Ch. 13: Big News for the Both of Us

Chapter Thirteen: Big News for the Both of Us

"This only seeing each other every few weeks is getting a bit old don't you think?" Avery says, sitting down in the chair across from me. She insisted on taking me out to dinner so we can catch up since our busy lives do not allow us much time to hang out anymore.

"I agree. I miss being able to talk to my best friend every day."

"How about I just move in? You and Jack never use that spare bedroom anyway!" She beams at me, obviously joking.

"Alright, pack up your stuff you can move in tonight." I smile back at her. 

"Ha, yeah okay." Avery takes a sip of her drink before continuing, "So, how have things been? How are Nate and Josie?"

"Things have been going alright. I mean, I'm extremely busy, but I've finally got a copy of my manuscript to my editor so that's a plus."

Avery squeals in typical Avery fashion. "Oh Addie that's so wonderful! You're just one step closer to having your book published! I'm so so proud of you."

"Thanks Ave, I can't believe I've come this far. Anyway, Nate and Josie are doing pretty good, too." I say answering her second question. "I know Josie is getting a bit anxious with her due date right around the corner. And my brother is definitely scared but everyone is being super supportive now and that really helps. I just want her to have the baby already! I'm so excited to be an Aunt!" 

Avery laughs, "Yeah I bet. Those two are going to make an adorable baby, too. Speaking of adorable babies, when are you and Jack going to add a little member to your family."

I choke on my drink and then start laughing. "Good Lord, Avery! That is not even on our radar right now. We're both just focusing on work and on each other."

"Ahh, focusing on each other." Avery says wiggling her eyebrows. 

"Girl, get your mind out of the gutter." I laugh as a warm summer breeze tugs at my hair. I inhale the fresh summer scent mixed with the saltiness from the ocean and realize how content I am right now. I really have missed spending time with my best friend. "Can we please not wait another month before we see each other. I need people to talk to other than Jack and my brother."

"Of course! I was just thinking the same thing."

We eat our lunch and discuss all the other things going on in our lives. Avery got offered a full time position at City Hall, moving up from her intern position. I'm still working for Sunset Valley Daily News but have been interviewing for positions at the high school as an English teacher. 

The sun is beginning to set as we walk to our cars after leaving the restaurant and Avery links her arm in mine, "Hey, will you meet me at the house. Lydia really misses you too so I told her I'd kidnap you for a while." 

I smile and squeeze her arm before breaking off towards my car, "Oh I guess I can squeeze in some time to see Lyd." I wink before sitting down in the drivers seat and pulling my door closed. 

------

The drive to Avery and Lydia's is fairly quick.I pull into their driveway just seconds after Avery but before I am able to shut off my car she is jumping up and down right outside my window smiling from ear to ear. I slowly open my door so I don't hit her and raise one eyebrow, "Uh, you alright there?" I say laughing slightly. 

"Yes! I'm great actually. Ok, you have to go inside and then follow the instructions."

"What? Avery, what in the world are you - "

"Just do it!" She says as she pushes me towards the door. 

I take one last confused look at her before I turn and walk inside their house. I'm instantly hit with the scent of roses. Every surface is covered with red roses. They are everywhere. On the floor, the tables, and even the walls. At first I just think that Lydia is doing something new for the floral shop but then I see a note on the bookshelf by the door. It says my name and it is in Jack's handwriting. 

I instantly get butterflies in my stomach and can't stop the smile that is slowly spreading across my lips. I don't know why but my hands start to shake as I pick up the piece of paper. Meet me in the backyard, Love Jack. I follow the instructions as Avery told me to and excitedly run towards the back door. Once I step outside I am overwhelmed by the amount of beauty that fills the backyard. 

As I scan the area for Jack I take in everything; there are lights strung up in the trees and in Lydia and Avery's pergola. It is absolutely stunning. Something in my peripheral vision catches my eye and I turn to see Jack coming from around the side of the house. I beam the instant I see him and his eyes light up the second they meet mine. 

He slowly approaches me looking the most shy I have ever seen him. He is also the most dressed up I have ever seen him. "Hey, you." He grins and it's like we're meeting for the first time again, five years ago in that coffee shop. My cheeks flush and the butterflies in my stomach reawaken. 

"Hey." It's all I can manage. 

"So, you're probably wondering what's up? Well, actually, you've probably already figured it out, huh?"

I giggle and shrug my shoulders. 

Jack smiles and then takes a deep breath. "Addie." He says my name quietly, almost whispering and then looks into my eyes. The browns and deep blues pull me in like they always do. There's nothing else in the world but the two of us. "I knew I loved you the moment I saw you in the coffee shop. You were adorably awkward but there was something about you. After we met that night you were the only thing I ever thought about, it sounds so crazy but it's true. You slowly became my best friend, and still, to this day you remain my absolute best friend. I can come to you with anything, knowing that you'll be there for me no matter what. And I hope you know I'm there for you in the same way. Addie, I want to spend every moment of my life with you, good or bad. 

