Chapter Thirty-One

"Would you like to get out today?" Jasper asks as he comes home from work.

I've been on the couch all day. The girls have all checked on me at some point or another, but I'm doing pretty well on my own. It's been a week since I came home, and I've definitely got cabin fever. "I would love it." I toss my phone over to the table. "Mom texted and said she'd come and see me this afternoon, but she canceled five minutes before she was supposed to be here."

"I'm sorry." I lean down, kissing her on the forehead. "Favorite Friday is happening tonight."

"Oh yeah? I really enjoyed the one time I went previously. Do you think we can go?" she asks, her eyes shining brightly with excitement.

"As long as you don't do too much. I got Boone to make us a special parking spot so we don't have to walk far. Don't expect to be there a super long time, and when you start to look tired, we're coming home. Understand?"

She smirks, making a cross over her heart. "I promise. When you tell me to leave, we'll go. Do I get to get ready?"

"You mean exert yourself by doing hair and makeup? No, but I'll help you put on clothes that aren't pajamas."

"Well thank God for that." Her voice is deadpan, and I can't help but wrap her in my arms. I could have lost this.

"I'd do anything for you, but I won't let you tire yourself out before we go."

"Somehow that makes you even hotter, and also more annoying," she grumbles, scowling.

I chuckle, giving her a grin. "I don't even care that I'm annoying you. All I care about is the fact that you're here to get annoyed, Daisy Mae. I could've lost you and then I don't know what I would've done."

She steps closer. "I'm here, and I'm ready for it all with you Jasper. Even though you annoy the shit outta me. I wouldn't have it any other way."

* * *

"Thank you." She smiles over at Boone who's brought her a drink and a cookie from Get Baked. She's sitting on a bench in the center of the park in downtown Broken Falls. "I appreciate the special parking spot, and not having to get up for anything I want. Y'all are spoiling me."

"Let us do it." Barrett interrupts. "We were worried about you. Do you want a taco? Kara's selling your fave."

"Yes, if you wouldn't mind. With some queso and chips?" She wrinkles her nose cutely.

"Coming right up." I put my arm around her, pulling her in for a kiss, before Barrett and I head over to the taco truck. As we get in line, I notice we're right behind Daisy's dad.

He turns, looking me up and down. "Jasper. Is my daughter here?"

"She is, Sir. She's holding court. While she sits over there on the bench next to the fountain, everyone is getting her whatever her heart desires." I wave over at her, doing my best not to feel stressed because he's looking at me like he can see right through me.

"Good. I'm glad. She deserves that."

"That she does."

He grabs his food and points over to the side of the line. "I'm sure your friend can make sure she gets what she wants. Would you come over here for a second so we can have a conversation?"

This is what I've dreaded for a while, but I adore Daisy, and I'll do whatever her dad asks. "Sure."

"First of all, I didn't want to say this while we were waiting in the hospital, but I'm going to need you two to renew your vows, so that I can walk her down the aisle. Second, you never asked for her hand in marriage, so I'm going to expect you to do that." He raises an eyebrow.

I clear my throat, sighing heavily. "She's a woman who can make up her own mind, but I'll indulge you slightly."

"No need, you passed the test. I wanted to make sure you know she's her own woman, that you won't try to force her to be someone she's not. Her mom has done that to her, her entire life."

"No, Sir. I care about her deeply. All I want is to make her happy." Those are the truest words I've ever spoken when it comes to mine and Daisy's relationship.

"Got the tacos." Barrett holds up his bounty.

"Want to come with us?" I ask her dad. "I'm sure she'd love to see you." He follows us as we cross the street. "Here you go." I hand her the tacos that Barrett gives me. "Your order, my love." I drop a kiss on her forehead, but she surprises me by tilting her head up, our lips connecting.

We haven't been able to stop touching and kissing since she came home.

Alexis whistles. "You two kissed on the kissing bench. You know what that means, right?"

The two of us look at one another. I'm the first one to speak. "What the fuck is the kissing bench?"

"What Daisy's sitting on. There's an old wives tale that says if you kiss someone on the bench, they're your forever love." She grins over at us.

Daisy and I look at one another, and while we don't say anything out loud, we have an entire conversation without having to say a word. Her lips tilt to the side, and I know right then that everything will work out for us. No matter what stands in our way. This version of the Hamiltons will make it through.