A/N: Those new pictures from the set of Fifty Shades really help with the inspiration! No surprise, here's another long chapter as a thank you for your patience and wonderful feedback since the last chapter! I hope you enjoy, I really tried to do justice to the characters in this one. For easier reading, I have decided to name some of Jamie's family members. Please remember this is a work of fiction and their personalities are a respectful product of my imagination :) ENJOY and thank you in advance for your votes/comments! Xo

***

Jamie was justifiably crushed his daughter didn't join us when we left for Belfast. It hurt me knowing there was nothing I could do without causing unnecessary drama. I was afraid if I stuck my nose in the middle of it then his ex-wife would try to keep him from his daughter out of spite. I also attempted to shut down the lingering thought that Leo had implanted in my mind claiming she was the one setting us up for the paparazzi. It seemed truer the longer I thought about it; we ran around New York practically invisible, but kept getting trapped in London. I wasn't sure though that I'd ever bring up the possibility to Jamie. Again, we'd experienced enough drama in our short time together, no need to create more waves.

Our first few days in Belfast were beautiful, in the sense of weather and experience. The Northern Ireland capital had a perfect balance of old architecture with bright city lights, and castles planted between countryside and water. I instantly fell in love with the eclectic bustle, and began to wonder why he'd ever left such a magnificent place.

Jamie was eager to show me around set and the various locations he had and would be filming at. I could tell how much he loved being an actor by his excitement in his explanations. Although, he did ask me not to watch the show, because he was afraid it'd be a trigger due to my recent trauma. Instead, he filled me in on the basics of everything that had gone down. He'd even sworn me to secrecy with details of the script for the final installment.

In the same week we arrived, we attended his cast welcome dinner at an upscale restaurant on the coastline. I met all of his co-stars and learned quite a bit about the business from the woman who played the other main character, Gillian. She was beautiful, intelligent, and very kind. She had nothing but wonderful things to say about Jamie, and told me she was glad he'd found someone that made him happy. I wasn't aware he was close enough with her that she'd know such information. Either way, my heart continued to grow.

I smiled when he emerged from the bathroom wearing only his jeans. Water droplets still clung to his sculpted chest from his shower and his shortened hair was damp. He'd cut it for the role before we left London, and his beard had grown thicker than I'd seen it in our relationship.

"What?" he asked as I stared.

"You've got broccoli in your teeth."

He laughed, running the towel back and forth over his head.

"Just kidding. I can't help it. You're handsome, and all mine."

"You have the last part right." He winked before stepping back to the counter to apply some gel to his hair.

I rolled my eyes although he wasn't looking. He had the same self-deprecating attitude I did. He was a gorgeous man even if he didn't want to admit it.

"Are you ready?" he asked. "We're supposed to be there in forty minutes."

"Don't rush perfection, sir."

He shook his head with a chuckle. "Never."

I stood from the bed, bumping him with my hip. "As soon as you move out of the way of the mirror I will be."

"Pardon me, miss. It's all yours. I don't need to watch myself get dressed."

It was my turn to laugh. "Or we could stay undressed and pretend we forgot."

"Hmm," he hummed, wrapping me in a warm embrace. "Tempting."

He kissed my forehead. "But it was your idea."

I smiled. "And I'm actually really excited. Thank you for making it happen."

We were getting ready to head to his dad's house for our faux Thanksgiving. I'd gone out the evening before to buy groceries with his sisters and stepmom. We may or may not have stopped to have a glass of wine on the way home without telling the men. What they didn't know couldn't hurt them! It was nice to have female bonding time with women who would likely become my family, too.

Jamie had booked us a suite at the Hilton Belfast because he didn't want to inconvenience his dad with his unreliable filming schedule. Although, I certainly felt like we were inconveniencing him by asking him to host the dinner. They both assured me that wasn't the case and that everyone was excited to celebrate an American holiday.

We were having it a couple of weekends before the U.S. because Jamie's schedule didn't leave room for much free time. Come Monday I was going to be seeing less and less of him.

I quickly finished my make-up, running a hand through my hair to loosen some of the curls. I'd decided to dress halfway casual in black jeans and a cream colored sweater with black knee-high boots. I didn't want to wear sweatpants, but I also didn't want to overdress and seem like a snobby Yank.

"You're more beautiful by the day," he said.

I met his gaze from where he now sat on the bed, watching me put on the finishing touches. My smile was impossible to hide as he looked at me with such force I was lucky it didn't knock me over.

