Page 77 of Never Really Mine
Squeezing her back, I turn my eyes toward the rest of the women. “Ladies,” I say in lieu of greeting. “I’m here to kidnap my girl.”
All of the older women croon in delight, and Marley’s face turns red. I carry Lennie through the small circle to set her back in Josie’s lap. With her out of my arms, I walk over to Marley, and lean down, kissing her soft lips quickly. The ladies all croon again, but I pull back, only to ask Marley a silent question with my eyes.
She nods slightly, letting me know she’s okay. Knowing she’s good, I step back. “Should I take a few loads out to my car while you finish up?”
My mom, and Jane both nod. “Lennie, why don’t you bring some of the bags to the door so Uncle Beau can put them in the car?” Mom says.
Of course, Lennie is more than willing to help, so we are up and moving within minutes while everyone continues to chat. While I load the vehicle with more bags and boxes than I can count, an anxious stirring grows in my gut.
Closing is in three weeks, and I have that much time to convince Marley that this is the right choice for us. That this is what we need.
Once the last of the presents are in my—full to the brim—car, I head back inside. Women are slowly heading toward the entryway, giving Marley long hugs and caressing her stomach ina way that makes even me feel uncomfortable. She’s masking her discomfort, though, because I know her so well, know her tells and body language. I can sense by the shift of her weight back and forth and the hand resting on her lower back, that she’s in pain.
I cross to her in a few steps, standing behind her and wrapping my arms around her so she can lean on my chest. Her body relaxes slightly, but she’s still uncomfortable. I lean down so I can murmur in her ear. “Ready?”
She nods, and thankfully, the person that was talking to her says goodbye, finishing their conversation. In just minutes, the room has cleared of everyone but my mom and Jane, Josie, Megan, Fallon and Lennie. I can feel the almost instant relief in Marley now that we are surrounded by only our closest family and friends.
“I have plans for Marley and me, but if you need help cleaning up later, I’m more than happy to swing by,” I offer to my mother.
She waves her palm at me in a dismissal. “We’ve got it. Don’t keep her out too late, I think she’s pretty tired.”
Marley smiles sweetly, giving my mother a tight hug. “Thank you for hosting,” she says into my mother’s embrace. They say a few more words of love and appreciation, and Marley hugs her mother and friends, and soon we are heading out the front door.
“What isthis surprise you’re taking me to?” Marley asks as I take the road leading out of town.
“You’ll see,” I say, my voice shaking slightly. Marley raises her brow. I reach over, resting my hand over her thigh. “It’s nothing bad. I promise.”
“What are you nervous about then?” she asks in return.
“It’s more of a nervous excitement,” I try to explain. Luckily she accepts that as an answer, and watches the trees as we drive.
When I turn down the gravel drive and Marley sees the house, her eyes widen, jaw dropping open. “Beau… What is this?”
I stay quiet for a short moment, pulling up to the garage and putting the car in park. I get out, rounding to the other side to open her door. Her mouth is still agape, emotion blurring behind her eyes. Unsure of whether it's a good or bad emotion, I tread carefully.
“Remember how we both agreed we needed more space?” I slowly start.
Marley doesn’t say anything, darting her tongue out and biting her lip.
“I saw this place, and it had so many showings, but no one ever snatched it up. I told myself that if it was still on the market by the time you hit twenty-seven weeks, and we hadn’t found a place, I would put an offer in.” Her face goes blank, leaving me no clues on how she feels. “They accepted my offer.”
I give her a moment to process, then I speak again. “It’s got four bedrooms, two baths. There’s even a soaking tub in the master bath. The basement has plenty of room for guests, or more kids,” I joke.
Marley still hasn’t said a word, and my gut starts to churn. I reach down, taking her clammy hand in mine to lead her up the front steps. I use the key in the lock box to open the door, leading her into the empty house. Her face remains stoic, but eyes scan the room, taking in every single feature.
She drops my hand, walking out into the open area kitchen, trailing her hands over the countertops and cabinets. I follow behind her, giving her little tidbits of information as I do, panicking only slightly at her complete lack of reaction.
I guide her up the stairs, showing her the master and two other bedrooms. After, I show her the guest bedroom downstairs, and the swing-set out back. The entire time, she’s quiet, but her face grows more and more red with each passing moment. I can’t tell if it’s from the exertion of the stairs, or… something else.
When we reach the front entryway again, I shove my hands in my pockets. “Well?” I ask.
Marley takes one final look around. “I don’t know whether to strangle you or be excited.”
“Preferably the second option,” I chuckle nervously.
“You bought a house without talking to me? I know we said we needed more space, but I figured maybe we’d have a conversation, and not make any rash decisions at the end of my pregnancy.”
“I know, I just… It’s just so perfect for us, and the first time I was here, I imagined us in it, and… I had to make it a reality.” I do my best to explain, knowing she’s not pleased with me, or this idea I had.
