Page 77 of Your Rule to Break
I hug him and say, “Thank you for taking care of her.”
And he hugs me back.
Chapter 40
Zack
I wake up toEmilie draped across my chest. I didn’t wake up when she came in last night. Mitch came back to let me know that she and Eliza were together. I appreciated the update.
She stirs and looks at me, then at the clock.
“Ugh, I’m almost late,” she says, her head falling back on my chest.
“For?”
Emilie rolls on her back, stretching her arms above her head and replies, “Spa day with Eliza. Maybe some of the bridesmaids.”
“Is she okay? You don’t have to share any of the details.”
“She will be okay.”
Emilie rolls back to my chest, locking her eyes on mine. “Hey, I want to formally do this. For real. Like make it official.”
My smile is wide. I can’t get over this woman.
“Whatever you want. What do you want me to do?”
“I’m going to be tied up with Eliza today, up until the rehearsal dinner. Meet me at the beach at four. Where we watched the sunset.”
“And?”
“Tell me you want me. Want this. For real. No faking it.” She gives me a quick kiss.
“You got it. See you then,” I say as Emilie hops out of bed, turning on the shower.
I don’t need the starting point, or the clear transition, but she does. It’s not much to ask considering how much she’s already given me.
I’m getting ready, andmy dad sends me a text.
Dad
everything is fine but we need to talk
when you’re home
have fun at the wedding
Me
sounds good. Looking forward to it
And I am. Looks like I’m going to finally get some insight into what’s been going on. There’s a few seconds where nervousness runs up my spine but is quickly replaced with some relief. I don’t know what he’s going to say, but knowing is better than not knowing.
I turn the iron off; my light blue shirt is free of wrinkles and is ready for me. I put it on and button it up, thinking about Emilie and smiling to myself. I kind of like this whole “if you want me, come tell me” thing. I’ve been thinking about what I’ll say all day.
It’s like I can’t get the words right, but I’m hoping to have some clarity when I see her. All I know is that she’s the only woman I’ve brought home, and I don’t care how wild this next part sounds, but I’d be happy if she was the only one. She fits into my life in a way I didn’t think women could.
When people would say that someone feels like a piece they were missing, I used to roll my eyes and laugh to myself, but now? I get it. It’slike she brightens up the best version of myself. Being around her makes my mood better, no matter what.