"Aww, I already love you. No need for compliments."

He walked toward me before grabbing my triceps in his strong hands. "You deserve to hear every day how beautiful I think you are. Let me do so."

"But you don't want to hear me fawn over you?" I challenged his stare.

He sighed, releasing his grip. "You're right, I don't."

Oh, okay. That was blunt.

"Why?" I reached up to grasp his scruffy face and he leaned into the touch with a smirk.

"Because I hear it a million times from people who don't even know me. It's fluff. I still feel like the skinny kid my sisters' friends used to tease."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, baby, let me clue you in on how attractive you are."

I pressed my frame against his warm chest. My lips latched onto his gently, slowly kissing his supple skin. He relaxed into me, desperately trying to pull me closer as I caressed his mouth with mine ever so smoothly.

He eased back, taking my lower lip between his teeth. "I love you."

"Which is why it should only matter what I think, right?"

He shrugged.

I continued. "Because I do know you and I think you're the sexiest man on the planet."

That made him laugh, which brought a smile to my face. I didn't like when he was self conscious, because I couldn't find one single reason for him to be.

"I better be the only man you think is sexy." He ran his finger down the bridge of my nose.

"Am I the only woman you think is sexy?" I teased.

"You're the only woman I see."

My knees buckled. He never played fair, even if he was flattering me.

"We're going to be late," I mumbled, trying to ignore the urge to kiss him harder and walk him backward to the bed.

"Then we better get going before I forget my whole family is waiting on us when all I want is to spend the day in bed with you."

"One for the road," I said quickly before pulling him into me.

He smiled against my lips. "I'm serious, I'll leave them hanging."

I laughed in his arms. "Someone is getting left hanging no matter what."

He dramatically gasped. "Naughty girl!"

"Shut up and let's go." I grabbed his hand and led him through the suite in hopes we'd make it to the car without any further distractions.

***

He was fidgety the whole ride to his dad's and it confused me. Was he afraid his family would say something embarrassing? Was he still upset about his daughter not being there? I couldn't tell, and he hadn't indicated anything previously. It was as though all of a sudden he was sweating bullets.

I squeezed his hand, silently calming him, and he looked over with a smile.

"Are you nervous?" he asked.

Pot meet kettle.

"No, your family is lovely. Why would I be nervous?"

"Um," he stuttered, "I guess you shouldn't be."

He was definitely acting strange and it caught me off guard. I wouldn't have gone through with the stupid dinner if I knew it was going to cause him so much anxiety.

"Hey," I whispered, stroking his veiny hand with my thumb.

He quickly glanced at me again.

"I love you," I said, winking.

"I love you, too." He kissed my knuckles sweetly when we pulled into the driveway.

Everyone else appeared to had already arrived, as there was just enough room for us to park behind the array of cars in the turnaround. The large, white stone house was gorgeous, with vibrant red, purple, and yellow flowers aligning the sidewalk and around the property.

He held my hand tightly as we walked through the wooden front door. The chatter instantly erupted once we stepped inside. I could hear his nieces and nephews giggling from somewhere within, as well as the mix of accents discussing various topics around us.

Then it was as if everyone collectively felt our presence, because a silence filled the air and they all looked over.

"You're here!" his stepmom exclaimed.

She embraced us both before the noise resumed. We greeted everyone individually, letting go of one another to delve into our own conversations.

The four of us women gathered in the kitchen so we could begin to prepare everything. His stepmom had been up early to start the turkey as well as some of the items that needed to bake longer.

"Here," she said, handing me a glass of wine, "welcome!"

"Thank you," I smiled warmly.

"How are you liking Belfast?" his sister, Jessica asked.

"From the little I've seen, it's quite beautiful."

"You mean my brother has kept you locked up all to himself?"

I felt the blush creeping up my face. How was I supposed to respond to that? So I laughed nervously, taking a sip of the red liquid.

"She's kidding," his other sister, Liesa added.

"He's been busy getting ready for work," I said. It was a fair argument.

"Well, that's not cool," Jessica replied. "I'm actually planning to stick around a few extra days if you'd like me to show you the town while he's gone?"

"That'd be fun!" I said.

She clinked her glass against mine. "Deal."

We all mingled and kept busy in the kitchen. They watched intently as I mixed together the ingredients for my sweet potato casserole. It was the one dish my family begged me for every year. A sense of nostalgia snuck into my heart and I was almost sad to be missing the holiday with them.

