Page 62 of Blueberry Cake
“I thought you were heading into a meeting,” she said, smelling the flowers and eyeing the lunch bag that smelled suspiciously like her new favourite Italian food.
“Nothing is more important as you.”
More teenage giggling filtered in from the hallway. “Thank you for coming.”
With another kiss, Boyd squeezed her again. “Have an amazing day and I’ll see you on Friday.”
Queenie rose onto her toes, pressing her lips against his. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Queenie watched him leave, both her arms and heart overflowing with love. With a bright smile, she turned and was faced with curious gazes—ignoring every single one of them on her walk back.
“No PDA in the hallway, Ms. Bardot,” one of her students playfully scolded.
Unable to stop grinning, she turned to the boy and crooked her brow. “Shouldn’t you be in Mrs. Thompson’s class right now?”
Boyd
Friday didn’t come fast enough, but when Boyd finally knocked on Queenie’s door to pick her up, he wished he’d had more time to prepare. Nerves ravaged his gut—from both fear and excitement. The ring was tucked away in his overnight bag, ready for him to slide it onto her finger in less than twenty-four hours.
He was greeted by an ear-to-ear smile and a kiss to his cheek before she collected her bag from the floor. “I hope I got everything.”
“The only thing you need to bring is yourself.”
“Well and the dress, I can’t show up naked. That would be rather awkward.”
Ah, yes: the dress. He’d asked her to wear the blue one she’d sewn herself. “Just a little.” He took her bag, grateful that her presence calmed some of his nerves. “Do you still want to stop at Buc-ee's on the way?”
“If you don’t mind. I’ve been craving their pulled pork for a while.”
“Not at all.”
He began the long drive, absentmindedly stroking her thigh.
“Boyd?”
“Yes, my queen.”
“Is there something on your mind?”
Boyd flashed her an apologetic smile. “There is, I just don’t know how to address it.”
“Shoot. I don’t bite,” she encouraged, blanketing his hand with hers.
“Do your parents know you don’t want children?”
“I’ve mentioned it a few times. Mom always brushes it off and says there’s still time to decide.”
“But youarefirm in your choice?”
“I am. I’ve actually spent years trying to have my tubes tied, but all the doctors refuse. Besides, it’s expensive. I have actually considered going off birth control because with your vasectomy, I don’t really need it.”
“Why haven’t you yet?”
“I’m afraid it’s going to be a shock to my system.” A little hesitant she added, “And I’m also terrified something will happen anyways.”
“I get checked regularly to make sure nothing’s reversed itself. I actually have an appointment coming up.”
