Drawing the Line

Chapter 13: Yes, Please

A/N: Lovely Damies, my mojo and inspiration for this story has deserted me and I hate the fact that it takes me so long to update, so I am going to wrap this up. I sincerely apologize for the wait. I know it's not 'me' to drag things out – and I hate that. Thank you for your patience.

Dulcie's plea spoke to my heart and I couldn't deny her. "Of course I want to marry you. But just like Santa and the Easter Bunny, sometimes you have to wait."

She clapped her hands on my face, "Don't take too long."

I nipped her nose "I won't. I promise."

She held up her hand with her pinky finger held out, "Pinky swear?"

I gripped her pinky with mine. "I swear."

*****

Jamie took the girls home and I left for Vancouver and pre-production meetings, fittings, and hoopla for my next film.

I know he wants to marry me. And I know I want to marry him. I honestly don't know why I am hesitating, but my gut isn't there yet, and until it is, I am not going to budge.

I've been feeling 'ick' the last few days. Not enough to keep me out of business, but enough to make me want to do nothing more than go home, shower, and crawl into bed. I know Jamie is leaving Belfast today, and I'm happy to know he'll at least be in the same time zone as me.

I am exhausted and craving my sweats and a comfy bed when I enter my apartment. I lock the door, and drop my purse on the bar as I head for the bedroom.

Why are the bedside lights on? I register the sound of the washer and move to my laundry room.

The site defied my expectations. Jamie was in my laundry room, in nothing more than boxer briefs, pulling clothes out of the dryer.

"Hey. What are you doing?"

He spins with a smile, "Laundry. Heard you were feeling puckish, and thought I'd do what I could to help."

I smile as I move toward him, "How did you get in?"

He wraps me in his arms, "Jerrie. Please, don't be mad. I had a few days before I have to be in LA, and I would rather spend time with you than alone."

I snuggle in to him. "I'm so happy you're here. I missed you."

He runs his hands over my head and my back. "Jerrie said you aren't feeling well. What's up?"

I shrug and lean into him, "I think I'm just really tired and a little stressed out."

He frowns down at me, "What is stressing you out?"

I burrow my head into his chest. "You. Me. Us. The girls. I just don't want to screw it up."

He reaches down to grip my thighs and lift me onto the dryer. "Stop. Quit stressing. Take your time. When you're ready, me and the girls will be here." He pulls me in for a deep kiss and my legs wrap around him of their own accord.

*****

Hours later we are both sated from our reunion and snuggling into the very small dry space on our sheets. I can't help but ask, "Baby, is there a chance you're pregnant? Is that why you're feeling ill?"

She snorts and gets up to go to the bathroom. "Not a chance. Don't worry, Dornan, no illegitimate kids here."

I call after her, "They wouldn't be illegitimate if you would just marry me already."

Fuck. What is she waiting for?

Before she slams the bathroom door she hollers, "Quit nagging."

Damn that woman. Why won't she commit? I'm committed. I want nothing more than a long-term committed life to her. Why is she holding back? What am I missing? What do I need to give her to reassure her that I'm in this for life and I have no desire whatsoever to relive my single days?