I laugh, eyes widening in shock. “No way. That’s your great love story?”
“It sure is,” she says, sounding proud. “The greatest love stories, I’ve learned, are the ones that happen in unexpected ways. And your father, well, he was really unexpected.”
“Why do you say that?” I question, leaning my arms against the tabletop.
“Because I was focused on school and my friends, and he was just some goofball in one of my classes.” She smiles, love shining in her eyes as she reminisces about her and Dad’s beginning. “If you would have told me that day that he’d be the one I’d spend forever and build a life with, then I would have bet everything against it.”
“Really? Was he that big of a goof?” I joke.
“He was the biggest.”
We both laugh because knowing my dad now and how he was while raising me, I can only imagine how he was as a young man.
“Why did you want to know?” she asks, head tilting as she assesses me, probably reading my face to see if how I answer is the truth or not. She’s good at that. It’s her mom super power, I’m sure.
I bite back a smile, a habit that still comes up whenever Jules is involved because I’m so overwhelmed with giddiness that trying to hold it in is instinctual for some reason. Julian’s handsome face and sweet words rush to the forefront of my mind, and I shake them away, my mouth opening and closing as I try to find the right words to answer her question.
Once I find the words, they’re easy to say, easier than I thought they’d be. “I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with him. I think I have been for a while. I mean, actually, at this point, I’m pretty sure I can’t fall any deeper.”
“Ah, Julian,” my mother muses, all-knowing, like the intuitive woman she is. “He seems like a great guy, and he makes you happy, if the smile you’re wearing says anything about that.”
I smile wider and shake my head. “He does make me happy, but we’re still getting to know each other. I’m just worried it’s too much too soon or not enough too soon, if that makes sense.”
“It makes perfect sense,” she says, brows drawing together, deep in thought. “I’m going to let you in on a little secret—no matter how much time you spend with someone or how well you think you know them, that doesn’t matter because you will constantly be learning from each other, especially as you grow and find your own places in the world.”
“But what happens when we grow apart and find that where we’re at individually doesn’t fit with where we’re at together?”
“This is some heavy conversation for a Saturday morning, Dev,” Mom breathes out, chuckling. “Trust your heart, and everything will be okay. You can’t control time, and you definitely can’t control your heart. It has a mind of its own, so let it guide you. All you can do is listen and learn from where it leads you, okay? If you love this young man, then love him. Don’t be afraid of it.”
My eyes well with tears, and just as quickly as they form, they start to fall.
Mom reaches across the table, her hand grabbing mine and holding on tightly. “Remember what Grandma always says, what’s meant to be will always be, and everything has a purpose in its own time. Don’t let what you’re powerless against be the reason you don’t take the risk.”
I nod, wiping my tears as they continue to fall. “Grandma always was a wise woman. I wonder if that’s where you get it from.”
“Oh, definitely, I sure didn’t get it from your grandpa, that’s for certain.” She sighs, giving my hand a squeeze before letting go. “I’m so happy for you, Dev. My little girl is growing up and falling in love for the first time. Your dad is going to flip.”
“I just hope he feels the same,” I say softly, the fear of rejection starting to sting.
“I know he does,” my mother says, sounding confident. Before I can question how she could possibly know that, she states, “I saw the way he was with you, and also, a mother always knows these things.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I whisper, my voice breaking as I walk around the table and hug her close, forever grateful for winning the mother lottery. I just really hope she’s right. About everything.
Twenty-Three
His arms wrap around my waist, my back pressed to his front, and he rests his chin against my shoulder. We went on an early morning hike to see the sunrise and to celebrate Christmas a few days early because we’ll both be busy with our families.
“It’s beautiful,” he whispers, lips grazing the side of my neck. “I’m glad we did this, Dev.”
“I’m glad too,” I agree, turning my head to press a quick kiss to his mouth. “As long and tiring as it was to get to this spot, it’s perfect. Definitely worth waking up for while everyone else is still sound asleep.”
“It’s much colder than I thought it would be. Look, you can see our breaths,” he says, breathing into the air to demonstrate this fact. “That’s one of my favorite things about winter.”
“What, being able to see your breath floating in the air?” I ask jokingly, pulling his arms tighter around me for more body heat. “It is pretty fun.”
“See! It’s such a random thing, but it’s so cool.” He laughs. “Ya know, I didn’t just bring you up here so that we could see the sunrise.”
“You didn’t?” I ask, a little confused, staring at said sunrise now, its bold colors quickly transforming night to day with each blink of my eye. “I don’t know what could top a sunrise, to be honest with you.”
“You’re right, but I promise you’ll love it anyway,” he pauses, pulling his face from the side of mine and twirling my body so I’m facing him head-on. “I have a present for you.”
“I thought we agreed not to get each other gifts,” I remind him, heart thundering in my chest.
It was a quick conversation, one where I expressed not wanting to buy each other gifts because it wasn’t necessary. I even went so far as to say that he was enough of a gift, which he would not stop smirking about for hours after. So, the fact that he apparently has something for me makes me both elated and curious.