But where I was wasn't the worst place to be; with the man I loved, learning more about his roots and getting to know his family better. If we were planning on forever, then the moments spent in Belfast were necessary. He'd bent over backwards to get to know my family; I had to return the favor.

As if he'd felt me longing for him, he walked into the room.

"Something smells good!" he exclaimed.

"Keep your paws to yourself," Liesa said.

He raised his hands in surrender. "I was just checking to see if you needed any help."

"Show off." Jessica rolled her eyes.

"Excuse me?" He clenched his chest, making us snicker at the gesture.

"You've never helped in the kitchen," she replied. "You're only trying to impress Kelsey."

He smiled widely, looking over at me before winking.

"You're a great sister, you know it? Thanks for blowing my cover."

We laughed again and he joined us.

"Seriously, are you lost?" his stepmom asked.

I loved watching their banter. He was the baby, after all, and they clearly loved to pick on him. I was a little surprised he was taking it. I figured being the only boy meant he'd be mischievous enough to keep his sisters annoyed. They were definitely overpowering his sarcasm.

"Actually," he began, "can I get a moment alone with my girl?"

I still shivered every time he called me that. Him claiming me as his drove the butterflies wild.

They looked between each other then at me, sly smiles on all their faces. I stood silent as they took their glasses of wine and exited into the living room where the guys were watching a soccer game on TV, or rather, football.

"What's up?" I asked.

He stared at me for a long moment and it made my heart race. What the heck was going on inside his head?

He chuckled. "I don't even know why I'm in here."

I wrinkled my forehead. "I thought you wanted to see me?"

"I always want to see you." He finally moved toward me, pressing my lower back into the counter with his hips. He wrapped his arms around my middle.

"Are you okay?" I asked. I was seriously beginning to grow concerned. He was acting bizarre and I didn't like not knowing why.

"I am," he said. "I'm happy you're here. Look what you've done."

I looked between his eyes, trying to decode his message. "What have I done?"

"You brought my whole family together, for the simple fact that I told them you wanted this. Not one of them hesitated when I asked them to come."

"That's because they're amazing people," I replied.

"No, you're amazing. They're not here for me, if you haven't noticed."

My heart pounded against my chest and I was certain he could feel it. "That's not true, they love you. You're their baby boy."

"Darlin', they love you. Can't you see it?"

I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"My dad's asked a hundred questions about you and not one about me." He grinned. "The son he hasn't seen in weeks, and he's far more interested in how you've been, and what Ohio and your family's like."

I shrugged. "He's curious to know who his son is dating. You don't think my parents haven't asked a million questions about you?"

"You really don't get it do you?"

"I'm not sure what you mean."

His smirk continued to grow and it made me bite my lip in order to stop mine.

"I think they'd all marry you if I'd let them."

The goosebumps assumed their position across my skin. I giggled nervously, uncertain of where his head was at and what his next move or question might be.

"I love you, Kelsey," he whispered. "And—"

"Jesus, Jamie, kiss her already." Jessica was standing in the doorway when we both looked over. She winked, taking a sip of her wine as I noticed the other room had grown silent. They'd been eavesdropping.

Before I had time to react to the embarrassment, his lips were on mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, hoping to shield us from the obvious prying eyes. His kiss was strong and took my breath away. His hips held me in place as his hand came up to grasp my neck. I allowed my fingernails to massage the back of his head, momentarily forgetting our audience. They clinked their glasses and whistled.

I couldn't contain the laugh that spilled from deep within as the glee took over my senses. Jamie rested his forehead against mine, his own chuckle impossible to contain.

"All right," his stepmom said, "back to business now. Shoo!"

I met his gaze, his eyes appearing to hold onto something he wanted to say. He left another quick peck to my lips before stepping away and back into the living room.

"For the record, I do care about you," I heard his dad say, causing us all to laugh loudly.

The oven beeped and the action resumed to normal. I tried to calm the flames Jamie had just ignited. That kiss was going to distract me the rest of the day.

"Thank you," Jessica said, startling me to reality.

"For?"

"Bringing my brother back."

I wasn't sure what she meant.

"I haven't seen him this happy since..." she trailed off, and I was almost positive she was going to mirror her brother's intimate confession from weeks ago.

"I love him," I answered. "More than life itself."

"I hope he knows, because you've changed him." She smiled.

