Chapter 19

NINETEEN

JASPER

Nervous energy was a peculiar thing. When excitement and dread swirled in my gut, and I didn't know if I was going to vomit or not, it made for a strange feeling. I wiped my palms on my jeans and then removed the small teddy bear I'd wedged under my arm.

Their plane had just landed and was taxiing into position.

When they'd arrived at O'Hare and checked in, Austin had finally called me. A scary calm was in his voice as he'd told me they'd seen Frankie, and his dad had dropped them off. Other than telling me they'd be fine, he said nothing else, but his controlled voice worried me. It meant I had no idea what to expect when he got off the plane.

It seemed like forever until passengers started to disembark. I was on my tiptoes, stretching to try to get my first glimpse of them both, and when I did, my heart tripped over itself and threatened to burst free.

Dressed casually in jeans and a light blue T-shirt, Austin's hair looked adorably disheveled and in need of a trim. One hand was clasped to a handle of a small case, which he wheeled behind him, and the other held tightly to a little boy with dark blond hair that fell shaggily over his ears. The boy seemed to be talking animatedly, surprising me and inflating my chest with hope. Every second or third step, he made a big jump, Austin laughing and helping him with the flight over what appeared to be markings on the tarmac.

Both smiled. The laughter I could see and wished I could hear sent a shot of emotion through me.

Just maybe this would all work out. I knew it had to, and it would, really. There was no alternative. But honestly, what I'd expected was a boy wrapped up in so much grief he wouldn't know how to interact. I'd never been happier to have called it so very wrong.

As they stepped through the doors to the terminal, I wondered whether Tyler had been told about his mom yet, and if so, would he understand. Either way, we'd ensure he had the support he needed.

When Austin's brown gaze hit mine, I didn't hold back. I took the few steps needed to walk up and wrap him into my arms. I placed the briefest of kisses on his lips, continuing to hug him, whispering, "I'm so happy you're home."

He'd released the bag and gave me a one-armed hug. "Me too."

Reluctantly, I stepped away, turning my attention to the little boy, who stood with his eyes open wide, looking at my face, then at the bear. I crouched down. "Hey, Tyler, I'm Jasper. Pleased to meet you." I reached out my hand and grinned when he first glanced at Austin, who gave him a nod, before he stuck his hand out and clasped mine.

"Peased to meet you, sir."

My heart melted instantly. "Thank you, Tyler. You can call me Jasper, though, okay?" He nodded a little shyly, his hand still firmly gripping his uncle's. "Do you think you can take care of my friend here while I help Uncle Austin with the bags?" I held the bear out.

He appeared to mull it over, his eyes scrunching up just so. "I's will." A big head bob followed, and I passed it to him before standing.

"Bags, then home?" I asked Austin.

A content sigh brushed past his lips. "That's sounds so good."

I took the wheelie bag from him so I could hold his hand. Not touching him was too difficult. But he didn't seem to mind, especially as he leaned into me a little.

Bags collected and toilet break covered, we headed to my car and strapped Tyler securely in the car seat I'd bought after Davis had told me which one to get.

Thirty minutes in, Tyler came out of his shell a little more as I started a game of I Spy, using colors. Another thirty minutes passed by, and the kid was out cold. Head angled weirdly, mouth open a little, he looked adorable.

Austin whispered, "I remember Frankie sleeping just like that."

I chuckled lightly as I flicked another glance through the rearview mirror at the sleeping boy. I didn't expect it would always be this easy, but for the time being, I was sure we'd happily accept any break we could get.

We reached Austin's, and I pulled up outside, stopped the engine, unclipped my belt, and angled toward him. "I plan to stay tonight. Is that okay?" While I didn't expect him to say no, I needed to be sure, just like I needed to do what was right for Tyler too.

Warm eyes peered back at me, and the sound of him unclipping his own belt reached my ears. "I wouldn't want you anywhere else. I've been dreaming about being back in bed with you." His voice was low, his breath sweeping across my lips as he angled closer.

"I've pretty much taken over your house," I admitted with a smile. "If you'd kicked me out, I would have dragged my feet packing up, so it's a good thing."

A quiet chuckle escaped his lips that were now almost touching mine.

"Best if all your stuff stays put then."

He didn't give me the chance to respond. With his lips capturing mine, his words melted away. Too consumed by the touch of his tongue, the heat of his mouth, and the taste of him to do more than give in to the sensation, I matched his ferocity.

Movement behind us had us startling apart, our breaths heavy, his pupils dilated.

"Later," he promised before looking over at Tyler, who was stirring awake.