He smiles an adorable lopsided grin as he drops my hands and reaches into his pocket. Getting down on one knee he pulls out a small box and opens it as he says, "Will you marry me, Addie?"

I don't even look at the ring, I mean I try but my eyes are blurry with tears, I just smile and say yes as I throw my arms around him. "I love you, Jack." And I mean it. I love him, down to the deepest parts of my soul. There is no place else I'd rather be. Standing in his arms I feel the happiest and safest I've ever felt. 

He pulls back a little and smiles before he kisses me. "I love you too." Then he laughs. "Thank God you said yes. I was ready to just drop everything and run, catch the next train out of here, and never show my sorry face again."

He's always joking, even in a moment like this, and I realize it's one of the things I love most about him. He can always make me laugh. "You shouldn't have been worried, you goof. Of course I was going to say yes." 

Moments later, when we are cuddled up on the couch together, my head in his lap, his hands playing with my hair, and enjoying our champagne, my phone rings, my mom's picture lights up the screen. I smile, happy that she's the first person I get to tell, although she probably already knows.

"I'll be right back!" I give Jack a kiss on the cheek before walking away and answering my phone. "Hey mom,I have some big news -"

She cuts me off, excitement filling her voice as she says, "Addie, Josie is having the baby!"

------

Jack and I are the only ones in the waiting room for hours. We pass the time talking, drinking coffee, and watching the cooking network. 

"Maybe I should go home and change. I feel way overdressed." Right as Jack says this Jenesis and Eric walk through the doors into the waiting room. 

They both look tired but happy. Jenesis gives us a warm smile before heading our way. 

"How's Josie?" I ask as they approach.

"She's doing great and so is the baby. Eric and I are just heading out to get some food and wanted to let you both know that you could go in and see them now if you'd like." She lifts an eyebrow as she takes in Jack's attire. "You know, this isn't a black tie event" She says with a laugh. 

"Well actually, we have some big news of our own. I don't want to take away from Josie and Nate's big day but I'm really excited to tell you guys. Jack and I are engaged."

"Oh my gosh you guys that's so wonderful!" Jenesis pulls me up into a big hug and Eric claps Jack on the shoulder.

"Congratulations you two." Eric says as he smiles at me, "It's about time."

Jenesis give's Eric "the look" but we all laugh. They congratulate us again before they leave and Jack and I go to see Josie and the baby. 

Josie's room is packed full when we get there. Mom and Dad are on the couch, Josie is resting on the bed, and Nate is in the rocking chair with the baby. 

I walk to Josie's side first. "Hey, how're you doing? You look great!"

She smiles tiredly. "Thanks. I'm doing alright, just exhausted."

Then I look to Nate. "Well look at you, you're a natural." 

"Hey sis. I'd like you to meet Violet."

"It's a girl! Oh guys, she's beautiful." 

I'm about to walk over to Nate when Josie turns to Jack and asks, "Why are you looking so fancy tonight?"

Mom gives me a knowing grin, Jack must have told her before he proposed. 

"Okay, now just remember that today is still your special day, Violet's special day." Jack says smiling. 

He nods at me letting me know I should tell them. "Jack and I are engaged." I say again for the second time that night. 

"You guys!" Josie squeals, "That's so great! I'm so happy for you!"

"Finally." Nate laughs. 

Dad is the first to get up. He comes over to me and wraps me up in a big hug, as mom goes to congratulate Jack. "Congratulations, sweetheart."

"Thanks Dad."

"I can see how happy he makes you." He whispers so only I can hear. "And knowing you're happy, well that's all I could ever hope for."

My eyes tear up and he let's go. "I love you, Dad."

He smiles, "Love you too, Kiddo."

Mom catches my eye, winks at me, and blows me a kiss. "We'll talk later" she mouths, and then aloud says, "Alright, well I think we're going to leave you guys for a bit, maybe grab something to eat. Call us if you need anything." She gives Nate, Violet, and Josie all kisses before her and Dad leave. Then it's just the four - well five of us. 

Jack takes a seat on the couch where Mom and Dad were just sitting and Nate puts Violet in the crib before joining him. 

"Hey, could I hold her?" Josie is nodding before I even finish my question. I reach down into the crib and cradle Violet in my hands. "Hello there sweet girl." Smiling, I gently lift her into my arms and sit down in the rocking chair. 

Nate, Josie, and Jack have started a conversation but I'm lost in my own world. I smile down at my tiny, beautiful niece and then at the faces of everyone in the room. At that moment my heart is full of happiness and love.