James’ movements stopped, and he turned to face her. Now she had a full view of his broad, tanned chest. She balled her fists together as the itch to touch him overwhelmed her.
“I took another week off from work.”
Rory’s head hit the headboard, to her sudden surprise. “You took another week? To stay here?” she asked disbelievingly.
James walked over to the bed and bent down before her with his hands clasped together. “I want us to work, Rory. I will do anything you want me to do,” he said, eyes pleading.
“You hurt me, James,” she spoke softly, her eyes reflective of her words.
“I—” he reached for her hand but drew back. “I know I hurt you, and there is no amount of time that can make up for that but…” This time he took her hand in his. “I plan to spend the rest of my life— the rest of our lives together— making it up to you.”
The sincerity in his voice did something to Rory. She gave his hand an encouraging squeeze before she reached over to plant a kiss on his lips. “I want us to work too,” she expressed.
A smile lifted his lips. “Does that mean that you’ve reconsidered calling off the wedding?” he asked with a hopeful look on his face.
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying, but…but we still have a lot of work to get to the altar. The wedding is three weeks away, James. I have to know that you will be in this with me 100% whether or not your mother approves.”
“Yes. Absolutely,” James readily agreed.
A smile perpetuated her lips.
“I want us to spend time with you, getting to rediscover why we fell in love.”
“I’d like that.” He smiled up at her. “So, since we are rediscovering each other, does that mean I can sleep up here tonight?” he patted the pillow with hope.
“Uh uh. We’re not back there yet, buddy.”
“So, it’s the floor for me then?”
James groaned, eliciting a chuckle from her. Standing from the bed, she went over to her closet to retrieve the comforters for him. Putting on his boxers and a t-shirt, he took the items from her.
“Thanks,” he said, giving her a peck before settling comfortably on his makeshift bed.
Rory turned to her own comfortable bed and quickly snuggled under the sheets hiding from the cold night.
“James?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you asleep?”
“No,” James chuckled.
“Do you want to snuggle…with me?”
She didn’t have to say anything more. He was under the covers bringing her close to his chest under a minute.
A soft smile lifted the corners of her mouth as her eyelids fluttered shut.
The next morning, they showered and dressed together before heading downstairs to breakfast.
“Hi, sweetheart, James. How did you both sleep?” Andrea greeted them as they each planted a kiss on her cheek.
“We slept well, Mom,” Rory replied, smiling. “Did everyone leave?”
“Yup, it’s just us here,” Jo responded.
Rory nodded in understanding. “Hi, Grandma,” she turned to greet Becky, bending down and placing a gentle kiss against her cheek.
