Wild Ride - The Alternative Version (Book 2)

Chapter 67~I've Still Got My Eyes On You, Baby

Jimmy's POV

After getting Abbie off to school in the morning, I moped around while I waited for Elise's arrival. I kept trying to plan out in my head what it was I should say to her to make her stay. Every time I thought of her rejecting me anyway and leaving, I felt like being sick. I kept pacing through the house and stopping to stare out the window, waiting for the moment she'd drive in and I'd see those horrid papers in her hand. 

I'd dreamt of her last night, and in the dream we were that happy couple again. That couple who never stopped loving each other no matter what, and they never left each other's side. It was a reminder of what was, so of course when I got up this morning, it hurt badly. I found it hard to even get out of bed, and the only thing that did finally get me out of bed was having Abbie to look after.

I had to force myself to smile and to act happy for Abbie, because I didn't want her to worry about me all day long. She shouldn't have to worry about me. She should be able to feel like she can depend on her father, rather than leave here knowing he's probably falling apart and lying on the couch crying into a pillow, which was what I did after she left.

Elise never showed up until ten, and I quietly let her into the house soon after she knocked. As I'd forseen, she had the divorce papers in her hand. They were tucked into a clear folder, and I could see that she already signed them. All that was missing was my signature. 

She followed me into the kitchen, where she placed the folder on the counter while I grabbed a pen. Elise waited patiently beside me as I walked back over and slid the papers out of the folder, skimming down through the paragraphs to the first blank line that had been marked for me to put the first signature on. 

I moved the pen up to the black line to sign, but before the pen could hit the paper and the ink could come out, I remembered what Abbie had told me last night. I had to at least try to change her mind, I had to tell her I loved her for one last time.

I dropped the pen from my grip, getting a confused look from Elise before I said, "Before I go through with this, there are some things I need to say." She remained silent, waiting for me to go on. "I know I screwed up, and I know I haven't been the best lover to you lately, but you have to understand that I never meant to hurt you. I hate myself for it. Every second of every day, I think about all the things I could've done differently that might've kept you here with me. You were right, I've been an asshole, but I'm telling you, this doesn't have to happen. I married you because I want to be with you forever, not just for four years and then throw it all away. I can love you better now, I promise. Just like it used to be. I don't want us to end like this, so if you still love me, even the tiniest bit, then give me another chance and I'll prove it to you. We can work all of this out, start doing more together, get our vows renewed, the whole nine yards. I still love you with all of my heart, so please don't go. I need you." I whimpered, my cheeks flooded with tears as I reached out and gently took one of her hands. 

Elise just stared at me, seeming to be speechless. I waited for the moment she'd rip her hand out of mine and demand that I hurry up and just sign the papers, but she didn't. She just stood there looking at me like that for a moment. But then she reached over with her free hand and took the papers, picking them up off the counter and getting them back into the folder. Then she picked the folder up, turned, and threw it across the kitchen to where it landed perfectly in the trash can. I was in shock, my eyes widening, but before I could say anything, she turned around and kissed me passionately. 

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her even closer, never ever wanting to let go of her again. My heart slammed against my chest as she kissed me slowly, and I wondered if maybe I was dreaming. 

When we could bring ourselves to pull away, she whispered against my lips, "I still love you too."

"So this means no divorce, right?"