Chapter Two #2
Lily pauses, absorbing my words, and whisper, “Me, too.” Reaching for her, I stop when she raises a hand. “We do need to talk, though.”
I sigh, as if put out. “Fine, if you want to be logical.” She grins, her body relaxing but her tone still a bit tight.
“I have a job, one I’ve only recently started, but I really like it.
Getting hired by Midland Medical was a dream come true.
On top of the actual work they pay me to do, I also signed up to volunteer with the in and outpatient children they treat.
” I can see how much this means to her and I hope she knows I fully support her in whatever she does.
Except leaving me. Or not giving us a real chance.
“As you know, Mid Med,” I grin at her already using the shorthand name Midland natives use, “is a non-profit and, therefore, depends on donations and public funding” This is not the time to inform her I’ve done the latter and all employed under the All Decked Out umbrella assist with the latter by holding fundraising events that include auctioning sports memorabilia.
I’ll share that with her later, after we’re more settled into whatever we’re becoming.
“I don’t permanently mark the children, of course, but their parents or guardians do grant me permission to do so temporarily.
The reason is not to teach them to hide their scars, to feel shame because of them, but to embrace them and make them, make themselves, into what and who they want to be.
Neither their illness nor injuries define them.
They may change them, help shape them, but they’re only a part of them.
” She’s very passionate about what she does.
Her eyes light up when she discusses her work, making them almost glow and I am spellbound by it.
“I wanted to explain that before telling you the spokesperson for the Board of Directors contacted me this morning.”
It doesn’t take a calculator to add one and one to make two and know, “That doesn’t sound good.”
“Ms. Kramer congratulated me on our engagement. She gently reminded me, under the guise of what could’ve been legitimate concern—” for Lily or her this Ms. Kramer’s employer?
“—that a lot of eyes would now be on me, on us, and to remind that while my personal life is just that, it can also reflect on those I’m connected to. ”
“Perception is everything, especially when the opinions of others can impact their generosity.” I want to be upset on Lily’s behalf, but I can also understand where Ms. Kramer is coming from. A lot of people rely on Mid Med and Mid Med relies on a lot of people.
“It’s as if you were there,” she states, a hint of a smile letting me know that she’s doing the best she can with this situation.
“And if it comes out that we aren’t getting married, yet that kiss is there for everyone to see…
It could reflect on my character and make the hospital question whether I’m the right fit. ”
“They’re watching how this plays out and will step in should they deem it necessary.” Lily nods.
“Which means…” Lily is being cautious now, scared of what she can lose if this goes wrong, and trying to figure out a way to ensure it doesn’t.
Seeing only one option and trying like hell to not appear too giddy to suggest it, I take a breath. It gives me the chance to mentally run through the situation and make sure I’m not missing other plans of action we can take. I’m relieved to admit there are none.
“Which means we should get married.”
Lily doesn’t respond verbally, but she does agree and, I have to admit, I love how she communicates.
Her lips press to mine and I eagerly accept the invitation to explore, to claim. When she presses her left hand to my chest, the band of the ring settling directly over my heart, I know she’s it for me.
I had an inkling before, the moment I saw her to be specific, but how right she feels in my arms, how much I want to protect her, cherish her, solidifies it.
Lily is my future.
I can only hope I’m hers.
**Lily**
“I love your home,” I say with delight when it comes into view as he takes the driveway and parks in the garage.
“Our home,” Keaton instantly corrects and I don’t even bother trying to change that distinction. I like it. Possibly too much, but that’s a problem for a later Lily.
I’ve never really had one. Not truly. The house I grew up in had been until it was revealed to be an illusion my father created on deceit. Then it was tainted.
Needing to exit the vehicle before I start weeping, I grab the door handle to escape, only to hear the unmistakable click.
“Did you just activate the child lock so I can’t get out?” It’s a question, but I know the answer.
“Say it,” Keaton requests. Oddly, it doesn’t come across as a demand. Instead it’s more like a plea. As if he needs to hear me admit it.
Wanting to give him this, I dutifully respond, “Our home.”
If only.
Keaton leans toward me, presses a kiss to my forehead, and turns off the safety feature before opening his door.
The garage door has closed behind us, enclosing us in a shaded space that’s deceptively cozy.
Where I was once in a hurry to put some distance between us, needing a moment to deal with how badly I want this to be my home, now I’m content staying here.
The interior smells of Keaton and I sniff the air, wanting to inhale a lungful of it so it never leaves me.
I’m in so much trouble.