The next few months went by relatively normal and the weather was finally getting warmer.

Things with Nixon were good. I mean, really good.

The more time we spent with each other, the more relaxed and ourselves we were being. My feelings for him were getting stronger and stronger as time went on.

We both had changed in so many ways since being together. Nixon was more carefree around me, more playful and loving. He was more open and let himself be vulnerable around me. He had opened up his heart, completely smashing the scary bad boy image, and I grabbed onto it with both hands not ever wanting to let go. I felt stronger when I was with him. I wasn't afraid to be myself, quirks included.

Over Christmas break I didn't get to see him much as we were both spending the holidays with our families. Unfortunately for me, Christmas dinner this year was the most awkward I've ever had.

My dad had invited slutty Stacey over for Christmas Eve and for the whole evening I had to plaster fake smiles and fake laughs. Seeing her and Aiden together made my blood boil, now more than ever. Apart from a couple of questioning looks from my oldest brother Jacob, I've learnt how to suppress my anger and act like I know nothing.

For my Christmas gift, Nixon got me the most beautiful silver bracelet which had a love heart pendant. Engraved in the corner of the heart were his initials which you would only notice if you paid enough attention. It was safe to say that it was my favourite gift this year. In return, I bought him a watch.

It seemed like both of us had the same idea of wanting to get the other something that we could cherish forever.

We had spent new year's together and it was magical. I got to spend some time with his mom and Nova too. Things were different now, better, now that I was officially his girlfriend. His mom welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel like I was a part of their small family.

Even Ethan joined us for some time, which was nice. I still remember the moment where he handed me a Victoria's Secret bag and winked seductively at me. I nearly passed out of embarrassment and from the comer of my eye I could see Nixon with his fists clenched ready to pounce at him. I let out a sigh of relief when it was just my favourite lotions and sprays. Ethan ended up howling at the both of us.

He still got punched.

I don't think I've ever felt this content and happy before. It's almost like I didn't know there something missing in my life until after I met Nixon. My own thoughts were making me mentally eye roll at how cliche that sounded. But it was the simple truth.

Neither one of us had talked about the elephant in the room since that day. The elephant being my brother, Aiden.

He was back home which meant he was also back at school. With me and Nixon now officially a couple, it meant we had to be extra cautious. We pretty much avoided each other at school which sucked, making sure we were never seen together, but we both agreed it was for the best. For now anyway.

Ethan and Kay still weren't an item much to my chagrin. And Ethan's. Whenever I asked either of them what was going on I got shrugs, sighs or a 'don't ask'. So I gave up asking.

Izzy and Kay were both so happy for me and they grew warm to Nixon. We all had spent some time together outside of school and it was now confirmed that Izzy was no longer terrified of him. Hell, she doesn't shut up when they speak.

Nixon secretly loved it when she ranted at him, he found it amusing. I hadn't mentioned to the girls what I found out about my brother and I planned to keep it this way. I decided that if less people knew then the better it was.

Right now in this moment, my eyes were closed out of pleasure, as Nixon was kissing his way down my neck. An involuntary moan left my mouth. I could feel Nixon's smirk against my skin, he knew this was my soft spot to get me turned on.

Having enough, I grabbed Nixon's head towards mine and pressed my lips against his. Like an automatic reaction he had both of his hands in my hair pulling me closer in hunger. I ended up straddling him on the small couch we were sat on. Heated moments like this happened often but we always stopped before things got further.

In other words; no we have not had sex.

After a few moments of intense kissing I pulled back and we were both staring into each other's eyes with intensity. With both of us breathing heavily, I kissed Nixon's cheek and started to sit back beside him but he stopped me, placing both his hands on my butt.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" He smirked at me with a twinkle in his eye. Smiling back and groaning I replied.

"If I stay here I won't be able to stop myself," I couldn't help but tease him.

"Who said I wanted you to stop?" His smirk didn't waver and he wiggled his eyebrows challenging me.

I laughed in response. "Nice try Ford. But you're gonna have to wait,"

"Oh you're definitely worth the wait Ellsworth,"

We've had the talk. The sex talk I mean. I put it out there that I wanted to wait a while in that department and Nixon was more than happy to agree. He made sure I didn't feel rushed or pressured which I was really grateful for. I found out that he wasn't a virgin.

Even though I expected this, hearing him say it out loud made me feel a little uneasy at the time, but we spoke about it. Turns out Nixon lost his virginity at fourteen with a random girl as a one night stand. This made me feel a bit better about the whole thing, I would rather it be with a stranger than with an ex-girlfriend. Nixon already knew that I was a virgin but I confirmed it anyway. He said he was glad as he couldn't bear the thought of another man touching me.

"Hey Nixon," I started.

"Yes, beautiful?"

It was crazy how he still made my stomach flutter with butterflies and cause my face to turn red.

"I've been thinking about this for a while now and I just wanted to know your thoughts," I continued. He looked at me seriously now gazing into my eyes. "I think I'm ready to tell my dad about you,"

I felt Nixon freeze under me. For a second I was worried but he snapped out of it smiling up at me with his handsome smile. "Wow" he said breathing out. "Are you sure nugget?"