“We did,” he confirms, not looking the least big apologetic, a cheeky smile on his face. “But I was browsing online awhile ago and knew I had to order this for you. It might just be the cheesiest thing I’ve ever done, and I can’t believe I spent money on it, but it’s worth it because it’s for you.”
“Is this something you consulted with Erin on again?” I question, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Of course,” he confirms, sounding a bit offended, but based on the smile on his face, I know he’s just being dramatic and cute. “She’s a great resource for any and all things regarding you.”
“Okay, now I’m really nervous, what is it?” I ask, practically dancing with curiosity and excitement.
“I hope you like it, and if you don’t, then that’s okay too,” he says slowly, clearly stalling.
I just stare at him, cheeks numbing from the chill breeze hitting them, and patiently wait for him to give me his gift.
He groans, shaking out his limbs as if trying to pull himself together. “Ahh, I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I mean, I know why, but I really thought it would have gone away by now. I’ve been holding onto this since before we went ice skating.”
“What?” I whisper-yell, shock evident in my tone. “You’ve been holding on to this for weeks?”
“I have,” he says calmly. “I’ve just been waiting for the right time to give it to you.”
“And now is that time?” I question, eyeing him up and down. “In the super early hours of this random day?”
“Yes,” he says quickly. “It might be a random day, but I hope it’s one you remember for a long time.”
I swallow over a lump of emotion and stare at him silently as he reaches into a hidden pocket in the front of his jacket and slowly pulls out a small, wrapped gift.
“What is that?” I ask shakily, eyes narrowing cautiously. “And how did you manage to keep that hidden without me feeling it?”
“Well, considering it is freezing and I had to layer up, it was very well-hidden,” he says sneakily, a smirk spreading his full lips. “It’s kind of random, but as soon as I saw I could order something like this, I knew I had to,” he shares, handing the gift to me.
I hold it tightly for a moment before slowly opening it, unsure of what it could possibly be. Fabric meets my fingers as I reach inside, and I pull it out quickly, noting how neatly folded it is. “Okay, now I’m a little scared.”
“Don’t be, it’s definitely one of a kind, a true original.” His voice holds a hint of sarcasm, so I purse my lips at him, starting to unfold what is clearly a shirt at a snail’s pace.
Jules groans, hopping up and down with impatience. “Come on, Dev, you’re killing me here.”
I laugh, sticking my tongue out at him, and then I hold it up in front of me so it unfolds itself, and I lose it. Completely. I laugh so hard my stomach starts to hurt from the ab workout happening as a result.
There, on an oversized black T-shirt, is an image of the boys from One Direction with a very clear image of Jules added in beside them to make it look like he’s part of the band.
I look from the shirt to him, nearly cackling at how hilarious it is. “You’re right, it is definitely one of a kind.”
“Why don’t you turn it over?” he suggests gently.
“There’s more?” I ask, excited. I flip it around, and on the back are the words I love One Direction…but Julian Evans loves me.
I suck in a breath, heart stopping mid-beat in my chest as I reread the words over and over again, their meaning warming my body like a bonfire in the middle of this cold winter.
“Julian,” I breathe out, at a complete loss for words. My vision blurs as tears start to fall from my eyes, wetting my cheeks, but he reaches out, hands cupping either side of my face as his thumbs catch each and every tear as they escape.
“It’s true,” he says, his voice strong and sure. “I love you. I’m pretty sure I’ve loved you since our first date.”
And then I start to full on sob, barely catching my breath enough to say my next words. “Well, I’m pretty positive that I’ve loved you since long before that.”
“You love me too?” he questions, sounding relieved and elated.
I nod. “Yes, I love you, Julian. I wanted a crush, but instead I got this with you, and I’m so freaking grateful for that.”
And it’s true. I am. Despite my uncertainty or inexperience with relationships in general, I’m sure about Julian and the way he makes me feel. There’s still so much to learn about each other, but we’re young, and we have so much time to figure it all out. I could overthink and psych myself out, but I won’t. My mind is going to have to shut up for a moment because my heart is taking charge right now. I mean, my God, it’s finally happened. I’ve fallen in love, and sure, I have gigantic butterflies swarming around in my stomach right now, but my heart has tripped over itself repeatedly since reading the words on that T-shirt.
“Was the shirt too much?” he asks, looking a little too proud of himself as he does, which makes me believe he knows just how perfect it was.
“The shirt was kind of epic, I’m not going to lie, but you already know that,” I tell him, tears finally coming to a halt.
“I wanted it to really be memorable, so I figured, what’s more memorable than saying I love you for the first time than with the help of your other favorite men?”
“My other favorite men?” I laugh.
“Well, yeah, because of all the members of One Direction, I’m obviously your favorite, right?”
“I wasn’t aware you were a member,” I comment, smiling. “Well, I do now, thanks to the band photo on the front of the shirt.”
“You’re going to wear that every day, right?” he questions, arms wrapping around my body in a hug.
I hug him back, arms sliding around his waist as I breathe him in. “All joking aside, thank you for opening your heart to me. And thank you for being so thoughtful all the time.”
