Page 65 of Fall Over You

“What about when the years are up?”

Becca lifts a shoulder. “It’s not ideal, but she’ll be older. She’ll be able to understand.”

I poke my tongue into my cheek and glance down the street, wondering how many people have seen us together today. “I guess it’s good we already have Maggie on deck to babysit tonight. It’s time to show this off.”

We get Ellie from school and head to the diner to explain everything over an early lunch. Ellie understands the important parts.

“So, I gave Becca a special ring.”

“The sparkle ring?” Ellie’s eyes are so hopeful. “Can I see it?”

Becca holds out her hand as the waitress comes to our table. She’s been waiting on Ellie and me every Saturday since Ellie was tiny. I used to be one of the first customers when the doors opened because it was my one guaranteed window of sanity in a week. Ellie’d be up early to eat after what was likely a long night, and I’d go sit, drink coffee I didn’t even like, and eat eggs I didn’t have to cook.

“Well, it looks like y’all added a plus one. How’re you, Becca? Don’t see you much anymore.”

Becca smiles, but for once, it gives away how tired she really is. “Yeah, these two have been keeping me busy. And the farm.”

Debbie whistles and gestures to Becca’s ring. “You do that, Tyler? You been holding out on me. I usually know everything going on in this town.”

I chuckle. “Well, you’re one of the first to know about this.”

She lifts a brow. “Long time coming?”

“Probably been baking since we were kids, yeah.” The fact that it isn’t really a lie is disorienting.

“Grew on me like a wart,” Becca says with a wink.

Debbie tweaks my cheek. “Yeah, he’s a cute wart, though. What y’all having? Tyler, omelet? Ellie, pancakes? Does she get juice today?”

Ellie’s eyes plead with me, and I want this to feel special for her.

“I think this can be a special juice Thursday.”

“Becca?”

“Pancakes too, but make mine blueberry, and sausage links please. And a Diet.”

“I want blueberry,” Ellie interrupts.

“You got it, hun.” Debbie takes off, leaving us to the bombshell we’re dropping on Ellie.

I’d tuck Ellie into my side, but she insisted on sitting with Miss Becca. “So, yeah, I gave Becca that special ring because I asked her to be my wife, and she said yes.”

“And that means, you two are welcome to live at my farm from now on,” Becca says.

Ellie’s eyes water and I reach across the table to hold her arm, anything to comfort her. “Do you want to sit with me, El?”

But her arms fly around Becca’s waist, her tears starting to fall. Becca hugs her back. “It’s okay, sweet girl.”

“How does that make you feel?” I ask, always doing what I can to make sure my child can speak for herself and not let somebody else tell her how to feel.

“Happy,” Ellie says, not letting go of Becca.

“I’m so glad you’re coming out to live with me,” Becca says, kissing the top of her head.

“Will you always get me from school?”

Becca looks across the table at me to confirm. I nod, because I’m just thrilled this is going so well. “As much as I can and as your daddy wants me to, yeah. I’ll get to see you every day, just about.”