Book 2: What Happens Here - Chicago (What Happens Here Series)

Chapter 64 - Ethan

The next day, and after landing back in Chicago, Ethan, Jasmine and her parents headed back to his place, or what was soon to become the home that he and Jasmine would start their new life in. Glancing over at the beautiful woman that he not only loved, but that he'd planned to spend the rest of his life with, amazement hit him at just how truly blessed he was.

It still floored him at how fast things had occurred. It had only been two weeks since he'd first met Jasmine Ellis, and now she was in his home, and was wearing the engagement ring that he'd placed on her finger the night before. As if sensing his eyes on her, she turned in his direction and locked gazes with him. The look of love that she directed his way caused his heart to melt, and when she smiled, peace filled his soul.

Once they'd gotten her parents settled, Ethan had walked with Jasmine upstairs to their room, where he'd taken her nice and slow up against the shower wall. Since placing the engagement ring on her finger, things in their relationship felt different. Even the love that they made felt different. It felt better, and more intense, which completely rocked him because he didn't think that things between them could get any better, but he'd been wrong.

With plans to have dinner at his parents' home later that evening, before Jasmine's parents returned to Charlotte the next day, after their shower, Jasmine decided to take a nap. He'd grabbed her a bottle of water before he'd left the room and allowed her to sleep. Heading back downstairs, he was surprised to see Bernadette sitting on a barstool in the kitchen eating a slice of chocolate cake. Chuckling, he said, "Bernadette, you read my mind." Laughing herself, she said, "Sssh...I'm not supposed to have this Ethan, but when Jasmine pulled it out of the oven the other night, I knew I had to have a piece." Chuckling, Ethan grabbed a cake plate, and a glass before pouring himself a half glass of milk. Smiling as she sliced him a large piece, before placing it on his plate, he said, "Thanks Bernadette." Sliding on the stool next to her, Ethan broke off a chunk with his fork, and said, "Why can't you have any cake?" Forking another piece, she said, "Nate and I started a weight loss regimen a month ago." Frowning, Ethan said, "There's no way that you need to lose weight. You're beautiful Bernadette." Seeing the blush that covered her light skin, had Ethan smiling, as she said, "Well...thank you for that Ethan. I don't necessarily need to lose anything, but I'd like to tighten things up a bit." Chuckling, Ethan said, "Oh...okay. Gotcha."

As they sat in a companionable silence, Bernadette turned to him and said, "Jasmine mentioned that you are pretty heavy into fitness. Do you have any pointers?" Smiling, Ethan wiped his mouth and said, "Yes, I am. I work out daily, and Jasmine has been working out with me as well." Smiling, Bernadette said, "She mentioned that you used to participate in marathons? That's incredible. Nate used to be a runner as well." And laughing she said, "Well, while in the Marines, they did a great deal of that from what he's told me." Chuckling, Ethan said, "Yes, they did. My dad used to share some of the stories of the grueling PT that they were involved in, and even after he was discharged, he still keeps in great shape."

Nodding, Bernadette said, "Nate still runs daily, and works out several days a week." Waving her hand, she said, "I've never been a runner Ethan, but I do love to get out and walk around our neighborhood as much as I can." Standing to take both of their plates to the sink, Ethan turned on the water and began to wash their dishes as he said, "You asked for pointers. Do you have something specific in mind?" Shaking her head, Bernadette said, "Jasmine mentioned that you swim daily, would you recommend that as a better form of cardio?" Drying their dishes, Ethan turned as he said, "I'm not sure if Jasmine mentioned it or not, but I was involved in a hit and run accident over three years ago while I was training for my final marathon here in Chicago." Frowning, Bernadette said, "Oh Ethan. No, Jasmine did not mention that to us. What happened?" Leaning his back against the edge of the sink, Ethan gripped it with his hands as he shared the events of that day, and how he'd spent the past few years healing. By the end of his story, Bernadette had covered her mouth with her hand as she'd said, "Oh Ethan...I'm so sorry." And rising, she pulled him into a motherly hug, before she stepped back and said, "I think you should complete that final marathon, Ethan." Chuckling, Ethan said, "Now you sound just like your daughter Bernadette. She suggested the same thing." Smiling, she patted him on the shoulder as she said, "My daughter is a very wise woman, Ethan." Chuckling, Ethan nodded his head in agreement as he said, "That she is Bernadette. That she is."