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“Do you not like it? I mean, I didn’t decorate it, so my feelings won’t be hurt, one way or another.”
She clears her throat, a blush crawling onto her cheeks. I’ve put her on the spot. It hadn’t been my intention, but then again, I’m building to something with these two. You couldn’t get where I’ve gotten today without an early plan. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, and I never gave a thought about plan B. They’re my plan A in the relationship department, and I’ll start preparing as if this is their house.
“Oh, gosh, no. It’s grand. It’s so beautiful. Very traditional and regal and may I dare say very English.” She has heard me on occasion scoff all English traditions because I’m an Irishman at the end of the day.
“Ah, GG, he is Irish with a tad hint of English in him. Believe me, he’ll correct you.”
I know what GG stands for, but her eyes drift to Gibson, as he begins. “First—you and Simon, the Englishman of all Englishman, you two are almost clones of one another, and secondly what the hell does GG stand for?”
He darts his eyes to me, then back to Charis. “Greek Goddess. It got hard saying that all the time. I came up with it on the fly. Just go with it, GG.”
She shakes her head, her stare focused on the velvet settee in front of her. “Back to the house, gosh, Stone. I love it. I really do.”
Her tone fluctuates, and her attention is on the matching Victorian coffee and side tables, with a lamp that dates back to the turn of the twentieth century.
“But…”
“But nothing. I love it. I just won’t be bringing Meadow over.” She laughs and leaves it at that.
“But here’s the thing, love. I want you here. Your daughter is a part of you, and though I know it’ll be a while before you’re comfortable with her here, you have to understand what is mine—I want it to be yours—both yours and Gibson’s.”
“Well, maybe we can start at my house, since it’s a tad bit more kid friendly.”
Gibson has his wine glass in his hand, and we’re all still standing. “Have a seat, guys. It won’t bite. I like pretty things, but it’s also functional.” I almost demand and they are so responsive to my commands.
I’ll circle back to my house another day, but for now, there are other things to discuss.
I sit across from the both of them, placing my wine glass with a coaster on the coffee table.
“I’ve been in a triad before. There wasn’t enough time to really delve into feelings, as I shared with you the other night. However, it was certainly longer than what we’ve started between us has been going on. With them, I thought I could love them. I really did. Then Katherine became sick. I couldn’t give them what they needed. However, I want to think if they were the right fit, they would’ve waited for me, and I would have been willing to burn the candle at both ends to keep them. Somehow, in the short amount of time I’ve known you two, I want it all and would be willing to do anything to make it happen.”
I place all my cards on the table. I’m not a betting man, but with these two, I’d wager the whole house if it meant winning both Charis and Gibson.
The teach and my love are silent. This doesn’t come as a surprise to Gibson, but it’s a newer development for Charis.
“My lawyer thinks it’s a slam dunk on custody, so we need to be careful for now.”
“And”—Gibson leans forward, grabbing a coaster before placing his wine glass down—“I’m not too keen on having to find a new job mid school year, so I’d prefer to keep it on the down-low, too.”
“What are you saying? You’re not objecting.” This is directed toward Charis and then my attention shifts to Gibson. “And I thought I’d have to wear you down more.”
“I can’t choose between you both, and I don’t want to. I’ve had my fill of your hard body.” His gaze shifts to Charis. “And your soft curves. I’m postponing the inevitable if I don’t choose you both.”
“And you?” My question is for Charis.
“Jimmy took everything from me, and I have two men willing to give me a part of myself back.”
“You are our focus. I mean, we will concentrate on us, too, but you have to understand we’re here to build you back, piece by piece if we have to.”
Her hands begin to tremble, and when she attempts to place her wine glass next to Gibson’s it starts to teeter-totter, and he reaches for it.
“We got you, sweetheart, we’re here.”
I push from my seat, only to kneel before her. “When was the last time you were truly the focus in someone else’s life?”
Her attention shifts to me. “I honestly don’t know. I’m a mom first and foremost, so…”
“I get it, I really do. But you need us to take care of you. Let us take on everything you can’t.”
I stand up enough to slide in next to her. My hand moves down to her knees. “Can you trust we’ll care for you and take every burden from your overwhelmed shoulders?”
Gibson peeks around her beautiful face, and we’re on the same page, but he still nods his head. Everything is for Charis and Charis alone tonight.
“Yes, I can trust you. Please take care of me, take it all from me.”
