My smile is proud. “He didn’t make it through training because he had a famously weak stomach, so he ended up working in research and development. But the running joke in my family is that he married my mother because her cooking was easier on his stomach than the space program.”
His laughter fills me with contentment. “I’m sure he loved her for more than her cooking. He probably loved her for a million reasons if she was anything like you.”
Overcome, I braid my fingers through his under the table. “Thank you.”
He leans close to me, splitting a glance between me and Peggy. “You think they would be proud you got into Yale?”
My fork clatters onto my plate. “What?”
Peggy jumps to her feet. “What?How?”
“You didn’t make any donations, did you?” I whisper, my heart pressed up behind my jugular. “Tripp?”
He shakes his head adamantly. “I didn’t have to, Vida. I basically shamed them for rejecting an applicant that is five times more qualified than students they accepted, including myself. I strongly suggested they review their protocol because it reeked of bias and cow-towing to the rich. They assured me it had to be an oversight and that they’d be mailing your acceptance tomorrow.” He drinks wine from his Dixie cup, somehow making it look like a Tiffany goblet. “They said studenthousing is included in your full academic scholarship, but I told them you wouldn’t be needing it, as you’ll be living with me.”
The room spins around me. “F-full academic scholarship?”
His blue eyes twinkle. “That’s right.”
My aunt Peggy grips the edge of the table for purchase, her jaw down by her knees.
“You’re sure? A-and you’re not just saying that and secretly paying my tuition?”
“No.” His tone is serious. “One thing I won’t ever do is lie to you, angel.”
Tears blur my vision. “Oh my gosh.” I jump up from the table and run to hug my aunt Peggy before skirting around the table and throwing myself into Tripp’s arms. Just before I bury myself in his neck, I see his eyes are a little glassy as well, and I fall in love with him even more. Maybe that’s how it’ll be for the rest of my life. Falling deeper in love with Tripp every day. “I can’t believe it. I wish I could tell my parents.”
Tripp rubs my back in circles, murmuring comfort into my hair.
Telling me he’s proud of me.
We stay like that for long minutes before I eventually get my emotions under control enough to continue eating. I should go back to my own seat, but I don’t. I remain in Tripp’s lap because that’s where I belong.
“Tell me what Vida was like growing up, Peggy. She’s alluded to breaking a lot of hearts because she never said yes to a date.”
“It’s true!” Peggy wipes the corners of her mouth. “We had all manner of boys knocking on the door, but she made a strict decision to focus on academics. And my, my, look how it paid off!” She chuckles to herself. “Well, hold on. There was that one boy who lived down the street that proposed marriage. You did givehima good bit of consideration, right, Vida?”
“Marriage?” Tripp shouts. “Consideration?”
“We were twelve!”
He sets his fork down as if I didn’t just reveal a vital piece of information. “I’m not hungry anymore.”
“Tripp, don’t be ridiculous,” I half gasp, half laugh.
“Does he still live down the street?” he asks, glancing toward the window.
Peggy nods. “As a matter of fact, he does.”
“Oh, Peggy, don’t tell him that,” I groan, turning in Tripp’s lap to find him looking decidedly miffed. “Last I checked, he has a girlfriend and he’s very happy with her.”
“As if anyone could get over you in a single lifetime.” Growling, he surges to his feet, throws me over his shoulder, and I go, squealing. “Thank you for dinner, Peggy. But we’d better start our journey to Boston. I don’t want to be on the road too late with such precious cargo.”
“I haven’t even packed a bag!” I point out.
“I have everything you need, angel.” He spins us around, and I can see in the window’s reflection that he’s gifting Peggy that movie star grin. “It has been a pleasure, Peggy! I’m going to marry your niece someday very soon.”
“Good night!” A beat passes. “Wait, did you just say?—”
