After Hours

Chapter 18

My parents are already at the restaurant when Jackson and I arrive. As we make our way inside, we run into his parents who rescheduled their dinner with friends to be here. "Thank you for coming," I say with a smile. "My parents are inside already."

Jackson's grip on my left hand tightens as we walk into the restaurant. When we get to the table my parents introduce themselves before Jackson's parents do. My dad is to my left and Jackson's mother, Sarah, is beside him. Once we order, we make small talk. "I believe I watched a movie with your son it it," my mom says in thought. "Whispered Secrets, I believe it was called."

Sarah nods, seeming uninterested. "Yes, that's him."

"You have two incredibly talented and handsome sons," she says.

"Thank you," Kyle says when Sarah doesn't.

I glance at Jackson nervously. His parents aren't as warm and close like mine are. When dinner is served, Kyle and Sarah begin discussing Dubai with Jackson - something I know nothing about. I send my parents an apologetic smile and they seem to understand. Once we're done, our waiter returns, taking away our plates and leaving us with filled glasses of champagne. "This is delicious," my mom says.

"Are you a fan of wine?" Sarah asks.

They begin discussing wine while our dads begin talking about whiskey and I smile. I want them to get along well. I would never expect them to be friends or anything but I want things to be civil between everyone. Looking at Jackson, I see him watching me with a smile. "I love you," I whisper.

"I love you too," he replies softly.

Leaning in, I press my lips to his. It's short and sweet but leaves me craving him even more. I'm wiping away a small lipstick smudge when I hear a gasp. "You're engaged?"

I freeze before slowly turning towards them. Dropping my hand into my lap, I clear my throat but Jackson speaks first. "Her father has gave me his blessing so I asked Emery to marry me," Jackson announces.

Me and my mom look at my father in shock. Smiling, he winks in my direction. "Congratulations," my mom smiles. "Let me see your ring."

I place my hand in hers and she gawks at the ring. "Have you discussed the prenup?" Kyle asks. "I can have my lawyer call you."

"Prenup?" my dad asks.

I pull my hand away and glance at Jackson who is understandably upset. "There won't be a prenup."

Kyle stares at his son in disbelief. "Don't be ridiculous. She has no money of her own."

"My daughter would never marry someone for their money," my mom speaks. "I don't appreciate the way you're speaking about her."

I've never really thought about a prenup but I would sign it if Jackson asked me to. "There won't be a prenup and you can't change my mind about it," Jacksons says, lacing his fingers with mine. "I know Emery would never do that."

"Think about it," Sarah says, touching his arm. "If she really does love you then she won't have an issue with signing it."

Shaking my head, I give Jackson's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I understand why you want me to sign a prenup," I say. "You're just looking out for your son. So if Jackson asks me to, I will sign a prenuptial agreement with whatever details he's comfortable with."

Sarah smiles in satisfaction. "Good."

"No, not good," Jackson says angrily. "She won't be signing anything because there will not be a prenup."

"Son, this is really something you should think about," Kyle says. "Just think about the Detroit deal - you trusted them and -"

"This isn't a fucking business deal, dad," Jackson snaps, his voice breaking slightly. "It's commitment. I'm done trying to make you two happy."

My eyes slowly drift to his parents who look upset. "You do," Sarah insists. "We are very proud of you -"

"Then be proud of me for settling down," he says.

She frowns. Kyle sits back in his chair. "I'm just not sure she's the one for you."

Jackson shake his head slightly. "That's for me to decide. If it were up to you, I'd be depressed and miserable with Sophie still. She cheated and lied, yet you guys still want me to be with her because she comes from a family with money," he pauses. "You're the greedy ones, not Emery. Everything you guys do is for money and status. If you actually took the time to get to know my fiancé, you'd see that she is now a famous architect with clients across the country. She is the sweetest, most loving and deserving person I know and I can't wait to start a family with her."

My heart swells and I stare at my handsome fiancé in awe. I am so lucky. "That's wonderful," Sarah says softly.

"I have watched you support Zach through all of his shit and now I am asking you to support my decision in this. You can either be a part of my life or a part of my past," he says. "It's your choice."

Kyle and Sarah glance at each other. "We're sorry," Kyle speaks. "I would like nothing more than to be a part of your life and to watch my son get married."

Jackson nods. "Good."

Gaining the waiters attention, he asks for the check. The table is rather silent as we wait for the bill which Kyle generously pays before his son can. As we walk out of the restaurant, Jackson raises our laced fingers and kisses the back of my hand. I stretch to kiss his cheek before releasing him to hug my parents. I am shocked when Kyle and Sarah hug everyone as well. They even exchange numbers with my parents and I am glad that it ended decent, even if the dinner wasn't the best.

As Jackson drives home, I realize that his childhood situation was similar to mine. Although he grew up wealthy, our siblings were both favored over us and it took us this long to confront our parents about it. If it weren't for us being together, it might not have happened. We make each other stronger and I am thankful that I get to share my life with him.

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