"What about this one?" I asked, spinning around in front of my mom and my Aunt in yet another dress that looked exactly like the others I had shown them.

"Oh, that one is beautiful." Aunt Dianne said. "He's going to love you in it." I couldn't help but smile, my cheeks burning red at just the thought of Josh seeing me when I opened the door. Even when I felt like the farthest thing from it, he always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, and that was something I could never repay.

"You think?" I asked, spinning around again.

"Of course! Why wouldn't he?" I shrugged, going over to their mirror.

"What do you think?" I asked, peeking back at Mom. She nodded, forcing a smile.

"Do you like it?" She asked. I sighed, turning back to face the mirror. I liked that she always put me first.

"Yeah. I do." I finally said. Her smile grew into a real grin.

"Then so do I."

"So, I shouldn't be out too late, and when I get home-"

"Jaime, you know you don't have to rush home, it's okay." She laughed. "Enjoy your night. And tell everyone I said hello." I nodded, still disappointed she didn't even want to stop by for a little bit. I figured that maybe some time out of this room would do her some good. And I didn't want to have to rely on Aunt Dianne for everything. It was nice enough for her to come out for a few days, but this wasn't her job.

"Okay.." I said, hesitating in the doorway. She playfully rolled her eyes, motioning for me to go.

"Jaime, I'm fine, now go have fun. And if you feel so compelled, bring me back a slice of pumpkin pie." She laughed. I nodded, flashing her a wide grin before shutting the door behind me.

I hastily made my way back into my room, finishing up getting ready before I heard my phone buzz on my dresser. Peeking over, my heart jumped.

I can come and get you whenever you're ready :) no rush, but I know you said you'd feel more comfortable if you got here before everyone else so you just let me know. See you soon

I loved how he remembered these little things about me. Because when it came down to it, these little things were the big things. And they made all the difference.

I'm just finishing up :) you can come now

I didn't have to wait long before I heard a knock at the door. Taking one last look in the mirror, I took a deep breath before heading downstairs, peeking at him through the peephole. He looked so handsome, all done up in his dark-brown button down, his hair freshly trimmed down, on the sides.

And I loved knowing he had done it just for me.

Finally, I opened the door, his eyes instantly lighting up as he quickly looked me up and down.

"Jaime.." He sighed, flashing me a timid smile, his cheeks burning red. "You are beautiful." I bit down on my lip, unable to contain giddy grin.

"Thank you." I said, reaching up, gently running my fingers through his hair. "I see someone got a haircut." He nodded, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me into a long kiss. My heart jumped as I tightly tangled my fingers in his hair, kissing him back until I felt him smile.

"I wanted to look good for you tonight." He said, leaning his forehead against mine. "I.. I want tonight to be.. special."

Special.

What did he mean by.. special?

What did he want to happen?

"So.. ready to go?" He asked, holding out his hand. I nodded, taking it and intertwining our fingers as he leads us down my steps and over to his house.

"Now.. before we go in, I just.. if at any point you get uncomfortable or.. it just feels like too much, you let me know and we'll come outside for some air, take a walk, whatever you need."

"Thank you." I said, leaning into another gentle kiss. "Really." He nodded.

"Of course, Jaime. Anything for you. And.. I just know how they're gonna get, and.. it's probably gonna be a lot, for anyone, so.. if at any point they start.. pushing too much, don't be afraid to just.. walk away." He laughed. "Our business is our business, and.. we don't have to prove anything to anyone, right?"

"Right." I sighed, leaning into one more kiss before following him inside.

And instantly it was chaos.

Everyone still running around, every which way. Their mom and dad in the kitchen, finishing up dinner, Ronnie hopping down the hallway, one shoe still in her hand while balancing on the other. Sam searching around for his keys, my guess to go pick up Leah.

It was my favorite kind of chaos.

How badly I had wanted such a big family growing up. It was part of the reason why I loved coming over so much. There was always something going on, never quiet, always someone to talk to or hang out with.

I had always secretly hoped that they would become my family one day, because as sad as it was to think about, my mom was sick. I knew this. And some day, I was going to be on my own. So knowing I had them to come home to, it was enough to make me dream about how maybe.. it could actually be a possibility.

And then I turned around as I heard more footsteps coming down the hall, my cheeks burning red as Jake turned the corner, flashing me a gentle smile as his eyes met mine.

He wore a deep red button down, always leaving the first few unbuttoned to let his necklaces show, no doubt wanting to draw even more attention to himself. My eyes traveled down, eventually stopping on his hand when I saw he was still wearing his bracelet and his ring.

He made his way over, gently pulling me in, quickly kissing my cheek hello.

"I was wondering when you were gonna get here." He smirked, looking me up and down. "You look gorgeous." I couldn't help but smile, my heart now pounding in my chest. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, but I knew I had to.

"Thank you." I finally managed, backing away. He held his stare on me for a moment before peeking over at Josh.

"We should probably help mom finish up." Jake said to him. "Jaime, you want a drink?" I felt my face get hot again, peeking over at Josh.

"I got it." He snapped, glaring over at Jake before going over to their bar across the kitchen. I held my stare on him, watching as he poured me my usual glass of wine as Jake came over to me, leaning in close.

"You really look amazing." He whispered, his warm breath on my neck making my heart beat faster.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"What do you mean what am I doing?"

"I mean.. you know I'm here with him." He smirked back at me, holding his stare for a moment.

"Jaime, you asked me not to bring anyone." He said softly, quickly peeking over at Josh. My stomach dropped.

"I.. I know, I just-"

"So then.. w-what.. what did you want? Didn't.. I mean.. I thought that that meant.. well, that you and I would-"

"Here you go." I heard as Josh came back, handing me my glass of red wine, shooting Jake a piercing glare and motioning him away. Jake's face dropped, his eyes jumping from Josh to me, as if still waiting for an answer. But honestly, I just didn't have one. Not right now.

"Thank you." I muttered, taking a sip, keeping my eyes locked on Jake until he finally broke our stare, turning and making his way into the kitchen.

And then I heard the doorbell ring, and I knew that the real chaos was just about to begin.