After Us (Next Generation #6) - J.M. Walker Page 0,6
pushing her face into my chest.
I pulled her tighter against me. “Me too, baby. Me too.”
“I missed the way you touch me. The way I feel when your hands are on me.” She wrapped her arms around my neck, holding me tight against her. “I missed how safe I feel in your arms.”
“You are safe, Piper,” I told her, rubbing my nose against hers. “Always safe.”
I needed this. I needed her. Being without her tested my limits and I knew if I had gone any longer without seeing her, it would have made me fall into myself. I wasn’t stupid, and I was man enough to admit it, jail scared the shit out of me, and I was afraid for my mental well-being.
Clearing my throat, I pushed away from Piper and grabbed her hand instead. “I should go see my parents before my mom kicks my ass.”
Piper laughed lightly. “I know she’s been waiting for this day.”
I smiled. “Me too, beautiful.” I brushed my thumb along her bottom lip. “I also need to meet her.”
Piper’s breath hitched, her eyes shining. “I’ll go get her.”
I nodded, my throat working over a hard lump. I wasn’t an emotional man. It was one of the things I loved about Piper. She wasn’t an emotional person either. But being reunited, this whole ordeal, it brought out feelings I never knew I was even capable of having.
“Where is he? Where’s my baby?”
I looked up and found my mom running out of the large house with my dad following behind her.
Piper gave my hand a squeeze and walked away from me to head into the house. I knew where she was going. I knew she was going to get her. Our daughter. But it still didn’t stop me from rushing after her. When I caught up to her, I grabbed her arm and spun her around.
She jumped, slapping her hands against my chest. “Jaron?”
“Just…just stay.” I grabbed her hand, her touch calming every racing nerve in my body. “You can grab Brynn in a moment. I just need…I need you here.”
“I’ll be right here,” she said gently. “Go to your parents.”
“Okay.” I blew out a slow breath and turned to my mom.
She stopped suddenly.
My dad stood beside her. He leaned down to her ear, whispering something to her.
She nodded, kissed his cheek, and ran toward me.
I held out my arms and waited.
When my mom closed the distance between us and threw herself against me, a sob left her.
“My baby,” she cried against my chest. “I missed you so much.”
I cupped the back of her head, holding her tight. I wanted to tell her I was sorry. Sorry for worrying her. Sorry for darkening that light that had been in her eyes ever since I was a small boy. Sorry for scaring her and for no longer being the son she raised but now a monster instead.
A dark shadow loomed over us and I didn’t have to look up to know that it was my dad. He had agreed back in the beginning of my sentencing that we didn’t want either Piper or my mom showing up. As much as it killed me not to see them, it wasn’t a place for them. So, my dad came to visit me as much as he could, in their place.
I could never thank him enough. Either of them. For what they did for Piper. For our daughter, their granddaughter.
Mom leaned back, cupping my face. “You’ve gotten so big.”
I only smiled because if I said a word, any word, I would have fallen apart at her feet.
“How are you doing?” she asked, searching my face.
“Eve.” Dad cupped her nape.
She looked between us. “I can’t imagine.” Her breath hitched. “What you did for her.”
My chest tightened, memories of that night slithering their way into my mind.
Him.
Piper.
Blood.
“Eve,” Dad repeated, his voice firm.
“I know.” Mom cupped my cheek. “She’s perfect for you. She’ll help you heal.” She paused, her eyes searching my face. “You good?”
“I will be,” I finally said, my voice thick. “I…” My voice trailed off when a loud rumble of engines made their way up the large driveway.
“I love you, Jaron.” Mom gave me another hug.
“I love you too, Mama,” I murmured, returning the embrace.
“I’ll go check on your daughter.” She turned, gave my dad and me one final look, and headed back into the large house.
When I caught Piper still standing nearby, I let out a slow breath.
“How are you doing, Son?” Dad asked, clapping me on the shoulder.