Page 71 of Dylan
Dylan
It started raining,so we opted to stay in for the night. I planned to cook for us, and I have a little surprise for Ciara. While sitting with her as she finished packing, I remembered the moment I knew I would love her for life.
It’s been playing in my mind so clearly. I want her to remember that moment, or at least the feeling. We were so young, but the way she looked at me and held on to me told me she felt the same.
I didn’t know the feeling as the love I have for her today, but I knew then that I would love her and protect her in any way I knew how. I’m lost in my thoughts as I get everything ready to start prepping dinner.
Right before Ciara finished packing, I drew her a bath to soak in while I came down to the kitchen. A text to Taegan and my plan is already set in motion. When we leave here in the morning, I want Ciara to have no doubts that I’m in this for the long run.
There’s a second entrance to the rooftop that doesn’t require coming through the apartment. Taegan and whoever she has helping her will be able to come and go without Ciara knowing. Thankfully the rain has slowed and the part of the rooftop I plan to use is covered for nights like this.
The design and attention to detail are what sold me on this place. Since Ciara and Ciarán have been here, it feels more like a home. Music is playing throughout the apartment, and I notice I have a smile on my face. I have everything I ever wanted and more.
The one thing that’s been nagging at me is how to fulfill the entirety of my promise. Her dad is gone. How do I fight him for permission to marry her?
I’ve trained my whole life for that fight. I want to keep my word, but I don’t know how to make that happen. I’m going to figure this out.
I’m thinking of ways I can keep my promise as I set the table for a candlelight dinner. There has to be something I can do. My father’s words ring in my head.
If ya make a promise, ya keep it.
“I plan to, Da. I plan to,” I say to my thoughts.
“Should I be concerned? You’re in here talking to yourself.”
I turn to find Ciara standing watching me with her arms folded over her chest. She’s in a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. I chuckle and shake my head.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, dragging my attention from her. I pull it out to find a text from Taegan. I smile as I read it.
Taegan:All done. Enjoy the rest of your night and have a safe trip. I’ll hold down the fort.
Me:Thanks. Buy yourself something on me.
Taegan:Don’t have to tell me twice. You don’t have to buy my loyalty, but it never hurts our friendship. Love you, Irish. This shit is so romantic by the way. Later.
Me:Love you more, tiny creature.Get home safe.
Taegan:Ha!
“Tell Taegan I said hi,” Ciara says, bringing my attention back to her.
“She’s gone for the night,” I say and shrug. “Come here.”
Opening my arms, I wait for her to come to me. She steps into my embrace and wraps her arms around my waist. I’m filled with so much peace in this moment.
“What are you making? Can I help?”
“Chicken and rice with creamed spinach. Come on, it might be fun to cook together.”
“I’ll be able to make sure everything is seasoned,” she murmurs.
“That happened once, and I told you I got distracted and missed a couple of things. It wasn’t that bad.”
“Bro, that shit was so bland I wouldn’t have fed it to the cat,” she snorts.
“We don’t have a cat, smart-ass.”
“But you would look so adorable holding a kitten.”