"I'll grab the bags while you prepare Tyler for Penny," I offered.

"Penny." The sleepy gasp from Tyler echoed around the car, and I grinned at the boy before exiting and leaving Austin to it.

"Did he finally settle okay?" I asked. Austin had been gone for close to two hours, trying to ease Tyler into his new space. I could only imagine how confused he was, and while he seemed to be handling it all like a champ, it wasn't realistic for us to think it was the norm.

"Yes, I think so." Austin sat next to me, an exhausted sigh spilling from him.

"Where's Penny?"

"Sleeping at the end of Tyler's bed," he admitted, sending me a tired smile. "It was the only thing I could do to settle him."

"I get it. It's what I did when you were away."

Austin smiled and snuggled into my side, pressing a kiss to my neck. "She seems just as taken with him, and I suppose he feels safe or something with her there."

I nodded. It made good sense. "And you took him to our room and to the bathroom, showed him the way?"

When a soft smile fluttered across the lips, I wondered why, but then he said, "Yes. I also put the night lights on in the hallway and bathroom and set up that stool thing. Thanks for those, by the way."

"All good." I shrugged. "Honestly, it's all Davis's doing. He guided me through the essentials." When I'd caught up with him and explained the situation, he'd dropped everything to go with me to the store. "We owe him and Scott dinner or something."

"That," he said, "we can definitely do." A yawn followed his words. "Is it bad that it's only eight and I'm craving bed?"

I shook my head. "Nope. We can totally have an early night. I've got a busy day tomorrow."

He nodded, a sliver of guilt crossing over his face.

"What's that look for?" I asked.

"I know you said it's not been a nightmare at work, but I'm sure you've been holding back."

Amusement made me chuckle. "It's been different without you there, but honestly, even though Donnie the Dick hasn't messed up too badly, Barb's been keeping everything running."

"She's tenacious, huh?"

"Just a little," I said with a smile. "But honestly, don't sweat it. Being off from school when it's unplanned is never ideal, but it's just life, right?"

He nodded his agreement. "I've been managing to work online and deal with some things remotely, which is something."

"It is, and nothing you should be worrying about right now. Come on." I stood and held out my hand for him. "Bed."

"Shower first?"

"Only if I get to wash you down." I quirked my brow along with my offer, and it seemed that was all that was needed to renew his energy and have me being dragged upstairs.

Before we stepped into the room, we derailed to pop our head around Tyler's door. Penny lifted her head toward us, huffed, and then snuggled back down. Tyler was sprawled and sleeping soundly.

"He's a resilient kid," I said as we entered our room.

"He's incredible." Austin nodded. "But I want to talk about you right now," he said, standing before me and tugging my T-shirt over my head.

"You do, huh?"

"Definitely," he said, his gaze traveling to my naked chest. He leaned forward and dipped, capturing one of my nipples while palming my cock. When he pulled his mouth away, I grumbled a little, earning me a squeeze. "You know, you keep referring to this place as ours, your home."

With his hand on my covered cock, it was impossible to do more than whimper. I heard his words, knew what he was saying, but beyond the pleasure blooming in my stomach and the need to spill my load, I had no time to question or hesitate.

"Whenever you're ready, I'd really like to make that more official and permanent, okay?" His hand slipped inside my now open jeans. So lost in his touch, I hadn't realized he'd unzipped me. When I remained quiet, his hand stilled. My moan was needy, and I jerked my hips, encouraging him to move. "Okay?" he repeated.

This time, my eyes found his. Despite the heat and desire sizzling the air between us and my rock-hard cock in his hand, his gaze was steady and serious. With a shaky hand from the desire pulsing through me, I reached out and cupped his cheek. "Thank you. As soon as I'm ready, I'll be here. Permanently," I added.

I gained his mouth but lost it a second later as he tore off his shirt and grumbled at me to hurry. With a snort and a laugh, I stripped and switched on the shower, grabbing the lube from the drawer before I stepped inside.

While I didn't know when I'd officially call Austin's place my home for real, I knew it wasn't too far in the future, but for now, life needed to settle with Tyler and then Frankie.

Everything was changing so quickly, and I needed to make sure I didn't complicate that with how life was unfolding. But in the meantime, I stepped under the spray and proceeded to show Austin just how much I had missed him.

Once the shower had run cool, we collapsed into bed. The bedside lamp was still on as we lay wrapped around each other, enjoying the stillness and being with one another.

"You really okay?" I whispered, not really wanting to disrupt the calm but not quite trusting Austin was as all right as he'd said he was.