It was getting hard to contain the emotions that had been stirred in the recent days. I felt like there was a parade of moments happening around us and I was merely an observer trying to memorize the details.

I helped his sisters and stepmom set the table, light some candles, and open a few more bottles of wine. They'd bent over backwards to make the day something special, and I owed them and Jamie for it. I made a mental promise to keep my tears at bay, but seeing them go to such great lengths and making me feel like family was challenging the invisible levee.

"Dinner is served," Liesa announced to the living room, letting the boys and kids know.

My heart leapt in my chest when Jamie walked in, as if it were the first time I'd ever seen him. His eyes immediately locked with mine amongst the sudden crowd, and he made his way through everyone to me.

"Ready?" he asked.

"To eat? Always."

He smiled, interlocking our fingers as we walked into the dining hall. He pulled out a chair for me, claiming our place at the table. His hand fell to my knee and I rested mine on top of his, relishing in the warmth of a simple gesture.

"Before everyone dives in," his dad began, "I wanted to thank you all for coming today. The food looks and smells delicious! I know I'm not the only one excited for this special occasion. I'd really like to take a moment to thank Kelsey for bringing our family together. It's been years since we've sat around this table at the same time."

Jamie rubbed his fingers back and forth against my leg as his dad spoke.

"Is there anything we need to do first? A certain tradition?" He was asking me specifically.

I took a deep breath to steady my voice as everyone's eyes fell on me. The gesture was incredibly kind.

"No, you've seriously done enough. I can't begin to tell all of you how much it means to me that you'd be willing to come together and bend over backwards just so I don't miss out on a holiday." I swallowed my emotions. "I was worried I'd miss my family, but the truth is, I feel right at home. Thank you."

Their smiles were contagious, even the kids had behaved during the mushy exchange.

"Please eat!" I exclaimed.

A moment later everyone was passing dishes, drinking wine, and filling their stomachs with the traditional cuisines we'd made.

Jamie leaned over to whisper in my ear. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

His words sent shockwaves through every crevice of my body. He seemed determined to make me cry before the day was over. I looked back at him, unable to respond coherently. Instead I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek in hopes no one noticed.

Luckily they all seemed engrossed in their own conversations. I eavesdropped while stuffing my face. His dad and stepmom were exchanging a story with Jamie's brother-in-law about twins they'd delivered who were born in two separate years, one right before the New Year, and one a minute after midnight. His sisters were sharing funny stories about their kids, and Jamie began talking sports with his oldest nephew. It looked an awful lot like my house in Ohio at Thanksgiving, and that alone made me smile.

"Hey, Kelsey," Jessica said, catching my attention.

"Hmm?"

"This sweet potato casserole is delicious! I can't let you leave without getting the recipe."

I laughed. "Absolutely."

"I must say," Jamie interjected, "I'm mildly disappointed this is the first time I'm tasting it. I think I've determined you don't cook enough."

I went to respond, but his stepmom spoke before I could.

"James, I know you haven't forgotten how to operate a stove. You're a gentleman, aren't you?"

I choked on my wine at her using his full name, and his sisters snickered.

"Of course," he answered, "that's not what I meant."

He looked at me. "Baby, you're the best. That's not what I meant."

They laughed at him trying to backpedal. So I played along and crossed my arms defiantly.

"I think your family's right, I don't see you in the kitchen very often."

"Oh, please," he defended. "You know I've cooked for you."

"And I haven't cooked for you?" I asked. "Should we start keeping track?"

"Mmm," he lowered his voice, "I'll start keeping track of some things."

I narrowed my eyes at him. He was not going to get me fired up when there was no way to release the tension.

Jessica thankfully distracted us. "Who thinks we should drag out the good alcohol and play some cards?"

She raised her hand and it made me laugh. I really liked her; we were going to get along great. I raised mine to join forces.

"My girl, Kelsey. Anyone else?"

"Send the kids upstairs and we have a deal," Liesa agreed.

She hopped up from the table excitedly. Jamie shook his head when she walked toward the kitchen.

"She's crazy," he said.

"But not deaf!" she yelled from the other room.

A moment later she returned with a bottle of Jameson in one hand and a liter of Coca Cola in the other.

"Game on," Jamie said.

***

We played cards for hours and they taught me a couple of games I'd never heard of. I knew my way around a deck though, and I think Jamie was surprised to learn it. He was super competitive, which I expected, but it seemed like every time we'd play a round, it'd come down to the two of us left.

