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Nor do I mind her and my mom working so close together on anything.
Getting up a little later only to do the dishes and make sure we have enough supplies for our next few meals in between what we do best, I realize something.
It hits me like a thunderbolt. I remember the one thing my mom asked me to treasure. Or rather, her mom’s mom all those years ago.
My grandma, long before she passed. Long before my dad left us and I remember hearing my mom crying over it.
I’d only forgotten about it because I never had to think of it until now.
Not because I have to think of it either, but because I want to.
I suddenly realize what it all means. How important it all is.
Why family matters so much.
But where did I put it, and is it even here in the apartment?
I set to work to find it, and after a time I become aware of Olivia searching me out, calling for me as I keep searching.
Thinking of nothing but her the whole time.
“You okay, Jack?” she asks. “I missed you than heard you scratching around.” I hear her say from behind me, turning on the light and asking me again if everything’s okay.
“It is now,” I murmur. Holding the worn velvet box tighter in my fingers as I turn to kiss her.
It is now.
“How are you doing though, really?” I ask her, not meaning just her work projects either.
“I’m great,” she says cheerfully. “Probably more work than I thought though, to be honest,” she admits, suddenly looking down at her feet.
“Do what you feel like doing, and leave the rest to someone else,” I remind her, making her smile as she looks back up at me.
“That’s the same advice your mom gave me,” she admits, leaning against me.
“What were you looking for?” she asks. Stifling a yawn before I show her the box.
“I’m supposed to choose my moment a little better,” I confess to her.
Supposed to be on my knee.
Hearing her ask if I’ve found what I’m looking for though, well now is as good a time as any to really find out.
To ask her at least.
“Choose your moment?” she asks. “To show me a box? Are you sure you’re okay, Jack?”
Of all the lines I’ve gone over in my life, I’ve never had so few that were so easy but so hard to get out at the same time.
“Olivia, I was looking for this,” I tell her, opening the box, watching her face as it registers where this is going.
“I’m not much good at waiting, not since you came along. And you don’t have to say yes or no right now, just hear me out…”
I have a million things I want to tell her. How she’s changed me. How I can’t live without her.
All the hopes and dreams I have for us both to share already, how much I want her to be the mother of my children as well as my wife.
My best friend. Forever.
I had all the words in my mind earlier, was only looking for the ring to put it to one side, wait for the moment to be perfect.
Wait for the best time.
But as I stand in front of her, speechless. Her tiny fingers lacing into mine as they tremble a little, holding the box open. I realize that the only perfect time to tell her is right now.
It’s only ever going to be perfect whenever I’m with her, so how can I lose?
She watches me with my mouth open, saying nothing but trying hard to tell her everything I feel with the touch of our hands before she says yes.
Quiet at first, but it’s the only word I need to hear.
“I mean, we don’t have to set an actual date or anything… I just… I mean, I need…Will you...” I stammer.
“Yes,” she says again a little louder, gripping my hand a little tighter, waiting for me to slip the ring on her finger.
“I thought you were gonna ask me that first night,” she confides in me, blushing and reminding me how I’ve wanted to ask since the moment we met.
“I didn’t want to scare you off,” I admit, sliding the ring over her finger, marveling at how it’s the perfect fit.
Destiny.
“Just tell me again,” I ask her, not wanting the moment to end but needing to hear it just one more time.
“Yes, Jack,” she promises me, sealing it with a kiss.
“Yes now, and forever after that. Yes.”
Epilogue
Two Months Later
Olivia
We didn’t set a date, not straight away but once Denise got wind of the news we were engaged, well that was that.
We’ve learned a lot about each other in such a short time, and as much as I’ve enjoyed it, I can see why Jack and his mom kind of work better over the phone rather than in person.
