Page 95 of Love Marks
“It starts with the letter J.”
“Jack?”
“Nope.”
“No, no, not Jack. John.”
He shakes his head, suppressing his growing smile.
“Oh, god. Don’t tell me it’s something awful like Josh or Justin? Or worse…Jason.” I shudder like I’m imagining something truly terrible.
Wesley throws his head back and laughs — really laughs, that full, belly sound that reaches all the way down to my toes. I can’t help but smile with him, my hand reaching for him again, wanting to touch him.
He reaches out and captures my hand again. “It’s James.”
My smile grows. “Wesley James Marks.”
The door swings open and my mom stands in the doorway, relief coloring her features. “Good. You’re here. I’m dying without you.”
I chuckle lightly. “Hello to you too. You’re in a very good mood.”
“Oh, hush. You know how nervous I am and—” Her eyes widen as her gaze flicker to Wesley, as if she only just noticed the towering man standing over me.
Wesley sticks his hand out, smoothing his shirt down with the other hand and quirking his lips up. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Wesley Marks. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
My mom’s jaw nearly drops, and I imagine she’s having a similar reaction as I did the first time I saw Wesley. Her eyes are as wide as saucers as she stares down at his outstretched hand.
She bursts into laughter. “Oh, dear.” She looks right at me, shaking her head. “You are in trouble, all right.”
She puts her hand into his and looks right into his eyes. “I’ve heard a lot about you and let me tell you — not all of it has been good. If you hurt my daughter, I don’t care who you are. I will string you up by your balls.”
“Mom!” My face turns completely red.
Wesley just nods, taking it all in stride. “You’re absolutely right, Ms. Taylor. I have made some mistakes, but really, all I’d like now is a chance to show your daughter and your family how much she means to me.”
My mom nods sharply and they release their hands. “Well, then. Call me Mel,” she says to Wes. “Welcome to the party! Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”
I reach for Wesley’s hand again and squeeze it, smiling up at him, hoping the gesture communicates how happy I am to be here with him. He squeezes back, the corners of his lips ticking upwards, and we follow my mom into the backyard.
The next few hours are a whirlwind of introductions and small talk. My mom introduces us to Joe’s brother and sister, as well as his father and uncle. I’m terrible with names, but Wesley remembers every single one and whispers in my ear helpfully throughout the day. Eventually, I leave him with the guys while I go into the kitchen with my mom.
“Will you let me do that, please? You shouldn’t be fussing around.” I take a casserole dish from her hands and push her towards the dining room table.
She rolls her eyes. “I feel fine. I’m stronger than you give me credit for.”
“You’re the strongest person I know,” I say, putting the dish into the open dishwasher. “But you can let me do the dishes.”
She hums in agreement and turns to the window, looking out. “He’s won everyone over, it seems.”
“Why are you being so weird about him?” I ask. “I really like this guy. Do you even realize what a big deal that is for me?”
“It’s your fault for telling me how awful he was to you.”
“But—”
“I’m looking out for you. Somebody has to. You’re too trusting, too forgiving sometimes.”
“I’m not that forgiving. I haven’t forgiven Dad for leaving.” I’m scrubbing the plate in front of me with such ferocity I hardly notice my mom next to me until her hand closes over mine.