Page 79 of Seein’ Red

I nod, sniffling, trying not to cry. Nash can drive me crazy—crazier than anyone else on this planet—but he also has the biggest heart. A heart that I know really does care and supports me. No matter what.

“I know. But that’s not who I am. I can’t imagine giving up my child. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s hard to imagine having a child at all. I’m still wrapping my brain around the whole being a mom bit, but…I can’t imagine giving it up either. In any capacity.”

“Who do you think it’ll look like?”

“You,” I scoff. “Those Keller genes are pretty strong. The both of you look just like Jack, who looks just like Pops. Us Hayeses…all seven of us look so different, even though we’re from the exact same two people.”

“There’s no denying you’re siblings though. Especially when you get all of you together. Looking at your brothers all lined up tonight, they’re a pretty formidable group.”

“Scared?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” Taking the bottle from me, he takes a swig, swallowing down the last of the cider and setting it down. “Whomever he or she looks like though, they’re going to be Hickory Hills royalty. Half Hayes, half Keller. No pressure, kid.”

“I think you mean hell on wheels. This kid is half me and half you. I’m not sure Hickory Hills is ready for that.”

“There are gonna be a lot of retiring teachers.”

“Forget teachers. Chief Myers might have a heart attack right on the spot.”

“I can see the headline now. Local police chief struck dead by pregnancy announcement.”

I laugh, splashing him with water. He retaliates, although much gentler than I do. This is the side of Nash that I adore. That I can’t get enough of. Who he is when it’s just us.

If he could be this Nash all the time, then I’d be a goner.

Maybe he can be. We promised each other a fresh start, and I’m committed to that. Which means I have to also be on my best behavior as well.

First, there are a few things I need to clear up.

“All those things you said tonight…”

“I mean every one of them.”

“No, I mean about⁠—”

“Every. One. Willa.” Cupping my face in his hands, he leans down so we’re eye to eye. There’s no escaping now. “I only plan on walking down the aisle with one person. Tonight is not the last time we’re gonna take that walk. And there will be no argument about Auggie giving you away. Oh, and that garter… I plan on hiking up your dress and fetching it all over again.”

My heart squeezes, ready to explode from hearing it all again. It’s the stuff that teenage daydreams are made of. My teenage daydreams to be specific. The idea that they are coming true after everything seems like a miracle.

“You really think we can do this?”

“You really think we can't?”

“No. I just want you to be sure.”

Nash lowers his hands, placing a chaste kiss at my hairline. “I already asked the ultimate question, didn’t I?”

“No, actually. You dropped to one knee, demanded, and then said that you were going ‘to do the right thing’ by me.”

Nash shifts nervously, water sloshing over the edge of the tub. I don’t say anything though, waiting for him to respond.

“Well, I’m asking now. It’s a bit unconventional, but we’ve always done things our own way, haven’t we?” I nod, because he’s right. We have. “So what do you say? Willa Mae Hayes, want to be a family?”

I gasp, the tears reforming in my eyes. It’s all I can do to keep them contained.

“I do. Might be against my better judgment, but yes, Nash Elijah Keller, let’s be a family.”

“I promise, it’s not against your better judgment, because I…”