I'll Come Running

Chapter 31

"Well tonight was super fun you guys but, it's way past Charley's bedtime." Jessie sighed as she got up from Rafe's lap as Charley was passed out on her shoulder. Rafe eventually stood up as well and took Charley out of Jessie's hands to put her in her car seat.

"Thank you guys for such an amazing night, and being so understanding." Jessie exclaimed as she gestured over to Rafe, who was out of ear shot.

"Anything for you, Jess." John B answered with a half smile.

"Yeah, and we all loved getting to know Charley. Thanks for bringing her around." Sarah said genuinely. Jessie could tell her heart was aching to know her niece more, and to see Rafe get redemption. Jessie knew in time she would get both. She gave all the pogues hugs as Rafe made his way back to the group with his hands in his pockets. Pope was the one to extend the olive branch formally as he stuck his hand out to Rafe.

"We're glad you're here... for Charley, man." Pope stated, still waiting for a hand shake. Rafe looked at his hand with surprise. After all that Rafe had done to Pope specifically and he was still willing to shake his hand? Rafe was impressed. He smiled and gladly took his hand, with a nonverbal understanding between the two of them that everything was okay between them. That was a step in the right direction, and Jessie was glad that all the pogues got to see that redemption was possible, slowly. Baby steps was all Jessie wanted.

"Same time again tomorrow... my place." Was all Rafe could muster, not really having the words to say but trying to make it clear he appreciated their kindness.

With that, Jessie walked over to her husband, who then took her hand and walked to the truck, opening her door of course. Rafe may be fine with fighting anyone who deserves it but giving his wife anything less than princess treatment was never okay in his book. He knew that wasn't always his thought process, and that's why he was more determined than ever to not let her lift a finger.

"Did you have fun?" Jessie asked hand in hand with Rafe as they drove home.

"I always have fun when I'm with you." Rafe replied as he looked over at Jessie lovingly. Jessie looked back at Charley sleeping in her car seat and realized something.

"Where's Charley gonna sleep tonight? She doesn't exactly have her bed with her." Jessie asked as she looked back at Rafe who was now focused back on the road.

"She can sleep in any room you want... or she can sleep with us." Rafe implied.

"Normally I don't encourage her sleeping in the bed with me, but that might be best considering she doesn't really know where she is." Jessie said.

"Whatever you want, baby." Rafe answered as he brought her hand up to his lips, giving it a soft kiss.

The three of them finally rolled up to the house and got out of the truck. Rafe went to the back driver door to get Charley out of her car seat. In her sleep she managed to still find Rafe's broad chest and sling herself around him, burying her head in the crook of his neck. They walked into the house and up the stairs to Rafe's old room. There was no way they were sleeping anywhere else in that house.

Jessie couldn't believe the sight, the room still looked just like it did years ago, with the exception of a newer comforter. Other than that, the room remained arranged the same as it did when she and Rafe were dating.

"Can you grab her pajamas? I put the bags in my closet." Rafe whispered as he walked over to his bed to lay Charley down. Jessie walked over to the large walk in closet and found the bags. She came back to Rafe taking off Charley's socks and shoes ever so delicately for fear of waking her. She had to admire the sight for a second, taking in the moment, noticing how sweet and gentle Rafe was being even when he thought nobody was watching.