Chapter Twenty
Piper
Living with Magnus for the past month has been utter bliss. I know it’s ridiculous how happy I am, that everyone is most likely sick of hearing how wonderful life is, but I can’t help it. I love this man, and living with him has been a dream come true. I don’t need more than what I have right here and now.
It’s been so easy sharing a home with him, easy and comfortable. It reminds me of when Livie and I moved in together. It was seamless. The only thing better now is that I get to be utterly satisfied every single night living with Magnus. No toys needed.
Magnus and I have found a rhythm that feels like perfection. Tonight we’re hosting another library fundraiser. I try to do two a year. I don’t want to scare people away, but we want the library to thrive, and that takes funds. Magnus has offered to fund it all, but I won’t allow that. I want this library to belong to the community, want it to be a part of all of them.
I put the finishing touches on my face, then stand back and look in the mirror. I feel good. I love my new flowy dress. I like to use a lot of bright colors at the library. Not only does it make me happy, but the kids love it. I want the grownups happy in the library, but more than anything I want to inspire the younger generation.
Magnus has left to pick up his mother so he’ll meet me at the library. I love that she and Bianca are coming, love how much they’ve embraced me. I feel like a part of their family, and it’s a great family to be included in.
When I park and walk to the closed off street in front of the library, I’m smiling. This is nothing new, but my grin is even bigger than normal. Everything’s set up perfectly. The guests are eating, laughing, and already having a great time as they look at the tables filled with baskets for the auction coming later. Music is playing and the dance floor has children on it, giggling, and having a wonderful time. From my first moment here, it’s already a success. I find Livie with her hand in Tyler’s and make a beeline toward them.
“This is incredible, Piper,” Livie says as she gives me a hug. “I’ve been here for twenty minutes already, and have eaten a corn dog, cotton candy, and fried bananas. The circus theme was brilliant.”
“I’m so happy with how it all looks. I was here forever setting up earlier, but then couldn’t decide on what to wear. Sorry I’m late,” I tell her.
“You look stunning. But you could wear a potato sack and be beautiful,” she tells me.
“I have to agree with Livie. You two are the most beautiful women here,” Tyler says as he hugs me. It’s been so fun seeing them together. They were meant to be.
“Even with how fat I am,” Livie says as she pats her very large belly.
“You’re gorgeous,” Tyler says. The way he looks at her shows he means these words. Livie was so scared when she found herself pregnant, but it’s all worked out beautifully.
I feel Magnus before I see him, and turn to see him walking forward with his mother holding his arm. I grin at how adorable they look together. Isabella lets go of Magnus and moves to me, immediately pulling me in for a full bodied hug that always makes me feel so loved.
“You look beautiful,” she tells me. My eyes sting as she kisses each of my cheeks. “You need to eat some of these fried foods. You still need some more meat on your bones.” This makes me laugh.
“I plan on eating a bit of everything. It won’t be as good as your food, but it will fill the tummy,” I assure her.
Livie steps up. “I’ve been so excited to meet you. I’m Livie, Piper’s best friend. I hear you’re the world’s greatest cook.”
“Ah, a woman after my own heart. You must come eat with us for Sunday dinner,” Isabella tells her.
“I’ve been praying for an invitation. I’ll be there,” Livie tells her.
“When will this beautiful baby make an appearance?” Isabella asks.
“Two more months. Though I might be carrying triplets with how big I’m getting,” Livie says with a laugh as she rubs her belly.
“You have a beautiful round belly where your baby is nice and safe and warm,” Isabella assures her. I feel a slight pang at the thought of carrying my own baby, something I’ve never really thought about before. Livie really does carry a glow about her these days, though, and I love it. Maybe someday it will be me.
We’re interrupted as more people arrive, everyone wanting to say hello. We move around the crowd, visit with patrons, generous donors, and try a bit of all the appetizing food.
Bianca shows up with a grand entrance, and instantly has every single man at the party staring at her with their mouths dropped. She rushes forward and hugs her brother and then me before she steps back with a mysterious smile.