He was quiet for a beat, indicating something more was on his mind. I turned to my side and angled my arm, resting my head on my palm, giving him my full attention.

"You can talk to me about anything. I can just listen or can give you more if you need or want me to. Either way, if you want to talk, I'm here."

Angling his head, he turned his attention fully on me. I swallowed hard at the sadness I wasn't expecting to see there. But I couldn't force his words.

"I know I can. Thank you." He closed his eyes for a few beats and seemed to be working on steadying his breathing. Meanwhile, I froze. Worry gnawed at me. When he opened his lids, his attention on me remained. "As soon as we're able, I want us to look into fostering."

Surprise slammed into me. I sat up quickly. While I'd had no idea what was on his mind, this was nowhere near what I'd suspected. Silently, I looked at him as he eased up to a sitting position.

"Tyler was only in the system for a week…." He trailed off and shook his head. After a breath, he continued, "It wasn't like the place was squalid, but the need to get him out of there…" He shook his head. "I've never felt anything like it before."

My gaze softened, and I reached out to him. "Social Services have stringent checks in place," I offered, but I'd read enough news to know how many carers slipped through the net.

"I know, but what about those who are great at the game, the lie?" Distaste flooded his features. "I've known enough parents over the years who lie through their teeth and shouldn't be parents, and they're supposed to love their kids. Robin's told me horror stories. Throw a foster parent in the mix who isn't in it for all the right reasons, and I just can't live with myself knowing I could do better, giving a child, or even children, a chance."

He was intense and focused, the absolute certainty bleeding through his penetrating gaze and his words. My beating heart ached for this man and all of the love he was capable of.

"I know it's a lot, and this is so sudden, but I—"

"It's okay," I said, cutting him off and trying to lessen his worry. I pressed a kiss to his forehead and placed my hand on his bare chest, over his heart. "I'm not saying no. That you have so much compassion inside you, feel so much is beautiful, and I love you the more for it."

"You do?" His words were followed by a deep exhale, and his gaze cleared a little.

"I really do." My lips curved upward. "I'm not saying we can do anything about it this year"—he nodded at that, settling some of my own anxiety churning in my stomach—"but as soon as we're both ready, we'll consider it, and when we have all of the information, we can start looking into giving a loving home to those kids who really need it." By the time I finished speaking, a bubble of nervous excitement pushed the churning away, taking its place.

Fostering wasn't anything I'd considered. Having never been in a serious relationship before, let alone the forever kind, which I knew soul deep this was, it had never registered. But now, we had a future and possibility.

There was so much to think over, but already, in my heart, I was sure this was the right direction for the two of us.

It was the last day of the school year, and as I packed up, I hesitated, wondering if I was a fool. I'd been offered the job at Bornford the day after my interview. And I'd declined the offer. I cringed at the thought, not sure if following my heart was the smart move, and I ignored the irony of the statement.

When Austin had asked about the job, I hadn't outright lied, but my bland "It didn't work out" wasn't quite the whole truth. With everything going on with Frankie, then him coming home with Tyler, everything inside me had screamed not to leave.

For better or worse, I was committed and in this for the long haul. Venturing away had made me uncomfortable.

But the boxes of my room were packed up, and it looked like I was officially unemployed.

I swallowed hard, breathing through my unease, which truly wasn't as bad as it could have been. And despite my concern of being foolish, knowing I wasn't moving away settled something in my heart.

Lizzie popped her head around the corner. "Bar in twenty?" she asked.

Smiling over at her, I nodded. "Yes. I'm pretty much done here."

"See you in a few then," she said as she ducked on out.

Most of the staff were meeting in a bar for end of year drinks. I hadn't planned on going, but Lizzie had corralled me into attending, stating she at least wanted to buy me a drink on my last day. The thought had made me sad but didn't prevent me from finally agreeing to spend some time with her and the rest of the staff, a few of whom I now saw as friends.

My phone buzzed with a text. I pulled it out of my pocket and smiled instinctively.

Austin: Just getting Tyler in the car, and then Billy's driving me in. He's going to head to the park with Tyler for a while and wear him out before heading back home.

Me: See you soon. X

Austin had been in and out of the school whenever he could since being home, while balancing his responsibilities for Tyler. He was incredible, seeming to handle everything like a pro. Not that he didn't get stressed and admit to me in the darkness of night when in bed just how unprepared he felt. I was happy that on this, I could reassure him.

Looking around the classroom once more, I shrugged, content with my lot. Something would turn up, and when it did, I'd appreciate the opportunity even more.

I lugged my boxes to my car and then headed to the bar in town. It was a small place and a couple of blocks off the main street, which made it less busy, so perfect for a bunch of high school teachers to let their hair down without too much interference.

