Turning Pages

Part III

(January 2018 – a week later)

"You were right, maybe I'll see you guys sooner rather than later. I booked my flight for tomorrow, hope that's okay with you. –D" – I don't wait for an answer and head to my closet and start packing. Once I'm finished I go back into the room and notice that I've got a text from Jamie.

"Hey, sure, more than fine. Dad is here though, hope that's okay, he wanted to see the girls and decided to surprise us. Let me know what time you arrive so I can pick you up from the airport."

"Oh, that's okay, but maybe I should change my tickets, let me know what's best."

"Please don't, dad actually asked about you and the girls took advantage and just kept asking him to call you and tell you to come visit. Come, please, he'll love to see you and spend time with you, I told you, the Dornan family loves talking about you."

"I guess I'll be there tomorrow then. I arrive at 10am. And if you do come pick me up please don't bring the girls, I want to surprise them and it's not a good idea to do that at the airport."

"Don't worry, I've got it covered. Can't wait to see you, it's been too long. X"

I decide that it's best not to answer so instead I call momma to see if she's free for lunch before I leave. 

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As I'm getting closer to Momma's for lunch I realize I'm nervous. Why? Maybe because she'll tell me I'm doing the wrong thing and that I shouldn't even be keeping in touch with Jamie, or maybe she'll just accept it. I'm probably just overthinking everything.

As I'm leaving my car, I see momma at the doorway waiting for me and, after so long, I run to her and just break down. – "Oh honey, it's okay, you're fine, let's go inside and you can tell me what's on your mind."

After calming down and actually talking I realized that I just over reacted and I had never been more relieved – "Dakota, your dad and I have always told you to follow your heart, maybe you and Jamie didn't get any luck all this years but you know how they say timing is a bitch, but I know you and I know you love him, there's no denying that and honestly, at the moment, there's nothing that can actually stop you guys from being together. Go catch him and if I'm not mistaken, which I'm sure I'm not, he'll let you catch him with no problem."

"Thanks momma, I love you."

"I love you too sweetheart. Do you need me to take you to the airport?

"Not exactly, but can you? I wouldn't mind spending a little more time with you."

"Yes absolutely, let's go." – And so we did. Soon after I was holding onto my mom again crying but this time not from fear or sadness, but from happiness, because I knew that no matter what I had her support and that she still supports Jamie and I not matter what. 

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As soon as I arrive I decide to text Jamie, to let him know I'm ready. 5 minutes later I see him waiting for me, and for the first time in too long, the first thing that runs in my head is me wrapped in his arms. So, without thinking, I start walking faster than most around me and suddenly we're just enjoying each other's presence. – "I missed you so much Dakota." – And with a soft kiss on my forehead he lets go so we can head to the car. Can't say I'm not disappointed.

"Hey there, thank you for picking me up."

"My pleasure, the girls are up and curious to know why I had to leave so early and without them."

I smile, knowing how smart those little angels are. "They got their curiosity from you, that's for sure."

"Can't deny that. Come on, the car is over there."

As we're making our way to his place, I take the time to think about what exactly all of this means. We didn't talk for so long and I was so hurt but I can't fight the inevitable, can only delay it but do I really want that? I know I love him, I've missed him more than I want to admit and now he's here, I'm here, he's single, he's missed me but I can't just give in, as much as I just want to be held by him, I need to clear my head first.

I guess the drive wasn't long or maybe I was too distracted with my thoughts that when I realize we're at his place. Smaller than I expected but homier. – "What a nice house you got."

"Well, the girls kind of helped me choose it. They also made it clear we had to have room for visitors like you. They're going to be crazy when they see you." – There's a hint of a smile and I know he really enjoys that both his daughters want me to come here so much.

"That's a good thing, at least for me, you're going to be in a lot of trouble to get them to sleep."

"Yeah, don't think you're free from that, they won't want me, they'll probably even ask you to sleep with them."

"That won't be a problem, I've missed them too much, I can't wait to just hold them."

"Come on then." – And with a simple chuckle we make our way to the door, hoping one or both the girls will come open it.

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After way too long, here's a new chapter. I hope to be able to write a lot more now that I'm done with college. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the beautiful Julia for helping me and always having my back! And obviously Mary, you know I love you.