Page 45 of #Lovestrong

Declan

Lena's sitting in the captain's seat talking to her dad while Jackson, Candice, and I chat on the back patio, giving her some privacy. She's been on the phone for almost two hours, and I've caught her wiping tears off her face three times. I don't want to disturb her, but I can't help worrying about her. I'm silently praying everything is okay. She hasn't talked to her dad much since moving out here, and though she doesn't ever say it, I know she misses him.

"You ever gonna tell that girl you're in love with her, man?"

Jackson stares right at me, leaning forward to look around Candice since she's sitting between us. My eyes are wide and I'm at a loss for words. Jackson and I are pretty open about everything. I knew before Candice did that he was in love with her, and I was the only person he called the night he told her and she said it back. He was beside himself, he was so damn happy.

"Uh . . . "

"Come on, man. It's obvious. Don't act like I'm saying some random shit. Every time someone says her name or her name pops up on your phone, you get this stupid smile on your face like you've just won the lottery."

My cheeks actually get hot and I turn my face to look over the water. I don't think I've ever actually blushed in my entire life, and I don't know why I am now. He's right though— I'm madly, insanely, head-over-heels, would throw myself into traffic if she asked, in love with this girl.

"Holy shit, Jackson, he's blushing." Candice stares at me with wide eyes, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.

"I'm going to," I say quietly, glancing over my shoulder at her. "I just don't know how."

Jackson shakes his head, his lips pursed together with a look that clearly says I'm stupid. "It's real easy, bro. You just say, ‘Lena, I'm in love with you.’ Then you hold your breath and pray to God she feels the same way."

"She does," Candice says as she stares over her shoulder at Lena too. "That girl is lost in you. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that."

All three of us go quiet and stare out over the lake. The sun low enough that the rays shine overhead from behind the trees. We're going to have to head home soon, but I don't want to. Today has been one of the best— just me and my girl and my two best friends. I've prayed every day that Jackson gets into U of W. I can't picture Candice and me going to college without him. Hell, I can't picture even braving college without him. We've been through everything together.

"Declan," Lena says softly behind me.

I scramble to my feet and turn to face her. "Yeah, baby? Everything okay?"

She holds her phone toward me with an apologetic look on her face. "My father wants to speak to you."

Shit. I take the phone from her hand and walk into the cabin, bringing it to my ear, my heart stuck in my throat. "Mr. Harrison?"

"Hello, Declan. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but Lena's just told me a lot of interesting things and I wanted to speak to you. Clearly, my being across the country means I can't do the dad intimidation thing in person." His voice is deep and commanding. It's clear Lena's father is a man who deserves and expects respect.

"Yes, Sir. It's not a problem. Not at all."

"Lena tells me you’re her boyfriend."

I swallow the ever-growing lump in my throat. "Yes, Sir."

"She says you're one of the best people she's ever met. So, I don't need to tell you to respect my daughter, and to keep your hands and other body parts to yourself."

"No, Sir. With all due respect, I care about your daughter. And sex isn't something I take lightly."

"Good. She asked me to call University of Washington to officially accept her scholarship."

My jaw drops open and I whip around. She stares right at me, biting her bottom lip. "She did?"

Mr. Harrison chuckles. "Declan, relax. Damn, boy, I can literally hear the tension through the phone. Take care of my girl. Oh, and she's coming home for Thanksgiving. You're welcome to come with her. I'd like to meet you."

My apprehension turns to elation. "Yes, Sir. I'd really like that."

"Good. Now, put my daughter back on the line."

I stride toward Lena and grab the back of her neck with my free hand, kissing her hard, holding the phone to my chest so her father doesn't hear anything. When I pull away, she looks shocked, so I just grin and hold the phone back out to her.

Guess I have something to talk to my parents about tonight. I don't think I've ever been excited to meet a girl's parents, but I can't wait to meet Lena's dad.