28

Jessica's POV

''We'll be back in about 2 hours my love, get some rest and I'll wake you up when we get back okay?''

I pulled the blanket over her and kissed her forehead before she turned over and lazily nodded.

I gave everyone time to settle in before I got ready to go to the store with Eli. We were all tired from the really long trip to the cabin and the kids are all either asleep or hyped up because of all the snacks they insisted on eating during the drive. I told them it was a bad idea but they insisted on eating it.

I walked into the living room to see Eli already waiting for me, they're sitting on the couch reading a book. If high school me saw them right now, a book in hand on vacation, I would have probably called them a nerd but adult me loves reading and enriching the mind. Learn from cradle to grave as they say.

''What are you reading there Eli?'' I ask walking towards them. They close the ook and smile as they show me the cover.

''The three by Meghan O'Brien. I've never heard of it. Is is good?''

'Heck yeah. This is one of my favourite books.'' there face lights up talking about it and I can tell they enjoy it.

''Why don't you trll me about it in the car?'' I say as I unhook the keys and walk toward the door with them trailing close behind me.

We both grab our coats and head for the nearest store about twenty minutes away.

''It's set in a post catastrophe world. This girl finds a couple and assume they're a heterosexual couple and that she's the only lesbian on earth. It follows their journey of falling in love as a throuple as they journey through America on their travels. You should give it a read. It's amazing.'' they stare out of the window watching the beautiful landscape pass by.

''So you like reading?'' I ask keeping my focus on the road incase a deer decides to run across the road.

''I love it Mrs Chase. Being consumed by a book and getting lost to the world around you isone of my favourite feeligs in the world. I love laying my head in Taylor's lap and reading while she paints her nails. I'm so at peace then.'' I glance over and catch them smiling and I know my daughter is safe with them.

''Mrs Chase makes me feel old. Please call me Jess. I get you. I love laying with Andy while we read. We even read to each other. It's beautiful.''  I smiled at the memories of some of my most peaceful moments in life.

''It is. I have something to tell you and Andy. I'm in love with your daughter and I will always try my absolute best to keep her safe and happy. She means the absolute world for me. I know we're still young and have our whole lives ahead of us but I'm praying that she is my future. That we'll always be together."

"My daughter is very lucky to have found someone like you and you are very lucky to have found someone like her. You have my wife and I's blessing. Treat each other well.'' having someone look after and make my daughter happy is all I could ask for. Especially someone who obviously feels so much for her.

''Now that you've made it clear you're serious about her, you have a standing invitation to our home and family vacations. You're both almost adults and I think you can be trusted in the same room. Welcome to the family Eli.'' I pulled into the parking lot of 'Abraham and sons' and turned to look at Eli who had tears in her eyes.

''Aww you're a softie. I'm gonna go get started and you can take a moment to yourself okay. Just lock up before you come in.'' I leaned over and hugged them before leaving them in the car and walking in the store.

I grabbed a shopping cart and started roaming around, filling up the cart. I had just finished roaming around the first aisle when I heard my car alarm go off. I waited for Eli at the front of the aisle where they could see me.

''Do you need anything Eli? Don't hesitate to take anything and add it to the cart okay?'' they nodded and we carried on shopping.

''Hey Jess can I grab something and you'll pay for it and I'll give you the cash in the car?'' I nodded as I was reading the ingredient list for a jar of pasta sauce.

Eli only came back when I finished the aisles and headed to the alcohol section, dumping chocolate and a bottle of wine in the cart.

''It's not for me. I got the chocolate for Taylor since she's on her period and I got the sweets for the boys and of course I had to thank you and Andy for graciously hosting me so I thought wine would be nice one evening. I'm not 21 an therefore can't buy it myself although in other countries I would be able to sit I'm rambling so I'm going to stop.'' that was very sweet of them, unnecessary but none the less sweet and thoughtful.

''Thank you Eli. Why don't you go get some pads and tampons for Tay while I get some more alcohol.'' I sent her off and roamed the entire one aisle of alcohol, settling on a bottle of bourbon.

I paid for everything in the cart and Eli helped me pack up the car and we set off back to the rest of the family.

''I know Andy feels bad she can't pay for everything when we go out. Like she's getting ready to publish her book and she just got her first check and she was so excited to pay for something. I have so much, I'm so blessed to have more than enough money for myself and my family. I want to be able to spoil my girls and our son but she hasn't been letting me recently. She keeps saying how she's not with me for my money and if I continue to spend on her people will think she's a gold digger but I, quite frankly, do not give a fuck what anyone but my wife thinks about our relationship. She does so much. She makes sure the kids are taken care off and that I have lunch for work everyday. She always does everything with a smile on her face. I don't know what I did without her in my life but I know that I won't be able to live without her and Alec.'' I exhaled loudly and tightened my grip on the steering wheel keeping my eye trained on the road and not at the teenager in my passenger seat who I just showed my vulnerabilities to.

''I'm sorry I needed to get that off my chest.'' I apologized and put on the radio to break the silence.

''I'd keep telling and showing her how much I appreciate everything she does. And take her on a low cost date to show her money isn't everything. I understand her point of view though. I get both of yours.''

''Thank you Eli, I'm gonna do that when we get back.''