Um…
Did I?I kind of did, but it’s because the bookstore is going to be mine soon and has nothing to do with the proposal or anything else.
I’ll take that as a yes.
Bye… bye
I want a call tomorrow.
I pocket my phone and don’t mention why Honor was messaging me again.
Not that Easton would be surprised that I swooned a little from his proposal.Hello, I’ve been sleeping with him on and off for the past two years.But somehow, admitting it to him feels as though I’m cracking my chest open.
We’re just getting back to the condo when Easton’s phone rings.
He answers it, pulling The Dugout sign off the security gate and tossing it in the garbage can.“Hey, Mom.Yeah, give me a second.”
I enter the code to the building, and he pushes Tanner in.I pluck him out of the stroller, holding him while Easton breaks down the stroller and we walk up to his landing.
Once we’re inside, he nudges me with his elbow and points to his phone, mouthing, “Family.”
I nod, knowing this is part of the deal.But it’s not the size of his family that scares me.It’s their closeness.
“I’ll FaceTime you back.Let us get Tanner down.”
She must agree because he hangs up.
I change Tanner’s diaper and get him ready for a nap so that we can FaceTime his family.
“Do they know?”I ask, unsure if he’s been truthful with them.
I hand Tanner off to him, and Easton goes into his room toward the crib.“Will you think less of me if I say no?”
I lean on the doorframe, watching him put the pacifier in Tanner’s mouth and turn on the monitor.
“Have a good sleep.”He kisses his forehead and lays him down.
“Why would I think less of you?My mom will think it’s real, and let me tell you, she’s no piece of cake.She’ll probably want to throw us a party.”
We step out of the room as he shuts the door, and I turn on the monitor so we’re able to see Tanner.It’s a routine we’ve fallen into, and it’s only been a week.We’re like little robots already knowing which way to go, a synchronized dance.
“I can’t tell them I’m marrying someone for any reason besides love.And I don’t expect you to understand, but?—”
I put my hand on his arm.“I get it.And no judgment.”
His body almost deflates as though he thought I’d be upset about it.“I love them.”
“Easton, I get it.Families come with a lot, and it’s your decision to make, not mine.I just wanted to know how much I have to touch you and be affectionate.”
“Well.”He swings his arm around my shoulders.“You can touch me anytime.”I push him away, but he secures me in a bear hug.“Hey.”He lowers his eyes to meet mine.“Thanks for doing all this.”
“Thank you.”I stare at the ring on my finger resting against his chest.“I mean, you didn’t have to go and get me a real diamond, though.”
“Who said it was real?”I tilt my head, and he laughs.“I actually enjoyed shopping for it.Who would have thought?”
“None of the women in your little black book, that’s for sure.”I slide out of his embrace and walk over to the couch.
“Who told you about my little black book?”He chuckles, bringing his iPad over and positioning it on a stand on the table.
