Page 112 of Class Clown

“The sister moved away to college and the friend subtly asked questions about her, getting to know her through the stories her family told. Over the years he tried to be more like her, to see the brightness in things, to take chances. When she’d come home to visit, he tried talking to her, but she felt untouchable. She was the first girl he had a crush on, and he kept those feelings to himself. Eventually, he joined the military, and he stole a picture of her from the friend’s house to carry with him, promising himself that if he survived his deployment he’d find himself a woman like that. A woman of light. A woman who saw the world as a magic place, and could teach him to do the same.”

I sniffled now, tears forming, my body feeling so incredibly bubbly I didn’t know if I wanted him to finish his story or stop.

“Oh, my love,” I whispered. “I didn’t know.”

“When the boy returned home, he was now a man. He’d learned how to talk more, and to be more open, and to trust himself. He wasn’t afraid of the future anymore. He had deep scars, but he still had hope, because she was out there and she was safe and happy. Then, fate threw him a bone by putting them both at a summer camp together. At first, he was almost scared. He wondered if he’d made her up, and he’d be disappointed to find out she was nothing like the girl he’d carried with him.

The first time he saw her after ten years, she was standing on a chair looking angry and shocked, and he didn’t know how it was possible, but his feelings slammed straight into his chest, and he knew she was still the same person. He didn’t know how he’d manage it, spending months in close quarters without those feelings growing. In truth, he didn’t really even try to stop it. Up close, she was better than he remembered. So funny, smart, kind, talented at nursing – and beautiful. She was beautiful, so much that he sometimes had a hard time keeping his eyes off of her. He became obsessed with the way her hair would move when she walked, and watching her eyes for clues on her thoughts and feelings. Eventually, he decided to be unafraid. This was his chance. Probably his only chance. He could either go for the girl he’d always wanted, or say goodbye to her forever.

So, Bee, you see, when the summer ended there was really no choice for me. Texas wasn’t where you are. And where you are, is where I will always, always choose to be.” He pressed a kiss against my head and squeezed me close. “I love you, Ruby. You’re both my first and mylast love.”

I sighed, falling against him fully, sniffling. “That’s better than most of the romantic speeches I’ve read in books,” I said.

He leaned his head down against mine. “Good. I’ve been rehearsing something like it for a while. Every time your eyes got all beady and scared, I composed another line. I wanted you to understand that I’m not going anywhere.”

I nodded against him. “I believe you.”

“I want to start planning our future, Bee. I couldn’t wait until after work today, I had to see you now and tell you. It’s you and me, always. What do you think?”

“I like it.” I replied. “So, are you saying you want me to be part of your living situation?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“I mean, I guess we kind of had a trial run this summer. I think we did alright.” I leaned back to smile up at him.

“I’m going to get you a ring, and make you my wife. Just so you’re real clear on that.”

My lips quivered and I laughed. “Don’t try to propose to me without bedazzling something. A queen needs her sparkles.”

“Alright.” He smiled. “I think we should stay in Utah. I want to finish my degree, and you’re so happy here. It’s home.”

“I agree.”

“I’m going to get a car, too. I’m keeping the bike, but winter is here and I need something that doesn’t expose me to the elements all the time.”

“That’s a smart plan.” I pressed a kiss to his chin. “If I might add something. I’m not trying to be bossy here, but maybe don’t take your sweet time making me a wife. We’ve done the slow burn thing already.”

He grinned and pulled me up to my toes to press his warm lips to mine. I met him with my whole heart, knowing he would always be there to keep it safe. Always.

THE END

Epilogue

About nine years later

September

“Who rents hot air balloons for their birthday party?” Meredith asked, looking up at the dusky blue autumn sky while pulling her jacket sleeves closer around her. “It’s ostentatious.”

“Being cold always makes you grumpy.” I giggled, tugging down the beanie I’d pulled over my hair, and rubbing at my gigantic, rounded belly. “Are you honestly telling me that if Brooks rented you a hot air balloon, you wouldn’t be excited?”

“Yes, I’m telling you that.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m calling your bluff.”

“You’re lucky you have that space heater running to keep you nice and toasty. Are you allowed to hot air balloon when you’re a bazillion months pregnant?” Meredith asked, reaching to rub at my stomach – something I only allowed my Thornback friends to do. “Is it twins?”

I smiled and adjusted my stance as this little one turned a cartwheel. “Feels like it, but the doctor keeps promising there’s only one baby in there,” I replied. “And, I’m allowed to do anything I want. I’m an adult.”

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