Parking was easy to locate, and a short while later, I stepped inside the building, my eyes taking a moment to adjust to the dark interior. It was a bit like entering a time warp. But the place had a certain charm to it. It was easy to spot the faculty. Not only was the place small, but there was a decent crowd, and if I'd been blind, the rowdiness flowing from them already would have been enough for me to navigate my way in the right direction.

A relaxed smiled crossed my lips as soon as I was welcomed into the fold with a few loud cheers.

I laughed. "Did you all have shots waiting for me or something?"

Lizzie arched her brow at me. "Yup. Two each. Your turn."

I shook my head. "Not for me, thanks."

"But they're already there waiting." She indicated toward the bar top where there were two shots of clear liquid apparently with my name on them.

"I only planned for a couple of beers," I admitted. "I'm not that big of a drinker."

Her gaze was intent as she looked me over, and relief settled in me when she didn't challenge or push it.

Truth was, I wasn't a big drinker at all. Even when I went clubbing, I got buzzed off the music and the energy rather than the alcohol—not that I didn't have my moments of one too many. Plus, the thought of having a foggy head with Tyler waking up through the night filled me with dread.

He was the best of kids. Cheeky, cute, kind, and funny. And his manners were better than those of some of the teenagers I taught. But nights were a struggle. Penny helped immensely with him settling and falling to sleep, but the night terrors and him waking, calling for his mom just about broke my heart every damn time.

Frankie FaceTimed him twice a day, Billy was amazing—not that I was surprised, as there was nothing that guy didn't excel at—and Tyler happily accepted comfort from both Austin and me, but that didn't mean the poor kid wasn't lost and confused.

And evidently in pain too.

Frankie was due next week, and it couldn't come soon enough. Having his dad, who he'd at least started forming a relationship with a few weeks earlier, would hopefully settle the boy even more.

"Beer then?" Lizzie's question pulled me away from my worry for Tyler.

"Yeah, that would be great. Thank you."

She smiled and turned her back so she could order my drink while I said hi to Paul, one of the science teachers I'd got to know.

Halfway through my beer and talking animatedly about Sense8 and our joint displeasure when they'd canceled the show, I paused and turned when I felt a warm hand on the small of my back. My smile lifted easily when my gaze landed on Austin. My eyes flicked to his, and a burst of pleasure fluttered around inside me when his gentle browns met mine.

"Hey," I said breathily.

He leaned in and pressed a small kiss to my lips before pulling back and saying, "Hey."

The pleasure turned into butterflies as I realized this was the first time everyone we, or rather, he worked with had seen us as a couple. It felt good to stake my claim.

"You need another drink?" He indicated toward my beer, and I shook my head.

"I'm good, thanks."

He nodded, saying, "I'll be back in a few."

I acknowledged him with a smile and turned my attention back to Paul. Amusement lit his features.

"What?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Austin's a really good guy and a good boss."

I agreed wholeheartedly, so I bobbed my head.

"And it's just nice to see him so happy," Paul said.

"Oh." Surprised he was bringing up something so personal about Austin, I wasn't sure how to respond. "Uh, thanks?" I gave him a crooked grin.

Paul chuckled. "No, thank you. I didn't really know his ex, but from what I've heard, he was an asshole."

My eyes widened in surprise, and I almost choked on my beer.

"But I've worked here for six years, and most of that time Austin seemed, I don't know, a bit uptight, maybe? I know he's got a lot on his plate at the moment," he said, which didn't surprise me as small-town school gossip had done its rounds, "but despite all of that, he's so much happier and more relaxed."

My own happiness bloomed in my chest at his words. That others, especially those who didn't know Austin too well personally, could see the change in him felt pretty damn good.

"And I was sorry to hear the job didn't pan out for you," Paul continued.

"Me too, but it's all good. Something will come up." I shrugged. Despite me mulling over my decision even when I'd packed up my classroom, I'd made the best decision I could, and I didn't plan to have any regrets.

Just as Austin reappeared by my side, his phone rang. He sighed but pulled it out of his pocket anyway. I'd known him to ignore a call or two since we'd been together, but that luxury was long gone. His brows dipped when he looked at the screen.

"Okay?" I asked.

He sighed. "Out of town number. I think it's Rude Dick."

I snorted. That was the first time I'd heard him use his brother's nickname for his ex. Oh shit. My laugh cut off. "Shit, I forgot to tell you," I said, just as he answered the call. I closed my mouth, watching him carefully.

