Page 80 of Changing Lanes

I can’t believe I’m running late. I’m taking Torrie to dinner and a movie, we haven’t been on an official date. When we were in college, we did everything together, but at night or the weekends, we were happy staying in.

I’ve arranged with my mom to get Andi from school so we can make it an early night. Torrie and Andi have become partial to their bedtime rituals. I adore watching them together. Torrie is so afraid she’s going to do something to hurt Andi, she treats her so tenderly.

I leave the site, driving over to the office. Torrie’s there with Thayer, working on the landscaping design. I stopped at the florist's to pick up some flowers for her, I searched and searched but nothing seems to fit. She’s like a lily among weeds, she stands out. That’s it.

I tap on the door before opening it and walking in. Torrie’s face lights up when she sees me, she’s so damn beautiful. I take a few steps toward her as she stands to greet me. Her flowers are behind my back so she doesn’t see them right away.

She leans in to kiss me, and I watch as her lips take mine. Her lips pressed against mine makes my pulse speeds up. I caress her jaw as her lips linger on mine, and she quivers from the touch. A coughing sound from the door breaks us apart, still we stare into each other’s eyes for a few more seconds.

“Are those for me?” Hardy asks from behind me.

“No, sorry, man, it’s Torrie’s turn today.” Winking at him, I present the flowers to her.

“Lilies? How did you know?” Tilting her head in question.

“I didn’t. I just thought, ‘she’s a lily among weeds, she stands out’.” She kisses me again, as Hardy chuckles.

“Hey, hush it. You need to take notes.” Thayer hurls a pen in Hardy’s direction.

“Notes for what?” One joins us.

“Romance. Ol’ Brannon here has got romance on his mind. He bought flowers, came up with a meaningful reason. Romance.” Hardy elbows One.

“Romance? I fucking rock that shit.” One walks into the room with swagger.

“Yeah, that’s why we had a meeting on how you should date Lea.” We all start laughing.

“Yeah, that’s why we have kids, cause y’all helped.” He straightens his sleeves and leans back.

“Romantical, not sex.” Hardy hits One in the back of the head.

“Romantical? Okay, man, you do know that isn’t a word, right?” One shakes his head at Hardy. “I’m just saying, you’ve got to have the romance or you’ll not get to the good stuff,” One explains.

“That equates to children? Ummm, could we have a little romance? I’m not ready for as many children as Lea and One have.” The room erupts with laughter.

“Man, it’s the best. I love my bunch.” One’s smile stretches across his face, he’s beaming with pride.

“I can see that.” Torrie smiles with him.

“It’s never been easy, I’m not saying that at all. Lea just makes everything right, so the romance is natural,” One explains.

“So, where are you kids off to?” Thayer asks.

“It’s a surprise,” I answer.

“Woooo, bring out the big guns,” Hardy teases. “Naw, man. Y’all have fun, don’t do anything we wouldn’t do. Well, Thayer and me. It’s obvious what One would do.” We burst into laughter.

“Alright, guys. Y’all have a good evening.” I say as I place my hand on the small of her back.

“Bye. And, One, I wouldn’t mind nine children, Brannon does have a place big enough for them.” Torrie winks at him.

“Hell, Torrie. We’ll build you one, that’s what I’m doing,” One replies as we leave them chuckling.

I turn to her once we’re out the door to ask. “Are you serious?”

“About what?” she says with a smirk.

“About what? Nine kids.” My eyes are the size of saucers.