I nodded sincerely and smiled. "Yes. I'm ready Nixon. As long as you are. I'm really nervous but you're the most important person in my life and I can't wait to show you off to everybody,"

He looked at me with so much joy it melted my heart. But as soon as the joy appeared on his face, it went away, being replaced with annoyance. "But what about-"

"Aiden." I interrupted finishing his sentence. Taking a deep breathe I continued. "I've thought about this too. It's inevitable Nixon he's going to find out eventually and I'm ready to tell my dad about you, I feel like he deserves to know. Aiden can't say anything if my dad stops him. He can't stop me from being happy. Nobody can,"

Nixon went back to a small smile and stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. "You're right about one thing. Nobody can stop you from being happy, you deserve nothing less. I already told you that I'm willing to put up with Aiden for your sake. I can't promise you that there won't be any arguments or anger from my side. Things will probably get messy. I hope you can understand that. But I promise to try and be on my best behavior,"

Nodding I replied. "Of course, I understand. There's obviously some bad blood between you both, I don't need any details but I know that doesn't just go away in a matter of days. I just really appreciate that you're willing to try for me. I mean, imagine finding out that your girlfriend's brother is a gang member that you hate. That stuff only happens in movies. And cheesy romance books. So thank you,"

Nixon laughed at the last part. "You're welcome. You know I'd do anything for you right?" He looked at me with my favorite chocolate brown eyes, melting his gaze into mine. There was such sincerity in his words and I could see that through his eyes.

And in that moment I couldn't fight back the urge to say the three words I have waited so long to say.

"I love you Nixon,"

Nixon's eyes went wide and within a second his mouth formed into that handsome smile of his. He was looking at me with a new form of admiration and I was all for it.

"I love you too Mara,"

****

I felt euphoria for the rest of the day.

I can't believe I told Nixon that I loved him. What makes it even better was the fact that he said it back. After we had said it, it was hard to keep our hands off of each other. Nixon's mom and sister coming back home was the only thing that stopped us. I felt like a giddy child who had eaten too much candy and was now experiencing a sugar rush.

The way I was feeling fueled me up to finally speak to my dad. It was reaching 8.30, so I knew he'd be in his study. After dinner that's where you'd find him on a weekend. With it being a Saturday, Aiden was out which gave me the perfect opportunity to speak to him without prying eyes. I also promised Nixon to call him afterwards and let him know how it goes.

Making my way towards our curved staircase I found myself standing outside of my dad's study. As always, the large oak door was shut for privacy. Normally if my dad was on the phone I'd be able to hear him but it was completely silent which was perfect. Taking a couple of deep breaths I knocked.

"Come in," My dad's muffled voice replied. Making my way in I saw my dad sat behind his big dark desk.

"Hey sweetheart, you don't need to knock to come in," He said smiling up at me. I immediately felt at ease looking at my father. He was always a big comfort for me, the man I looked up to you and wanted to be like. It was always weird seeing him in normal clothes at home. With just a t-shirt and sweats.

Sitting down across from him in one of the comfy leather seats I retorted back. "I know dad, sorry. It's a force of habit,"

"Is everything okay honey?" He looked at me expectantly.

Nodding meekly I gave myself a mental pep talk. "Yeah everything's great. I just wanted to talk to you about something,"

"Well you have my complete and undivided attention. Hit me,"

With my dad giving me eye contact my nerves were starting to get a hold of me. My heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest and my palms were starting to feel sweaty. I knew I couldn't do this looking at him so I looked down at my fiddling hands instead.

"Okay well, I'm really nervous about how you're going to react so I'm just going to rip the band aid off," not having the confidence to look back up, I continued. "I've met someone dad. I've been seeing this boy from school and we really like each other," I let out a sigh of relief being proud of myself of getting it out in one piece. I still didn't dare to look up and there was just silence for a few moments, it was deafening.

And then the silence was broken. "I know,"

Wait what? My head immediately went back up in surprise looking at my dad like a gaping fish. I'm pretty sure my cheeks were red and flushed. He realised I was caught in shock so he continued speaking looking slightly amused.

"You're my daughter Mara. You think I haven't noticed how much happier you've been these past several months? How much more confident you seem?" He was smiling and looking at me lovingly whilst saying this.

The only words I could muster were, "Are you mad at me?"

My dad's eyes softened and his smile got larger. "Of course I'm not sweetheart. It's true that I didn't want it to happen so soon, which father does? But no Mar I'm not mad,"

Breathing out a sigh of relief my dad's words were starting to sink in.

"Does he make you happy?"

My dad's question caught me off guard but as if it was an automatic reaction I smiled and replied. "Yes. So much,"

"Then I'd like to meet him,"

Smiling, I responded. "He'd like that too," My thoughts then brought back something that I remember my dad saying. My heart dropped into my chest. "Erm dad?" I asked.

"Yeah?"

"You're not going to break his legs right?" I asked timidly.

"Oh baby. Come here," Laughing he stood up gesturing a hug and I found myself in my dad's embrace, with him kissing the top of my head. "Only if he breaks my little girl's heart,"

"Dad!" I stepped back.

"I'm just kidding sweetheart,"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Wait, dad there's something else," he nodded at me. "Can we keep this between us for now? I don't want the boys to find out yet and I wanted you to meet him before anyone else,"

"Sure honey. I wasn't planning to, this will be our little secret." He winked at me.

"Thanks dad. I love you,"

"I love you too Mar. Nice bracelet by the way. He has good taste,"

Leaving his study speechless I realised that nothing got past my dad. Laughing to myself I was on cloud nine as I raced my way upstairs impatient to call Nixon.

He answered on the second ring.

"Hey beautiful,"

My heart swooned at hearing his voice and I told him everything.