He pouted the few times I won then completely demanded a re-match. To keep us from arguing, we doubled up in teams. His sisters were exhausted. They stopped playing after a few rounds and merely observed while drinking their whisky. It came down to Jamie and me against his parents.

"Your move," his dad said.

Jamie smiled triumphantly as he laid his cards down. The rascal had a royal flush. His parents sighed, tossing down their full house and straight, respectively. I also had a full house, but Jamie and I won by default.

"That's all she wrote." He leaned back, brushing his shoulders off.

His stepmom rolled her eyes. "You got lucky."

"Luck of the Irish!" He announced proudly.

His sisters scoffed in unison.

"Kelsey helped you win a few of those rounds," Jessica said. "Don't get cocky."

Yeah, we were already friends. She was on my side.

"Fine," he surrendered, "I won't argue. Besides, if I did, she'd make me sleep on the couch."

I laughed. "I'm glad you've assigned yourself the couch. I was thinking outside."

"Ooh," he chuckled, "cold-hearted."

"You guys are cute," Liesa said, resting her head on her knuckles, watching our exchange.

"You really are," Jessica agreed. "Like an old married couple already."

I nudged Jamie under the table with my knee and his smile grew wider.

"Well," he began, "I think it's time for us old folks to head out."

"You've had too much to drink," his dad said. "Better stay here."

He shook his head. "I'm okay to drive."

"Not a good idea," his stepmom added.

"Then I'll take you back to your hotel," his dad concluded.

"You don't have to, I'm fine."

He did seem okay to me, but I hadn't actually seen him drink hard liquor since we'd been together, so I wasn't sure what he looked like drunk. The thought almost startled me, but I brushed it aside.

"Stay or let dad drive," Liesa said. "Those are your options."

Jamie sighed. "Whatever. Let's go."

His weird attitude had returned instantly. He grabbed my hand and stood, practically dragging me out of the room and toward the door. We didn't even say our goodbyes.

"Babe, chill," I told him as he briskly walked us outside. "That was rude—"

He turned me around, pressing me roughly into one of the parked cars. His lips crushed mine in a kiss that was almost painful, and his hips grinded me against the cool metal. Without warning the sound of Brad's voice and the feel of his skin invaded my senses. He held my face tightly between his hands and I finally had to shove him backward to breathe. My lips were probably bruised from the assault as the nightmares hit me full throttle. I was shaken as my eyes adjusted to the reality of who had touched me like that.

"What the hell?" I glared at him, not feeling any passion or desire from the exchange. Just pure drunkenness, and it pissed me off, mostly because it opened the floodgates.

He seemed a little stunned that I'd denied him reciprocation. He merely stood there and stared. I saw movement over his shoulder as his dad walked out of the house.

"Ready?" he asked once he approached.

I nodded, stepping around Jamie and to the other side of the car, opting to sit in front with his dad. My mind was suddenly a burning hell. Jamie plopped down in the back without saying a word. His dad looked over at me when he started the car, but I shrugged, signaling it wasn't worth discussion.

The ride to the hotel was completely silent besides the radio that was turned down rather low. I was certain his dad could feel the tension between us, but he respectfully kept his questions to himself.

We pulled up to the Hilton after what felt like an hour, and when I went to thank Jim, Jamie stumbled out of the car, slammed the door shut, and headed inside without me.

"What's his problem?" he turned and asked.

"He's frustrated with me. It's okay."

"Want me to knock some sense into him?" He chuckled, causing me to smile in return.

"No, but I do want to thank you for everything. I cannot begin to tell you how much today meant to me."

"You're welcome, darlin'," he said. "It was our pleasure. We enjoy your company."

My heart fluttered at his honesty.

"Don't let him ruin your night."

I half-laughed. "I won't."

He gave me a quick wink before I stepped out of the car and made my way into the hotel to face a disappointed Jamie.

I wasn't the least bit surprised to find he wasn't waiting for me in the lobby. I figured he'd taken his bruised ego up the elevator to our room. I searched my purse for my extra keycard as I rode to the top floor.

I stepped off, stopping at our door for a moment to take a deep breath. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but he'd startled me with his forcefulness.

After the box on the handle clicked and turned green, I walked in, quietly shutting the door behind me. I could see light coming from the bedroom so I sighed, heading that way.

He had just tossed his shirt on the chair when I stepped in before he began unbuttoning his jeans.

"Jamie," I whispered, and he looked up from his task. "Let me explain."

