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She was worried about Lily. I was too, but after a lot of thought, I knew this was right for Lily. It was what she would want. I loved that she was always putting Lily’s needs in front of her own. That was what a mother would do.
“Ramsey,” she said softly, her voice tinged with caution. She took a deep breath and chewed her lower lip. “I don’t want to rush into anything. We need to be sure about this. Lily is the most important person in both our lives, and I want to make sure we’re making the right decision.”
Her words resonated with me. I understood her hesitancy, her desire to ensure that our foundation was solid, and our intentions were genuine. We had both been through enough in the past to value the importance of taking things at a pace that felt right for both of us.
“I completely understand, Dee,” I replied, my voice filled with sincerity. “This is a big step for all of us, and I want us to be sure, too. We can take the time we need to make this decision, to discuss any concerns or fears we may have. Lily’s happiness and well-being will always be our top priority.”
Dee’s eyes softened as she considered my words. She knew I was right, that we couldn’t rush into this decision without careful consideration. We had built a strong foundation of trust and love, but merging our lives together required more than just emotions.
“Would that mean I wouldn’t be Lily’s nanny anymore?”
I stopped to think about it. “Do you want to be her nanny?”
“I think it would be weird to have you paying me to take care of her while I’m sleeping in your bed and we’re playing house,” she said. “I would rather you didn’t.”
“Then I won’t,” I said. “I can provide everything you need.”
She grimaced again. “I’m just not sure that’s the right option. I’ll need to get a job.”
“You have a job,” I said.
“No, I don’t.”
“Dee you would still be taking care of her and doing what you do now,” I said. “Let me pay you.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t.”
“Okay, then I won’t pay you.” I shrugged. “You’ll just be what you’ve been to her without a paycheck. Whatever works.”
After a moment of silence, Dee took a deep breath and smiled at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. “Ramsey,” she said, her voice filled with conviction. “I love you, and I love Lily. I want to be a part of your lives. I want to create a home together. Let’s take this step and see where it leads us.”
Relief flooded through me as I embraced her, grateful for her willingness to take this journey with us. Lily was going to be out-of-her-head happy. “I promise you we’re going to be happy,” I said.
“Should we talk to Lily first?”
“I already talked to her,” I said. “I wanted to make sure she was okay with it.”
“And she is?”
I smirked. “This is Lily we’re talking about. She’s been trying to get you to move in since day one.”
“Okay, then.” She grinned. “I guess I need to put in my notice with my landlord.”
“Yes, you do,” he said. “I’ll hire movers. You don’t need to bother.”
She snorted. “They can move my shit straight to the dump. I’ll get the rest of my clothes, but there’s nothing else in that apartment that I want or need. I have everything right here.”
I sat in the driver’s seat, glancing over at Dee, my heart filled with determination and a sense of purpose. We were driving to UMass, but this time it wasn’t for me to go to work—it was to help Dee pursue her dreams. I told her I needed to pick up a few things. I didn’t tell her my true intention.
“Dee,” I said, breaking the comfortable silence. “I want you to go into that building and pick up an application. I’ve been doing some research, and I know how much you’ve always wanted to be a high school teacher.”
Dee’s eyes widened with surprise, her lips parting slightly as she processed my words. She had always been passionate about education, and I knew that becoming a teacher had been a lifelong dream for her. Yet, financial constraints had often stood in her way.
“But, Ramsey,” she responded, her voice filled with a mix of hope and hesitation, “I can’t afford the tuition. It’s a lot of money, and I don’t want to burden you. That dream has long since passed.”
I reached over and gently placed my hand on top of hers, a reassuring gesture meant to convey my unwavering support. “Dee, listen to me,” I said firmly. “This is not about burdening me. This is about helping you achieve your dreams. Whether we stay together or not, I want you to have this opportunity. It’s a gift from me to you. You’ve made my daughter’s life so much better than I could have ever thought possible. You’ve been completely selfless. You said you were bored. I think you should take some classes. Dip your toes in the water.”
Tears welled up in Dee’s eyes as she looked at me, her voice choked with emotion. “Ramsey, I… I don’t know what to say. This means so much to me.”