"Hello." A frown. A sigh. "Why are you calling? "

Since I'd forgotten to tell him about Rude Dick rocking up, I wondered if Billy had maybe told him instead.

"No." Austin's response was clipped. A pause followed. "Is that right?" Austin's eyes then flicked to mine, an unreadable expression on his face. I worried at my bottom lip, wondering just how much his ex was shit-stirring. "Oh, you were worried?"

With his face still indecipherable, I huffed out a little breath, wishing we were somewhere quiet, and he was on loudspeaker.

"Just a towel?" Austin's eyes shot wide before his gaze dropped, roaming over me, and I was sure he was undressing me with his eyes. But the mention of a towel clarified the purpose of Rude Dick's call.

"Uh… I'm just going to go," Paul said quietly next to me. I gave him a weak smile and watched him go before returning my focus on Austin. Since his eye fuck, I was no longer feeling quite so worried.

"There's a lot to be said about being young, fit, and fuckable."

I bit the insides of my cheeks to stop from laughing loudly. I glanced around a little, relieved to see we weren't standing in the center of the group, so I didn't think anyone could hear the one-sided conversation Austin was having .

"It's safe to say I give him all that he needs, so I wouldn't worry too much."

Both of my brows sprang high, and Austin mirrored my movement but proceeded to wag his up and down, a smirk forming. This time I laughed, mouthing, "You do" to him.

"Rude Dick, shit, sorry, Rupert"—I slapped a hand over my mouth at his slip, which I didn't think was quite an accident—"I can only imagine how difficult this call was for you, and truly I appreciate it, but I need to make something clear to you, Jasper is it, the one for me. I'm talking marriage and kids and the whole happily ever after. We also trust each other implicitly. My advice is to lose this number. If not, I'll follow up with Billy's recommendation and file a restraining order against you. Just to remind you, we still have the photographs you took." He paused, then said, "Fortunately, the south building camera did pick up the details of your make and model of car. Sorry, did I not tell you that? Hello? Hello?"

Austin looked at the phone, then at me. "His signal must have dropped out," he sassed.

My mind was fixed on the last thing he'd said, though. "You never told me about the video," I said, surprised.

"You never told me about the raucous affair you're having with Billy," he quipped .

"Ha ha" was the only response I could muster. I did manage an eye roll, however. "Is there really a video?"

He grinned. "Nope, but Rupert hanging up is pretty damning, right?"

I scoffed, amused. "Just a little." I threaded a finger through one of his belt loops. "So Billy remembered to tell you about your ex showing up then?"

He bobbed his head.

"Sorry, I completely forgot. Everything was just manic—"

He clasped my forearm and tugged me close, effectively cutting me off. "Zero apologies and explanations needed. I didn't need to ask anything, as I meant what I said. I trust you."

There went my heart, galloping wildly in my chest.

And then he went and did it again.

"I've never had a moment's doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life."

He couldn't keep doing this, or at least not when we were in public. Sweeping me off my damn feet with quotes from Ian McEwan was the surefire way of making sure I was his forever. Plus, it made me hard as hell. "Is it too early to leave?" I asked, my voice thick with desire.

"We have the rest of our lives, right?"

I sighed into him and the small kiss, not able to press into him as much as I wanted, considering we had an audience.

"We do," I finally said, pulling away. "And when Tanner has finished the build, I think we should get started on this brilliant plan of yours."

As he tilted his head, his brows dipped a little. "I have many incredible plans. Any one in particular you're talking about?" By the end of his question, awareness filtered into his gaze, his hold on me a little firmer.

"That whole moving in, marriage and kids thing."

He stepped into my space, and I caught my breath at the intensity in his gaze. "So, in what, six months or so, we can make all that start happening?" Austin's voice was low and raspy.

I simply nodded. Not quite sure I could manage words.

"I think it's not too early to head home now."

I snickered as I nodded and pulled away from him just enough to say goodbye to everyone.

Work would sort itself out. Something would turn up. I was sure of it. I'd figure things out in the meantime. But in the here and now, life was pretty damn perfect, and together with the man who was all but dragging me to my car, I knew that time for thinking it over was finally finished.

He was it.

He was my everything.

When I introduced Jasper in Becoming Us (#3) , his voice was so loud and clear, and I just knew he needed his own story. Next check out Always For You (#5 ) , a short story featuring Ted and Jason… plus a little of Billy too!

What's more is Billy has his own story! Cue happy dance. Check out It's Not You (#6) , and so does Ian in Our First & Last (#7) .

If you're looking for more heat and sweetness, check out Not Used to Cute . I think you'll love Elijah and Sebastian.