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“It was a choice to keep negativity out of my life. I’m sorry it messed up your plans.”
“You didn’t mess up my plans. I finally found what I’ve searched the world for…happiness…you.”
“Mark—”
He cuts her objection short. “But I didn’t protect you. I never thought I’d be the guy to fail his woman. It’s the worst feeling ever. I’ll never fail you again. Let me take you home.”
“I am home.” She holds her arms wide. “I can take care of myself. I’m making it on my own. I have multiple jobs. I’m doing my things my way.”
“Perfect. Do your things, your way, at the house I bought for you.”
She draws back in surprise.
Carl speaks up. “Please give us a chance, Bianca. We stocked the kitchen with all the gadgets the clerk at the store said you could ever need. The only thing missing is you.”
“Assuming I’ll spend a lot of time slaving over food could be offensive.”
“We didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know.” A hint of a smile graces her lips.
I wink. “We got extra soft dish towels.”
“Moving in is a big step.” She’s hesitant but not refusing.
Carl warned us not to mention the possible pregnancy. I’ll tread lightly. “Maybe not as big as another step we may have already taken.”
Her lips purse almost imperceptibly through a long breath.
Twenty
Sean
We’rekindofonprobation, but Bianca moved in, so we’re headed the right direction. She’s ended things with her ex, and her need for personal space gave us time to talk to our parents about how they treat her.
She looks up from her book when I join her on the balcony. Her fingers barely peek out of the blanket she’s snuggled in, and hold the page she’s on.
Snow falls gently, collecting on the rail. The storm coated the entire mountainside and it glistens in the sun.
I can see why she’d sit out here to read. “I can’t decide which is more gorgeous, you or the landscape.”
She pats her messy bun. “I warned you. Messy hair, don’t care.”
The warning is part of her testing if we’re truly comfortable with her simply being her. She’s so used to being judged, it’s hard for her to accept that we loveher, not the incidentals.
I lean down, kissing the top of her head. “Just kidding. The only reason there are only eight wonders of the world is that you weren’t born when they put the list together.”
She bats me away. “Now you’re just being cheesy.”
Arguing wouldn’t convince her that I’m being sincere.
She blushes. “Stop staring. Did you come out here just to bother me?”
Oops. It brought out her playful side though so we’re good.
“Ready for your first Christmas present?”
“I thought we were swapping gifts tonight. I need five to fifteen minutes to get yours ready.”