“You make those things easy to do, Dev,” he says quietly against my forehead. “I was a goner that first night we met. It felt sudden and surreal, but I knew I needed you in my life. I’ve never believed in love at first night, it sounds like the most ridiculous notion, but that night I definitely came close.”
“I’ll never get tired of you sweet-talking me,” I say, lifting my head up to press a kiss against his neck. “It’s literally what fairytales are made of. You’re even better than One Direction, you’re like my very own, perfectly made Prince Charming.”
“Did you just equate me to a Disney prince?” Jules asks, sounding so proud of himself. “My ego just burst, Dev. Quick, take me to the closest hospital or whatever.”
I laugh loudly and pull away to hit him in the shoulder with the T-shirt, and then it hits me. “I’m going to have to frame this thing. There’s no way I’m ever going to wear this, I can’t. I’d be too paranoid about ruining it. Also, I can’t believe you ran this idea by Erin.”
“Ran this idea by her? That’s not all I did,” he admits. “I ran the entire design by her because I kept changing the wording on the back. I wanted it to be unforgettable, ya know?”
“Well, you succeeded,” I supply, shaking my head in wonder. “Now, will you please kiss me?”
He smirks, already leaning his lips toward mine. “You never have to ask, Dev.”
And then he’s pressing his lips to mine, kissing me deeply, hands pulling my body flush against his. It’s full of love and passion, and our lips say what our voices are unable to as we keep our mouths locked together.
I love you, I love you, I love you.
Twenty-Four
“So, are you a French toast person or a pancake person?” Jules asks, fingers tracing the lines on the palm of my hand as we lie across from each other on my bed.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and after a very short back and forth, we decided to stay in together and ring the New Year in peacefully. Though we will be attending the New Year’s Day celebration happening at Braxton’s tomorrow.
We’re playing a game of Get to Know You. Well, it’s not really a game, but we wanted to give it a title because we’re going back and forth with different types of questions in order to learn more about each other. Our compatibility test at the beginning of the year is serving as our inspiration. The questions were so random that had they actually been used properly to pair people together, then maybe it would have been Jules as my number one and not Brax. Now we’ll never know, but this game we’re playing is a lot of fun.
“French toast, always,” I answer easily.
“What?” he yells, clearly offended by my answer as he sits up on the bed, eyes wide with shock. “French toast? Everyone knows that pancakes are the superior option.”
“Uh, clearly not, because I am a part of everyone, and I most definitely do not agree.”
“I can’t believe I love a girl who prefers French toast over pancakes,” he mumbles to himself in disbelief.
I just roll my eyes and offer him a pat of reassurance on his leg. “There, there. Now, pie or cake?”
He sighs heavily, dramatic and cute. “Cake, obviously. Nothing compares to cake, except maybe pancakes.”
“Cake?” I blink slowly, failing to hold back my laughter. “I would jump into a river of angry crocodiles or alligators, whichever ones are in rivers, just to have one slice of pie. Pie is magical. All kinds. Every kind.”
He sighs again, somehow heavier and more dramatic than the last. “Do you have a fever right now or something? Is that why you’re failing our one-on-one compatibility test?”
I laugh, pushing him lightly. “Stop, I do not have a fever. It isn’t my fault that your answers aren’t on point with mine.”
He groans, rolling his shoulders back as if preparing for a big performance. “Tea or coffee? For me, it’s coffee all the way. If there was some sort of coffee IV drip I could travel around with, then I would. Easily.”<
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I nod my head slowly. “If I don’t have at least one cup of unsweetened black tea a day—hot or iced, I don’t discriminate—then I’m basically incomplete.”
He stares at me blankly, though it’s clear in his deep brown gaze that he’s amused at our completely opposite preferences.
“Ghost hunting or vampire slaying?” I ask, not even sure of my own answer yet but looking forward to his.
This question seems to give him pause. He doesn’t answer right away like he did with the others. Instead, he looks to be weighing the pros and cons of each, mumbling quietly to himself as he contemplates the question.
“While you figure it out, I’m going to go with ghost hunting,” I say, knowing that an invisible enemy would be less frightening than a physical one, what with not being able to see it and all. I even voice that reasoning aloud.
At my words, Jules shakes off a laugh, head shaking. “And I would go with vampire slaying because an enemy I can see is much easier to fight than one I can’t.”
I bite on my bottom lip, trying to contain a smile at the seriousness on his face, but I can’t, so I laugh instead. “Well, opposites attract and all that, right?”
“Shoot, I guess so.” He leans his body over mine, slowly scooching closer to me on the bed. “I’d ask if you prefer the book or the movie more, but we both know what your answer to that one would be.”
“And we both know what yours would be as well,” I murmur, head tilting up in a silent request for him to kiss me, and he happily obliges, pressing a long, gentle one to my lips.
I glance at the clock on my bedside table, noting that we’re thirty minutes from ringing in the New Year. My parents are in the front, watching Ryan Seacrest host some show on TV, and Jules and I are in my room, in our own little world.
He pulls from me, glancing at the time as well. “We still have plenty of time for this game of ours. I’m actually having a lot of fun learning new things about you.”
When a Heart Trips Page 14