"Explain what? That even though I tried to make today perfect, I couldn't get a kiss as a thanks?"

"That's not what this is about," I rebutted. "You know I'm thankful for all you did. Today meant the world to me."

"But a kiss is off limits. Okay." He rolled his eyes, instantly infuriating me beyond belief. He was pouting like a scorned teenager.

"Is that what you want, Jamie? A fucking kiss?"

"Not anymore."

What the hell was wrong with him? He'd been weird the entire day and the whisky obviously wasn't helping his attitude.

"Well, too bad," I said.

I equally surprised him when I shoved him back against the bed, causing him to fall onto it and knocking the wind out of him. He went to respond, but I cut him off with my lips. I pressed mine firmly against his, roughly sucking and biting at him, trying to match the force with which he'd kissed me earlier. I tasted the metallic of blood on my tongue and I didn't know whose it was. His hands fell to the hem of my sweater as he tried to pull it off feverishly. I grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head.

"No!" I commanded. "You practically attacked me at your parents' house and then got mad when I didn't like it. We're not having sex. You wanted a kiss, there it is."

"What's your problem?" he asked. His breathing was labored as it washed over my face, the scent of Jameson reminding me he wasn't thinking clearly.

"You!" I said, standing up again. "You scared me, Jamie! I'm still sensitive from being manhandled by a psychopath."

I didn't mean for my confession to fall out the way it did, especially when he was drunk and couldn't comprehend it, but his harshness brought back images I was still trying to forget. I knew it wasn't his intention to hurt me, but the sudden action sent my brain into frenzy. Of course I wanted to kiss him, he just couldn't slam my body up against something and force himself on me without notice.

He closed his eyes and covered them with the heel of his hands. "Shit."

I wrapped myself in my own arms to comfort the flash of visions that came from the recent past. He sat up, gently grabbing my waist and pulling me toward his face. He nuzzled my abdomen. His sudden switch to soberness made me feel guilty, even if neither of us could stop the memories.

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispered against my sweater. "I didn't mean to scare you."

I ran my fingers through his hair to calm us both, pressing him into me. "I know you didn't. I'm sorry I can't control the flashbacks."

He shook his head in my hands. "Don't apologize for that. I need to be careful. It's just..." he trailed off.

"Tension had built up and the alcohol didn't help." I filled in the blanks for him.

His eyes met mine and they were filled with sorrow. I hated that my reaction hurt him, and it only solidified that I wasn't going to heal on my own. I needed to see someone professionally as soon as we went home before I damaged both of us beyond repair.

"Come here," he mumbled, intertwining our fingers. He pulled me down onto his lap.

"I love you." I smiled, wrapping him up in a cocoon.

"I'm a careless man."

I rocked us back and forth. "No you're not. I'm just kinda broken."

He stared at me for a long while, reading my expression.

"Let me fix you." He slowly leaned forward, latching onto my lips.

I reciprocated that time, pressing him closer and breathing in his sweet, loving assault. My tongue played with his, a smile creeping across my face as I pulled us apart.

"Much better," I said.

"Mmm," he whispered, leaving small pecks to the corner of my lips. "I love you so much. I don't want us to fight."

"No fighting, babe. Just hold me."

He smiled, reaching for the hem of my shirt again. I nodded, giving him permission to remove it. He pulled it over my head, throwing it onto the chair behind me before he moved to lay me back against the mattress. I watched as he undid my jeans, dragging them slowly down my legs, a grin stretched across his face. He stood up, doing the same to his own before crawling onto the bed. I scooted over and rolled to face him as he wrapped his muscular arm tightly around my waist, resting his cheek on his other palm to watch me.

"Thank you for today," I said, tracing my fingernails over his strong bicep. I felt protected in his embrace, my security blanket.

"Thank you for letting me kiss you."

"Baby, you can always kiss me," I replied as I moved my hand to stroke the side of his bearded face. "But next time you wanna get rough, give a girl some notice so I can at least meet you halfway."

He laughed heartily. "You're perfect."

"Yes, you are." I winked when he shook his head.

He pressed gentle, teasing kisses against my lips, caressing my lower back with the tips of his fingers as I fell into a Jamie trance.

***

Sorry I brought Brad back! But I hope it helped show that her wounds didn't just heal overnight and disappear. Anxious to hear what you thought about how family time and private time at the end! Please don't forget to vote and/or comment before departing :) xo