First and Ten

Chapter 20

                                                                Jax

I almost fell to my knees as she turned around because Blair looked even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I had been a fucking mess over the last few weeks without her, and one brief talk with Bri and JB told me that she had been just as bad off. I knew she would be here early to check on everything one last time and had to see her when we would be alone.

"You look incredible."

"Thank you. You do too," she answered quietly.

"This is all perfection. I never doubted it would be though."

"I'm glad you like it and hope Camila does too. I should probably go check on the food with Maggie. I'm sure you have a lot to do to get ready for the red carpet and all that. Don't worry though. I will be out of sight so that nothing is awkward or anything."

"No. I don't want you out of sight. I want you beside me where you belong. I don't care about the party. I only care about you. I miss you, Blair. I've missed you every single second of ever single day."

"You shouldn't. I hurt you by acting like a crazy person letting my past wreck our present. I still can't even look at myself because I'm ashamed for falling apart like such an overdramatic mess."

"But I'm still here, Blair, telling you that I still want you."

"Why? I'm broken, Jax, no matter how much I want to pretend I'm not! There is no way you want a woman that is nothing but an insecure train wreck."

"You are not broken, Blair! You've been through some bullshit. We all have our stuff that we fight through and deal with. We all have our flaws. That doesn't mean we deal with any of it alone. Come back to me because you are the only woman I want."

Her beautiful blue eyes lined with tears, so I took a chance and closed the distance between us reaching for her hand. She hesitantly let me take it, and I reached up with the other to brush away a tiny tear that had escaped.

"I love you. Do you still love me?"

She nodded her head yes, and I let out a breathe that I hadn't realized I was holding in but also needed to hear the words. "Say it, Blair."

"I love you, Jax, and I'm so sorry for everything."

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. I had missed the softness of her lips, the feel of her body pressed against mine and had to pull back after a few moments before I decided that we should skip the party, but I rested my forehead gently against hers not ready to let her out of my arms. "No more radio silence and pulling away. An incredibly smart woman once told me that communication is key in relationships. Promise me that you will never push me away again. Never again, Blair."

"I promise."

"Good. Now, will you come walk the red carpet with me as my girlfriend? Stay right by my side during the party as my girlfriend? Come home with me tonight because I desperately need my girlfriend naked in my bed making up for lost time?" I teased kissing her quickly once more and hearing her laugh making my heart fill to hear that wonderful sound again.

"I will be more than happy to do all of those things."

"I love you, Blair."

"I love you too, Jax," she smiled lighting up the room brighter than any lights could ever hope to.

We faced the press answering the typical questions about who we were wearing, how our relationship was going, and all the other regular inquiries as I kept a hold of Blair's hand. I had truly missed her being by my side reaffirming all that I felt for her, and there was no way I was letting go of her tonight or any night for that matter. Our time apart was hell, but it showed me that I definitely couldn't live without her.