Finding Mr. Right

Chapter 23

Today is the day my dad comes home from the hospital. Over the last few weeks, the chemo has killed the cancer cells. When I told Jake, he said that meant I didn't need him anymore - because of the whole marriage thing. It escalated into an argument but we've moved on.

Today I'm taking him home to formally introduce him to my parents. I wear a nice dress and he wears a nice suit. Part of me is nervous but the other part remembers they've already met. My parents said they liked him when they met him at the wedding.

Jake opens the car door for me and I step out. He waits patiently as I fix his tie and brush off imaginary dust. "Be good," I smile.

He chuckles. "Only for you, baby."

I lace my fingers with his and we go into the house. My dad is sitting at the table in a comfortable chair. Letting go of Jake's hand, I go over to my father and give him a big hug. "I'm glad you're okay, dad."

"Me too, sweetheart," he says, patting my back. I straighten and wave Jake over. "Nice to see you again, Jake." My dad says.

"You too, Mr. -"

"Please," my dad says, cutting him short. "It's Robert."

Jake nods. "I'm glad to see you're better, Robert. Thanks for inviting us over for dinner."

"No problem," my moms says, coming into the dining room. "My husband has been craving a home cooked meal." My mom hugs us both. "You can call me Beth."

"Thanks for dinner, Beth." Jake says.

"No problem. Go wash up so we can eat," she says, turning to me. "Show Jake to the bathroom."

Jake follows me to the bathroom, smacking my ass on the way. As I wash my hands, he circles his arms around my waist. He kisses my neck softly. "Thank you for coming," I say.

"Anything for you," he smiles.

I press my lips to his and his tongue brushes against my lips. Placing my hand on his chest, I gently push him away. "My parents," I say softly.

"They want a grandchild," he smiles.

"That doesn't mean we have to make one under their roof. Plus, you've never said anything about wanting a kid anytime soon."

He shrugs. "It's not that bad of an idea."

He begins washing his hands and I lean in the doorway. "You want kids? With me?" I ask in disbelief.

He chuckles. "Don't sound so doubtful. You're perfect."

He walks ahead of me to the table. I follow close behind him. We sit at the table and begin eating dinner with my parents. Our talk is mostly about my dad being in the hospital and what his plans are now that he's out. "After I recover and get back to normal, I plan on taking my wife on vacation. I need something to pass time until my daughter decides to walk down the aisle," my dad says.

"Dad," I warn. "Let's not talk about this."

He chuckles. "She has always been afraid of commitment."

I shift uncomfortably in my chair. My mom gently smacks his arm. "Robert."

"What?" he asks innocently. "She even admitted it after all those guys were breaking up with her. Said she was afraid of giving herself to another man because it always ended in flames."

"Not in this case. Jake's a nice guy," my mom says with a smile, trying to steer the conversation in another direction.

"Just don't ask her to marry ya," my dad says chuckling.

I peek at Jake to see him looking at his plate awkwardly. My mom leans toward my dad and whispers enough. I push the food around my plate as the clock on the wall ticks slower than ever.

After we've all finished eating, I help my mom clean off the table and do dishes. Jake and my dad are in the living room watching a football game. I put a clean dish in the cupboard then turn to my mom. "I can't believe he said those things. I've actually tried to be in a relationship because that's what he wanted. Did he change his mind or something?"

She leans against the counter, sighing. "He's been acting a little different since before the treatment. I wouldn't worry about it too much. He was rambling. He'll be his normal self in no time."

"I hope so," I breathe.

"He should be ready for bed soon. The game will be over in five to ten minutes so you guys can head out after that. Maybe once he's better we can try this again," she suggests with an apologetic smile.

I nod. "Of course."

We join the boys in the living room. I curl up on Jake's lap, leaning my side against his chest and laying my head on his shoulder. He wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. When the game's over, my dad announces he's tired. Jake and I give my mom and dad each a hug before leaving. We go to his apartment and I go straight to the bedroom and into the bathroom. I run the bath water as I begin pulling off my clothes. "May I join you?" Jake asks from behind me.

"Help yourself. It's your apartment," I shrug.

He pulls my naked body back against his chest. "I don't want you to feel obligated to say yes. I want you to want me."

"I do want you," I say softly.

He releases me and begins undressing. After he sits in the tub, he shuts the water off. "The tub is only half-full," I point out.

He raises an eyebrow and I smile, knowing exactly what he has in mind. He steps in and lowers himself into the water. Climbing in, I straddle his waist and make our body one. He moans as I begin kissing his neck. Placing his hands on my hips, he sets a slow pace. "I love you, Juliet," he whispers.

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