“Just like that. You want to buy a house together?”
“I want to buy a house for you, Jazzy. I want you to have everything you’ve ever wanted. I want to be the one to give you everything.”
I can’t help it. I launch myself at him. My arms wrap around his neck. “I don’t need you to buy me anything, Jake. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is you.”
“Right back at ya, Jazzy,” he repeats. “I told your father I was taking you home with me.”
“And you’re still alive?” I laugh.
“I told you he loves me now.” Jake chuckles, his chest rumbling against mine.
“Okay, take me to your apartment. I can’t wait to see this bachelor pad of yours.”
“I don’t have a bachelor pad, Jazzy. I’m spoken for.”
“Pfft, you’ve been the country’s most eligible bachelor for the past four years. Or is it five? I forgot.”
“They were wrong. I was never eligible, because I’ve always been yours,” he says, and there go the damn butterflies again.
After packing a bag, we head downstairs. My father just happens to be loitering in the foyer. He looks… torn.
“Is everything okay?” I ask him.
“Mhmm.” He nods. “I just…” He glances from me to Jake. “I want you to know that no matter where this asshole takes you, this is always your home, Jazzy.”
I smile. Move towards my dad and wrap my arms around his waist. “I know. You will always be my daddy, no matter how old I get,” I whisper before stepping out of his hold.
“You do know she doesn’t actually live here, hasn’t for over a decade.” This comes from Aiden, who appears behind us.
“Shut up,” Dad grunts. “Your sister will always live here.”
“Sure. Tell yourself that when she starts popping out little billionaire heirs.” Aiden laughs.
“You’re not pregnant, are you?” Dad looks at me.
“No. If I were, you’d be one of the first to know. I promise,” I assure him.
“One of? I should bethefirst,” Dad grumbles.
“I kind of think that should be Jake, Daddy. You’ll definitely be right after him.” I laugh. “I’m not planning on getting knocked up, though.”
“Neither was your mother. But we got you out of that and you’re the best thing to ever happen to me,” Dad says.
“Still right here!” Aiden mutters.
“Don’t act hard done by. You’re the baby. You’ve had a silver spoon in your mouth your whole life,” I remind my brother. “And I love you.”
“Aw, sissy, I love you the most.” Aiden hugs me. “If he fucks up, let me know and I’ll kick his ass.”
“Noted.” I laugh. “Okay, now everyone stop acting like I’m leaving town. I’m literally going to be just down the road. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll be at work,” I tell Dad.
“Right,” he says.
Taking Jake’s hand, I walk out of my parents’ house. “I’m sorry they’re so over the top.”
“They love you. It’s a good thing.”
“Most of the time,” I agree.