make sure the tiny home is locked up before we make our way to the main house, where I again lock everything up then set the alarm. Once back in the truck, I grin at her because suddenly, the future is beyond bright.

"Where to now?"

"Now we go into town, get something to eat, and see if there's any space available for an office."

"Then punch it, Judy," she says, giggling.

"Only if you're ready, Freddy."

Cassidy

There are three different locations that would be perfect for Jared to set up shop, so after reaching out to the realtor, we spend the rest of the afternoon checking them out. My mind is still whirling with all he's shown me and told me, but the one consistent thing is he"s in love with me.

He didn't say the words, but he didn't have to say them and if I'm being totally honest with myself, it's way too soon. We're just starting out as an ‘us', and I want the chance to reestablish our friendship then let it grow even stronger.

"I know it's been a long day, but how do you feel about doing some fishing in the morning?" he asks as we pull into my driveway.

"Do you still have the boat?" I ask, my excitement growing.

"It's been upgraded but yeah, I have it," he replies.

"Then yes, please, I want to go fishing."

After helping me down, he walks me up to our small porch, a small smile playing on his lips. Mom has left the light on, and I can see the warm glow of the living room light shining through the closed curtains. I hope she's still awake because I have a lot to tell her, but if not, I'll write it all down in my journal. Plus, I need to tell Mags.

He kisses me, leaving me breathless yet wanting more once again then says, "I'll be here around six with donuts and caffeine, Cass."

"I'll be ready, Jared. Thank you for today. I totally enjoyed myself."

"I did as well. Go on in, honey, and lock up. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Jared."

"Night, sweetheart."

* * *

Once he pulls away, I shut down the house for the night, since I can tell Mom isn't up. After grabbing a bottle of water, I head into my room and close the door before I get ready for bed then set my alarm so I'm up early enough to get ready to spend the day with Jared.

It's funny to me that in the years we hung out while I was dating Cade, I never saw him as more than another best friend. Just like Mags, when shit hit the fan, he was by my side, protecting me from the worst of the bullies.

Estella was one of the mean girls back then, and from what I noted at the attorney's office a few days ago, she's only gotten worse with age. The only thing I can think of is she wanted Cade, but it doesn't bother me enough to investigate. If she ever chooses to enlighten me, maybe I'll listen. Granted, if Mags is home by then, she better hope that Mags doesn't wipe the floor with her snooty ass.

Giggling, I lean against the headboard and look around my childhood room. The only child of Wayne and Maureen Smith, I wasn't exactly spoiled, but my parents made sure they took care of all my needs, and quite a few of my wants. The canopy-style bed and matching furniture is solid, and I briefly wonder if at some point, this set will be in one of the rooms at Jared's new house.

Yes, I know he built it with me in mind, but the fact of the matter is, we've just started an us, so I don't want to get the cart in front of the horse.

He's kinda made his intentions clear, Cass,my mind whispers, causing me to giggle.

I so wish it wasn't as late as it is; I need to talk about all of this with Mags. She'll help me dissect every little nuance and phrase. As I slide back under my covers, I hear his voice in my head right before sleep claims me.

"If you said you would run away with me and get married, I'd call one of my judge friends and have them perform the ceremony."