“So, you guys are officially living in sin, breaking mamas heart. When is there going to be a proposal? I’m ready to be an aunt,” she boldly says, making my cheeks heat to molten levels. I try to pretend I didn’t hear what she said as I quickly look to the ground. It’s far too soon to be talking about weddings.
“You’re a trouble maker,” Magnus tells his sister.
“You know it, and you can’t blame me. You two are clearly made for each other. I already consider Piper a sister. I love how she makes you a better man.” I give her a smile as I desperately seek a subject to talk about to get her mind off of proposals.
“Did I hear something about a proposal?” Tyler asks as he steps forward, his grin just as mischievous as Bianca’s.
“No, nothing about proposals,” I say. “We’re at a fundraiser so dig deep into your pockets.”
He laughs. “I’ve already written my check and gotten a couple of more from my brothers,” he assures me. “You’re set.”
“Well, I’ll have to see this check because I can’t be beat,” Magnus quickly says. Tyler laughs.
“You’ll just have to make a guess. May the best man win,” Tyler tells him.
Magnus doesn’t look worried at all. “Oh, Piper certainly thinks I’m the best man.”
“I say you two are a tie,” Livie says.
I do like Tyler, but my vote’s on Magnus as being the best man ever. With all this proposal talk, though, I don’t want to say that right now.
The evening progresses with the usual antics with a lot of conversation, friendly competition, great food, and small-town rumors. The biggest one of the night is about Magnus proposing. I can’t move five feet without someone taking my hand and looking. I’m going to kill Livie, Tyler, and Bianca, who are encouraging this rumor. If they scare Magnus away I’m going to hurt all of them. I simply laugh and brush them off telling them they should know better than to listen to gossip. I’m not going to mess with perfection, and Magnus and I are perfect right now just as we are.
I’m thrilled when the hot sun starts sinking and the twinkling lights turn on. The band slows down the music, and Magnus immediately finds me, holding out his arm. “Dance with me,” he says, his voice low and sexy. As much as this will feed the rumors I don’t care.
I fall into his arms and forget that everyone is looking at us. One number turns into two, and I have no desire to move from right here. This is a perfect moment in a wonderful evening. I’m so glad I didn’t let fear win, so glad I stopped fighting what I was feeling for this man. None of us can guarantee what will happen, but we can say with certainty that nothing will come from sitting in a dark corner.
“Piper, I’ve never been this happy in life,” he tells me.
I lean back and look into his beautiful eyes. “Me too, Magnus.”
“I’ve been holding something in for a very long time. I have no idea why, but I don’t want to hold anything back anymore. I love you. I’ve loved you for a very long time, and I don’t know why it’s so hard to say, but I want you to know that I love you.”
My heart swells as my eyes fill. He hugs me tight as I lay my head against his shoulder. Never have these words mattered more to me. It’s something I can say so easily to my friends, but something I’ve never said to a man before. I finally lean back and look at him again, his eyes filled with adoration that gives me courage.
“I love you too, Magnus. It terrifies me and I don’t know why I haven’t said it either, but I do love you. I just don’t want to do anything that will break this bubble we’re in. It’s all so right and feels so good.”
“Aren’t we supposed to have some huge trauma that makes us doubt everything about each other?” he asks with a laugh.
“That’s the formula, but honestly as scared as I’ve been in this relationship while waiting for something to go wrong, nothing has. It’s been wonderful.”
He leans in and kisses me. “We’re going to have ups and downs. No matter how much two people love each other, problems can happen, but if we promise each other right now that we’ll talk about it and work it out, then we don’t have to worry about the bubble popping.”
“That’s a mature attitude,” I tell him.
“It’s known to happen once in a while,” he says.
He keeps me in his arms as we continue to dance. Though a proposal is now on my mind because of the meddlers in our lives, I don’t need it. I’m happy with how our relationship is, happy with where we are and where we’re going. We don’t have to follow tradition. We simply need to be who we are, be honest, be open, and continue to love each other. We’re going to be okay.