Insecure

Chapter 26.

*1 week later*

It's been a week since Russell and his drama has left the picture between Jayce and Laura, and things have been going pretty good. Him and Laura have no had a single fight since he left. He was in custody, so they could finally take a deep breath. Bruce, Laura's dad, and Jayce were sitting in the room while Lilly and Laura were out shopping. They were doing last minute Christmas shopping which gave Jayce the opportunity to be alone with Laura's dad for the first time in ever. They were sitting down in the living room that afternoon and Bruce had a funny look on his face.
Jayce said, "What's with the look?"
He shrugged and waved it off. "What did you want to talk about? You made this whole announcement."
"Announcement? I don't see a big overhead speaker," he said, looking around the room.
"You made it sound important."
"That's because it is, Mr. Collins."
"Shit."
"What?"
"This must be serious. You used my last name," Bruce said, half-joking. Jayce hardly ever used his formal name. He went from bastard, asshole to Bruce. He would take Bruce out of all the names Jayce has called him in the past.
Jayce sat up straight, clearing his throat and his tone turned serious. "It's your blessing."
Bruce sat up straighter as well. His eyes were centered, getting wider. "Blessing? What do you mean by blessing?"
"I want to marry your daughter."
Bruce felt like the wind was being knocked out of him. He had to put his hand on the table to keep himself from falling out of his chair. "You guys are so young----" He shook his head. "This is really fast."
"We've been together around 8 months. I never ever though I would be married before I turned 30, especially not this early. I agree with you. We're young, it seems fast."
"But?"
Jayce smiled a little bit. "But. I love her. She's the love of my life, and I can't imagine my life without her. She's an amazing woman. I couldn't imagine anyone else taking her spot. I hope you understand."
"So young---" Bruce muttered.
"I swear I will take care of her," Jayce said, leaning forward to look into Bruce's eyes with a serious expression.
Bruce nodded. "Okay."
"Okay?"
"You have my blessing."
Jayce smiled and stood up, shaking Bruce's hand. "Thank you."
"No, thank you. I know she'll be very happy with you."

~~~~~~~~~

"I really hate shopping when I don't know what to buy," Laura said, looking around.
Lilly just shrugged. "I needed to tell the guys something so we could be alone."
"Why? We could've easily gotten alone? Why go shopping?" Laura asked, cringing at the word shopping.
"I wanted real time alone. Not a few minutes when Jayce or Carlos are using the bathroom. They're at the house all the time!"
"True."
"I wanted a day alone, just me and you."
Laura nodded. "We haven't done that in so long."
She nodded. "I'm glad you found Jayce."
"Me too," Laura said, not looking up.
"Seriously," Lilly said, grabbing her arm, making her stop. "You've been through so much shit, and it's just no fair. You've been bullied, tormented by gay fucks at school, abused by your family. It's complete shit," Lilly took a breath. "You did nothing to deserve that. For some fucking reason, guys love to torment you and it must be because you're gorgeous or something---"
"Lilly----"
"Stop it. You're gorgeous. If you weren't, Jayce wouldn't have chose you. He's an amazing guy. I couldn't have picked a more perfect guy for you. He treats you so well after all the shit guys put you through---"
"I'm over it."
"Good, but the point is Jayce is there. He is so great. He's crazy about you."
"I don't know----" Laura awkwardly itched the top of her head.
"Believe it. I see the way he looks at you, protects you....He stayed when you told him you were pregnant."
"Carlos stayed."
"Because we've been together longer. But you and Jayce---"
Laura looked around, then back at Lilly. "I mean, you're right, but to say he's completely in love with me is a little outrageous. Don't you think?"
Laura sighed. "Laura, he changed you. You smile, laugh...You're just happier."
"Lilly, why are you telling me this?"
"Because, you're my best friend, and I'm glad life is working out now for you. You deserve it. Your family is together, you're with a great guy, you're healthy... What else could life ask for?" she replied, smiling. "You deserve a good life."
Laura smiled. "Thanks Lilly. I really appreciate that."