Keeping Adalyne (Threequel)

Congratulations

Jazmin

I was seriously uncomfortable in Leslie and Laiken's backyard where the engagement party took place. Not because I was the odd man out in terms of Adalyne's friends and chosen family, but it was the heightened state of arousal she left me in that our little tryst in the closet did nothing to sate. I felt like people could tell as I walked around and kept an eye on the kids, while simultaneously trying to find Adalyne that had disappeared all of a sudden.

When I found her, the arousal I was feeling dissipated quickly, and in its place, the old familiar feeling of jealousy seeped in. Adalyne had her arm around the waist of a woman that looked about the same age as her and was leaned into her and laughing. That woman was nothing less than unrealistically gorgeous and the self conscious asshole in me couldn't help but point out that the two of them looked good together.

Adalyne caught my eyes right then, then waved and summoned me, "Jazmin! Come here! Come meet Emily!"

I unclenched my teeth, then smiled as I walked up to the pair. Adalyne let go of Emily and stood next to me, "Jazmin, this is Emily, my very good friend and Emily, this is Jazmin, the love of my life."

And gone was the stupid jealousy to be replaced with pride and that rush of love I hold for Adalyne. Emily held out her hand and I shook it, then said, "Nice to meet you, Emily."

"Likewise, I've heard a lot about you."

"Should I run, or...?" I joked.

"Nah, our Adalyne has only said good things and mostly with that same goofy and lovelorn look on her face that she has right now staring at you."

I turned to Adalyne and she seemed to snap out of something before smiling at me and saying, "Ignore her, she exaggerates. I am not that pathetic."

I laughed, then Emily said, "See?"

Adalyne shrugged, then said to Emily, "Whatever. Are you aware of the open bar?"

Emily arched her brow, then said, "I was not. Welp, guess my car is staying here tonight. Which one of you is the dd?"

"We have a driver." Adalyne answered.

"Even better," Emily linked her arm into mine, then leaned in and said, "Tell me some embarrassing stories about a teenage Adalyne over a drink?"

"I would love to." I answered, then looked back at an irritated Adalyne and gave her a wink as Emily led me away.

I will say this. Adalyne chose well when replacing her shitty, blood family. There was not a single person she introduced me to that gave me the creeps or made me feel uncomfortable for being the woman on her arm. They all had an amazing sense of humour and very obviously cared for Adalyne with a fierceness. I was threatened at least 3 times that if I hurt her, my body would never be found. I believed them too.

As if I would ever hurt her again, how could I? Not now, not especially after I've never seen her look more beautiful than right now as she holds my daughter on her back with an arm around Lucas's shoulder and dancing like nobody's watching. My children adore her and latched onto her quickly. Adalyne can deny it all she wants, but I know that look in her eyes; she adores them as well.

"You love her, huh?" Emily's voice said next to me. When I looked up, she was watching Adalyne and my kids as well.

"With every inch and beat of my heart." I commented back.

"Good. Hang on to that, because if you hurt her.."

"I know, I know," I mumbled, cutting Emily off, "You'll straight up murder me and my body will never be found."