Page 68 of Until Next Time
“Hey champ! Thanks for the lift!” Dad says as he hoists himself into the cab. He sets the bag of gifts on the floorboards near his feet and then glances at the gift sitting on the seat between us. He eyes it speculatively and then I realize I haven’t really filled dad in on the turn of events and my sudden bout of courage.
“It’s for Birdie.” I say, nodding at the gift.
“I took her out on a date this morning, dad.” I let out a relieved breath. It just feels good to say that.
“Well shit, buddy! Good for you!” Dad reaches over and slaps my shoulder, almost jumping in his seat. He has always adored Birdie. He and mom used to even tease me about it. Telling me how good of a match we would be. In their words, “you’re so broody and moody, you need a little sunshine girl like that to color up your world.” I used to roll my eyes to try and play it cool, but in reality, they were right and I knew it.
“Thanks Dad. I actually wanted to say thank you. I wouldn’t have gone after her if it wasn’t for you.” I hate admitting.
“You would have, one way or another, son. It might have been years from now, but you’d have come to your senses. A girl like that only comes around once in a lifetime. And I know it because your mother was one of them.” He grabs my shoulder in a firm, knowing grip. I just nod, because sometimes the silence between us speaks more than any words ever could. A mutual understanding. A mutual understanding that the women who hold our hearts are the real deal.
* * *
We pull up to the Banks family home and I see River’s truck parked outside along with Birdie’s car and Casey’s truck in the driveway. We’re a patchwork family. Bits and pieces of other families thoughtfully weaved together into something special.
I don’t know the full story about Casey’s upbringing, but I know she’s had family issues since she was just a kid. Casey has always been around for major holidays, birthdays and any Banks family celebrations, really.
I even recall Mrs. Banks throwing Casey her sweet sixteen birthday party. I know they reached out to some of her family members, but nobody showed up, so Mr. Banks invited all their neighbors over for pizza and cake. It ended up being really fun, but it did always stick with me—what kind of family just don’t show up for a girl like Casey?
I’m pulled from that thought when I see Birdie pull open the door. The light filtering in from behind her. I hop down from my truck, and before I can take another step, she’s coming at me in a full sprint. She jumps into my arms, and I wrap my hands around her back, she nuzzles her face into my neck. I bring one of my hands up to the back of her head, reveling in her smell, and the intoxicating feeling coursing through my entire body.
She pulls back and smiles at me, so big her eyes are smiling too.
“Sorry for attacking you. I’ve just always wanted to do that.” She says, her eyes sparkling. I’m absolutely unaware of our surroundings because I’m completely in this moment.
“You can attack me anytime you want.” I wink, and kiss the side of her head softly before setting her down slowly.
“I missed you.” She says, grabbing my hand.
“Yeah? Me too.” I can’t stop looking at her. I turn to grab the wine and gift from the front seat of my truck when I hear my dad hollering from the front door, “I got your stuff, come on, lovebirds.”
We both just laugh at that.
Stepping into Birdie’s house, holding her hand feels like a real life movie. I’m instantly hit with the smell of something heavenly. Like roasted almonds. There’s a fire going in the living room and the whole entire house is decked out in Christmas. String lights, garlands and winter coats hung on every hook in the entry way. It’s something out of a Hallmark movie and I can’t help but wonder if it’s always been this magical, or if it’s just because I have Birdie by my side. Although, I think being in a government building waiting for our number to be called would feel special if Birdie was with me.
“What the fuck man, I don’t think I remember giving you permission to date my sister.” River approaches me aggressively, with his fist clenched between us.
“Fuck off.” I give him a shove and he loses his balance a bit and we both fall into a fit of laughter. He approaches me again and wraps me up in one of his classic bro hugs.
“About time you stopped acting like a pussy. Happy for you, dude.” He pats me on the back before releasing me.
“River, enough with the filthy mouth, it’s Christmas for heaven’s sake!” River’s mom pipes up from the kitchen.
Everyone laughs and Mr. Banks adds, “Yeah, stop with all the fucking cuss words you two.”
Everyone chuckles and we make our way into the living room. There’s a bar cart fully stocked, and I see my dad has already added the bottles I brought.
“Can you pour me a glass of one of yours?” Birdie asks, her voice sugary, soft, low.
“I’d love to.” I bring her hand to my lips and place a kiss on her soft skin. I love kissing Birdie’s mouth, but there’s not one thing on her I plan on leaving unkissed, but I’m taking it slow. I’m in no rush, because I’m planning on forever with this woman.
Jack Banks sidles up next to me as I’m uncorking and pouring a glass of wine for Birdie. The house is humming with chatter and laughter, and a faint hum of jazz. Jack’s voice is low, not a whisper, but quiet enough so that only I can hear him.
“Son, I’m so happy to see you and Birdie connecting. The girl has had it bad for you since forever it seems like. I love you like my own son, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a little warning. I know your intentions are solid, but that’s my little girl. I just want you to hear that from me, that I’m expecting you to take care of her well, and right.” His voice wasn’t threatening, his tone was genuine and heartfelt. And I respected the hell out of him for it. I’d do the same thing if I had a daughter.
“Mr. Banks, every decision I make in my life going forward is going to be heavily weighed by the effect it would have on Birdie, good or bad. I don’t deserve her, in the slightest. But I plan on spending every last one of my days making sure she knows how important, respected and adored she is.”
Jack pulls me into a hug. “Good man.”
