You're the One - Part 1 || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 112: Midnight

Jake wrapped his arm around me, leading me back inside. He brought me over to where his mom was pouring out champagne, passing out the many glasses that filled up the entire counter top. He grabbed one, handing it over to me.

"This is a really big deal for you guys, huh?" I laughed. He shrugged.
"It's gotten bigger over the years, the harder it's gotten for us all to be home together. So.. for us, it's really something to celebrate. The way we see it is, you end and begin each year with the one's you'll always want with you along the way." I felt my cheeks burn, smiling back up at him. He smirked back, grabbing a glass for himself.

"Come on." He said softly, taking my hand, intertwining our fingers. I followed as he lead us into the back room where most of his family was already surrounding the tv. He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me in close, kissing the top of my head. I couldn't help but smile, leaning my head on his shoulder. By this point, the drinks had started to hit. I held on to his hand tighter as I peeked over at the clock.

11:58 PM.

Then, looking out the siding glass doors I could see that Sam was still outside with Kelly. The faint sound of their muffled yells were soon drowned out by the tv as Ronnie raised the volume, making her way over to Jake and me.

"I'm so happy you're here with us." She said, flashing me a smile. I felt my cheeks burn.
"So am I." I said softly, reaching out, pulling her into a tight hug. I felt her arms wrap around me, hugging me back. She then flashed Jake a subtle smile before backing away. I saw him smirk as I felt his hand move back around my waist, pulling me back up against him. I peeked up at him, feeling my heart beat faster as he held his stare on the tv, watching the clock go down, one by one. 

Finally, he noticed, looking back down at me, scrunching up his face.
"What?" He giggled, leaning in close. I shook my head.
"Nothing." I sighed. He stared back into my eyes with that same dazed look, subtle smile spread across his lips. His cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, his eyes already bloodshot. He reached up, gently holding my face in his hands, pulling me in closer.
"I love you so much." He said softly, leaning his forehead against mine. I bit down on my lip, staring back at him. I always loved how no matter where we were, he always managed to make me feel like the only girl in the world.

As I held my stare on him, I could hear everyone around us begin to count down.

"10, 9, 8, 7..." 

I turned to face him, wrapping one arm around his neck, pulling him in closer.
"I love you too." I said, my smile growing.

"6, 5, 4.." 

He then bit down on his lip, holding his stare on me before leaning in close.
"I can't wait to spend forever with you." He said, whispering into my ear. My heart started beating faster as I stared back at him, wide-eyed.

"3, 2, 1!"

"Happy New Year." He said softly, pulling me in to a passionate kiss. The room instantly erupted into screams and cheers, blaring noise-makers and confetti poppers bursting around us in every which way. It all felt like it was happening in slow motion. But in that moment, everything was perfect. I pulled him in closer, kissing him back harder. I felt him smile, his hand slowly moving up into my hair. When he finally backed away, he flashed me a toothy smile, his thumb gently tracing my cheek.
"Happy New Year." I said, leaning in, kissing him again. 

"Alright, you two.." I heard from behind us. Jake gently backed away, turning to see Ronnie. He smirked, rolling his eyes.
"Happy New Year, Ronnie." He said, leaning in to give her a hug. She then made her way over to me, hugging me tightly.
"Happy New Year, Sis." She said. I felt my heart jump, my cheeks burn as I stared back at her, a smile escaping my lips. She giggled to herself, smiling back.
"I'm just getting myself used to the idea." She said softly. "It's only a matter of time, right?" I bit down on my lip, peeking over at Jake who was now making his way around the room to the rest of his family.
"Ronnie, do you kn-"
"No." She laughed, looking over at Jake. "I just know him and.. he's ready. So.. I guess it all just comes down to.. whenever you are."