The Light of Dawn (Second book in His Light series)

Chapter Thirty

Dawn's POV

Nervously, I held onto Jay's hand and wouldn't let go as we're taken to our seats. Emmie was holding my hand, acting as if she was the Queen of England. Head held high, her curls framed her face perfectly.

"Come stiamo questa bella serata?" The waiter asks as he gestures to our table. (How are we this beautiful evening?) Jay nods to him as he pulls out my chair for me after I put Emmie in her seat.

"Stiamo andando benissimo, grazie." Jay responds fluently, all the words just rolling off his tongue. (We are doing very well, thank you.) The waiter notices my confused face, as well as the others, so he quickly changes from Italian to English.

"My apologies, Ma'am. What would we like to drink tonight?" He smiles politely at us, Jay takes the lead as always.

"We'll start off with your best wine, I don't care what kind it is, seven waters, and five wine glasses by the way." Jay responds, glancing over at my Aunt and Uncle.

"Is that fine with you?" He asks them kindly, my Aunt nods.

"Very well, sir. I'll be back in a moment." The waiter replies, walking away quietly. I glance down at the menu that's entirely in Italian. I lean forward, towards Jay.

"Can you order for me? I don't want to look stupid." I whisper, he chuckles.

"I will, darling. And don't worry, I already picked something out for Emmie and Kieran. We talked about it on the flight while you were sleeping." He teased me, I rolled my eyes.

"I don't like flying, so I sleep through it." I huff, he smiles at me.

"When will you explain?" Uncle Hudson demands, Carter fully agreeing with him. Just then the waiter shows up, setting the wine bottle on the table and handing out the waters and wine glasses. He leaves quickly and quietly.

"I had to leave her to protect her. I took a bullet for her, but the thought that it was meant for her scared me. I had to do something, so I decided to leave her. I knew I was going to come back, just after I took care of the guy. Look, it was a rash decision and I regret it. But I promised you and her that I would protect her, and at the time, the only way to do so was to leave her." He explains quickly, Emmie looks confused but just shrugs it off since she's distracted with texting her friend John on my phone.

"What do you mean it was the only way? You could have done basically any other thing! She was heartbroken when you left her! She had an ED because of you!" Aunt Haven exclaims, I flinch back at that. Jay gazes at me softly.

"Haven, I know. I know what I did to her, and I am very sorry. I'm not leaving her again, though. And I don't care what you say, I promised Dawn forever. And she's going to get that forever." Jay speaks softly, reaching over the table to take my hand in his.

"Dawn, I don't trust him. Not anymore. He may have had good intentions behind what he did, but I don't like it. It's not up to us if you stay with him, it's up to you. But don't worry, we won't throw you to the government. Not yet." Haven mutters to me, slowly I nod.

"I'm not even going to scold you, Kiddo. Your life is up to you, and we do trust your judgement, just not when it comes to guys apparently." Carter sighs, shaking his head and getting up. "Thank you for inviting me, but I'm not going to sit around and watch my cousin fall into this again. It's a trap, and I'm not going watch her get caught. Not again." Carter begins to walk away, I leap to my feet and grab onto his arm.

"Carter, please! I know my track record isn't very good, and I know that Jay hurt me when he left, and I know you don't have any faith in him, but please. Don't go, stay. Carter, please." I beg, tears in my eyes but all he does is shrug me off.

"I'm not watching you fall again. I'm sorry." He whispers, turning and walking away. I stand there for a second, slowly sitting back down.

"Darling, I'm sorry. I'll go talk to him. If the waiter comes, just ask for more time." Jay stands, adjusting his suit and kissing the top of my head before walking after Carter. I sigh, peering down at Emmie as she plays on my phone and sends texts back and forth with her friend, John.

"Uncle Hudson?" I turn to him, he looks up from his lap with a sigh.

"I know what he did to you and I know how you felt, but I also see how he looks at you. I know what he feels for you with just a glance, so... just be careful. Okay?" He gives me a hesitant smile, I grin and hug him tightly.

"Thank you." I whisper, he just gives me a smile and goes back to looking at his lap. I don't know what Jay said to Carter, but when they come back they are grinning and talking easily as if nothing ever happened. Carter hugs me, kissing the top of my head.

"Sorry, Dawn. I fully support you two." He grins, sending a wink towards Jay. A wink! I gawk at them even as the waiter comes around the corner, asking for our order. Jay orders for us, smirking at me.

"You, Jayden Pierce, are a miracle worker." I giggle, he shrugs with a broad grin on his face as he stares at me in awe.

"And you, my love, are beautiful beyond description." He chuckles as I blush, hiding from his gaze. Why is he always so cheesy?

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Just a few more chapters to go! Woohoo! I'm thinking of making a third book to this series, but this might just be the last book. 

I hope everyone is having a lovely week!

xoxo

Adelaide