Chapter Twenty-Three #3
“I want a life with you,” he said again.
“The rest is gravy. And the teacher thing sounds fun. It’s all going to take a little time—there’s student teaching and certifications and all that kind of stuff before I can do the job properly.
But I’ll get paid to threaten kids with swords—what’s not to like?
Not to mention I’ll be taking over the human combat chess match at the Faire. ”
I raised my eyebrows. “I think Simon might object to that.”
“It was Simon’s idea.”
Whoa. This day was full of surprises. Life-changing ones. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “You saw what happened to Mitch this summer; I think he’s worried that he may be next.
” He gave a small shake of his head. “I don’t want to talk about Mitch.
Or Simon. I want to talk about you and me.
And a future here in Willow Creek.” He reached out, a halting movement, and I met him halfway, sliding my hands into his.
“A regular job during the year and the ren faire in the summer? It’s the best of both worlds. And both of them with you.”
I caught my breath at his phrasing. The best of both worlds. That was all I’d ever wanted. And now he wanted it too.
“And your parents?” It was almost a whisper; I didn’t have access to my voice.
“They’re thrilled. They just want me settled, Mom said. They’re going to help me for a few more months, till I’m on my feet properly, but I dunno. Being an actual adult sounds like a pretty exciting adventure.
“The only thing missing now is you.” The breath he drew then was a little shaky, uncertain, and he gave my hands a squeeze as his gaze skidded away from mine. “And I…I didn’t know if you’d want me.”
“What? Why wouldn’t I?” I’d never stopped wanting him. Didn’t he know that?
“Are you serious?” His laugh was only a little bit bitter. “You gave me a second chance, and I fumbled it. You shouldn’t even let me ask for a third.”
Maybe he was right; maybe I shouldn’t. But I squeezed his hands back anyway. “I thought you didn’t want me.” It was so hard to say the words out loud, but he needed to hear them. Communication and compromise, wasn’t that what Lulu had said? Let’s go.
“I’ve always wanted you.” His eyes met mine now, his gaze steady. “Now let me prove it. Let me prove that the timing can finally be right with us. I want the good times and the bad, and I want them all with you.”
I squeezed his hands again, because what else was there to say? I wanted that too.
But he wasn’t quite done. “I’m just a regular guy now,” he said, his voice full of warning.
“I won’t be swinging swords full time and spouting Shakespeare at a moment’s notice.
I’ll be grading papers and directing musicals.
” His brow furrowed. “And I think Simon said something about teaching kids to drive?”
“Yes.” I took his face between my hands, forced him to look at me. “Yes,” I said again, more firmly.
His eyes went wide between my hands. “I have to teach kids to drive?”
“Even if you do, I’ll still love you.” The words came so easily, felt so natural. As natural as his breath catching in his throat, and his arms sliding around my waist. “I mean, Sword Bro and Shakespeare Boy are great and all, but I like you when you’re just a regular guy too.”
“A guy who’s discovered that he really likes Old Bay on his fries, if that helps.”
“It helps a lot.” My hands slid into his hair at the back of his neck, and I let my eyes roam over those twenty-seven freckles. “But most of all, you’re the one who brought magic back into my life,” I said, “when I thought I’d never have it again.”
“It was the least I could do.” This close, his voice was hushed. He bent closer, his mouth finding my temple, lingering in my hair, and I closed my eyes, my throat suddenly tight. Yes. This was what I wanted. What we both wanted. Our timing was finally right.
“And come on.” I smiled up at him. “I’m pretty sure you’re still gonna spout Shakespeare at a moment’s notice.”
His laugh now was a real one, throaty and downright gleeful. “Oh, Caitlin…” His arms tightened around me, anchoring me to him, and I grinned as I let my arms encircle his neck. “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art…hot.” His grin met my giggle as he finally kissed me again.
“I just have one more question,” I said when we finally came up for air.
Alex nodded. “Anything.”
“What’s your sign?” Stacey was going to want to know, and I needed an answer for her.
“Pisces,” he said. “My birthday’s in February.”
My nod was thoughtful, as I recalled what she’d said during her Queen tenure. Find the fun in life, she’d suggested. You could use a good air or water sign for that. Couldn’t get much more of a water sign than Pisces. “I can work with that.”
“Thank God.” His arms tightened around me. “So what do you think? Are you taking this apartment?”
I turned in his arms to look around, like I was seeing those walls for the first time. And in a way I was. My future had changed a lot in these past few minutes. “I think I might. I hear there’s a hot drama teacher moving in next door. Gonna need to learn more about him.”
Alex shook his head as he bent back to me. “I hear he’s taken.”
“He better be.”
The sandwiches were still at the deli, waiting to be picked up. Emily’s Reuben was going to be cold by now. But I let myself sink into Alex’s kiss anyway; Emily wouldn’t mind.