Chapter Twenty Two

Pulling out of the driveway, Rex headed toward the restaurant. Arriving after the dinner rush, the waitresses were busy trying to catch up with the rush that slammed them. They gave Jayme and Rex permission to sit where ever they’d like. Finding a table near the window, Jayme sat beside Rex and set the car seat on the chair on her other side, pulling the chair closer to her.
Veering away from the cheeseburger, Jayme ordered chicken tender strips with a baked sweet potato, along with the salad bar. Rex ordered the large steak dinner with baked sweet potato and salad bar. Rex allowed Jayme to visit the salad bar first while he sat with Bella. Together, they sat and ate their dinner, talking about what they would do afterward.
Leaving the restaurant, Rex drove his truck out of town to a two track trail leading into the woods. Jayme had never been out there before but knew it was the trail head for ATV’s. Although it was a rough, muddy trail, Rex didn’t have to use his four wheel drive. In the full moonlight, Jayme could see the contours of the trees as Rex parked his truck before a small lake Jayme never knew existed.
“Come on…” Rex said.
Leaving the truck running, Rex opened his door and got out, walking to the front of the truck where the headlights shined on him. Jayme got out and met him in front of the truck. “What are you doing?” Jayme asked, rubbing her arms in the crisp air.
“I don’t really know what to say right now…” Rex said and pulled the small box out of his jacket pocket. Dropping down on one knee, Rex continued. “All I know is that I need you in my life, Jayme. If you’ll marry me, I promise to be a good husband and a good father for Bella and all our kids.”
“Oh my God, Rex, are you kidding me right now?” Jayme responded, completely caught by surprise.
“No, Jayme, ever since you came back, I’ve realized how much I still love you, and always will. But now, as adults, I love you more than I could ever love any other woman. Please, be my wife.”
“Yes, Rex, I will marry you, but not right now.” Jayme said and pulled Rex off his knees. “My heart is still healing from Scott. I don’t think it would be fair at this time because I fell like I couldn’t give you my whole heart. Please, just give me time.” Jayme said as she closed the box in his hand.
“The wait for you to say ‘I do’ will be much shorter than the time I waited for you to tell me you love me. I can wait for as long as it takes for you to decide to be my wife.” Rex said and wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a tight embrace. “I’ve loved you for my whole life Jayme, and I will love you for the rest of it too.”
“Thank you, Rex, for being so patient with me.” Jayme said as they pulled back from their embrace.
“I have nothing but patience for you.” Rex said.
“Besides, I want to enjoy my life with you and right now, until this Jim thing is done, I’ll be living in terror, always looking over my shoulder.”
“I know, Jayme, and I’m so sorry you have to go through this. I promise we will catch him.”
“I hope so…” Jayme said, rubbing her arms.
“Yes, it’s chilly out here, let’s get back into the truck.” Rex said.
Agreeing with Rex, Jayme went back to her door and climbed into the truck. Leaving the area, Rex drove back to their apartment. By the time they arrived, Bella was fussing to be changed and fed. Sitting on the couch, Jayme first changed her diaper, replacing it with a clean, dry diaper. After swaddling Bella in her blanket, she exposed one breast and brought her to it.
Rex gathered a few items then sat beside her on the couch. For moments, he just watched Jayme with Bella. “You’re so good with her. I know you’ll be a great mommy.” Rex said.
Jayme just looked at him and smiled, then looked back down at Bella. There were tears in her eyes from looking down at her daughter. The dark hair on Bella’s head was long, thick, and curly. Her fingers and toes were each ten and tiny. Jayme could already tell that Bella would favor her more than Scott.
After watching some TV, Jayme looked down at Bella to see her sound asleep. “I’m putting her in bed.” Jayme said and stood up.
“Are you coming back out?” Rex asked.
“After a hot shower, yes.” Jayme said, looking exhausted.
“Ok.” Rex responded.
Jayme laid Bella down in her crib then went to find clean pajamas. As she took a shower, Rex changed the sheets on his bed and quietly picked up his room as Bella was in there sleeping. Rex made some popcorn for them to share while they watch a movie and relax for the evening. Jayme returned to the couch after throwing her dirty clothes in the laundry room.
Rex was sitting on the couch, waiting for Jayme as she sat down beside him. “I found a good movie I thought we could relax and watch it.” Rex said, handing her the bowl of popcorn.
“Sounds like a plan.” Jayme smiled and took the bowl of popcorn from him, dipping her hand in and grabbing some.
The movie they watched was a romantic comedy, a movie Jayme had seen a few times but always love watching. By the end of the movie, Jayme was laying down with her head in Rex’s lap. She could barely keep her eyes open.
Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and looked at Rex. “I really want to go to bed but I know she’ll be up soon to eat again.”
“Yeah, your probably right.” Rex agreed.
“I’m still going to go lay down. She’ll wake me when she’s hungry.” Jayme said.
“Let me grab a pillow and a blanket. I’ll sleep on the couch.” Rex said.
“What? Why? I mean you did ask me to marry you… I think we’ll be safe to sleep in the same bed.” Jayme said.
“You’re right, I was just trying to be respectful.” Rex said.
“I appreciate that Rex.” Jayme said. “But I’d rather be in your arms. I’d feel safer.”
“I can’t deny your safety, now can I.” Rex smiled.
Turning off the TV and the light, Rex took Jayme’s hand and led her through the dark living room and into the bedroom. The nightlight was enough to see their way to the bed. Jayme climbed in as she was then watched as Rex stripped down to his underwear before climbing into bed. Scooting to her, Rex slipped his arm beneath her neck, pulling her against him.
With his other arm, he brought his hand up to her face and brushed his hand against her cheek. Looking deep into her eyes, Rex leaned down and kissed her. Jayme slid her arm around his waist and pushed her hand against Rex’s butt. Spreading her fingers, she grabbed his butt firmly causing him to moan.
But she also knew they needed to stop, quickly, she was in no condition to be too intimate. “Good night…” Jayme said and rolled with her back to him.
“I know… Good night.” Rex said and kissed the back of her neck.
Twenty five minutes later, Jayme woke to Bella’s cries. Pulling back the covers, she maneuvered out of Rex’s arms without waking him. Walking to the crib, Jayme reached down and picked Bella up out of the crib. Carrying her out of the bedroom, Jayme went to the couch where she first changed Bella’s diaper, cleaning her thoroughly.
Sitting back against the couch, Jayme laid her head back and closed her eyes as she fed Bella. But she nearly fell asleep and didn’t realize Bella had stopped sucking. Lifting her, Jayme repositioned Bella and patted her back until she burped loudly.
Again, Jayme offered her more milk, until Bella refused to drink more. Sitting on the couch, holding Bella for long moments, she waited until Bella was almost asleep before returning to the bedroom. Laying Bella in her crib, Jayme returned to bed. Scooting up to Rex, she slid her arm across his side, hugging up to him.