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I hold out my hand, an anticipation building in me that she doesn’t know about. “Come on.”
Willow smiles, now knowing the story of how Dad used to say that to Mom, and that she could never say no to him when he did. It’s one of the reasons they got together.
Sliding the strap of her overnight bag onto her shoulder, Willow says, “I’m ready.”
I tug it back down, put it on my own. “Let me carry your burdens.”
Sylvia sighs, “You guys. I just love you.”
“We love you, too. See you tomorrow, Syl.”
Willow gives a little, friendly wave, “Good night Sylvia.” Outside she sees my Jeep. “Didn’t you come over in the truck?”
Shit, she knows I always drive the Jeep on special occasions. Not wanting to give it away I give a white lie. “Got tired of driving the truck.”
“Ah,” Willow nods, climbing in before I close the door. I stare at her profile until she turns and looks at me from the seat.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she smiles. “You’re a full-on hunk.”
I laugh, and walk around to climb in, muttering, “Full-on hunk, huh?”
Driving over, I listen to her tell me more of Sylvia’s story, how she politely stayed for an appetizer but said she wasn’t hungry and couldn’t stay for more. When he asked if it was because he was older, she said no, it was because he hadn’t been honest.
The whole time I’m having a hard time listening because I’m getting more and more worked up, knowing what I’m about to ask her. And how I’m asking.
At my place, we walk in. I set her bag on the coffee table, and take her hand. “This way.”
We walk upstairs to my room.
I turn the handle.
Open the door for her.
Slowly.
Oh so slowly.
The love of my life covers her mouth.
Her breath catches.
She gasps.
And walks inside.
FORTY
Willow
“Oh my gosh, Ben,” I whisper, stunned by the beauty before me. More candles than I’ve ever seen in one room, in all shapes and sizes are on every surface, befriended by vases upon vases of freshly-cut sunflowers. Extra chairs have been brought in as additional surfaces. Candles even line the floor’s perimeter in square, stable glass. The bed is covered in yellow sunflower petals, two sunflowers placed on the pillows, one atop the other. A glow from the adjoining bathroom makes me walk forward to see more petals all over the tile floor, candles and vases everywhere they can fit.
I turn to find Ben watching me, with love in his eyes. “Will you move in with me? With us?”
My hand flutters to my heart. “Really?”
“I spoke to Jonny today.”
