“There’s slow but I was also desperate, baby. I needed you and I didn’t want to give you time to think too hard about it.”
“Oh, Sam! I was so worried you would figure out I loved you and that you wouldn’t want that because you were afraid I would become all clingy and demanding.”
“You are demanding, very demanding of my time and my body and I love it.” His kiss is nearly savage and both of us are nearly frantic with need.
A long time later he rolls away to the bedside table on his side of the bed and pulls out a ring box and I just know and the tears start up again. Wiping them away he swears, “I keep telling you that when you cry it makes crazy. I’m begging you, baby, no tears.
This a happy moment, from now on, no crying at happy moments.” He opens the box and I inhale in shock, it’s beautiful.
“Sam, it’s huge.” It’s a large oval, with four prongs holding the six carats in place.
“Has to be, got to make sure any man who looks your way sees just what he’s up against.” He slides on the ring with a small smile and then brings my hand up to his. “We’re going to get married fast. I love you too much to wait. ”
My heart clenches at his words. “Me either, fast works for me.”
“I agreed to buy in as partner with Taylor. You have a choice, you either work for me or you can stay home and paint full time. If you stay on and work with me it will only be until our babies come.”
“Babies?” It’s a whisper of excitement and hope.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m going to fill you so full until you beg me to stop.”
“Another way to make sure men see that I’m yours? With your baby in my belly and on my hip?”
“You learn fast.” He kisses me as he rolls me under him.
“I learn you fast.” I correct him.
“Yes you do. I know you love this house, I’ll buy it from Taylor at the appraised price and both of our names will be on the deed. We’ll fix up your studio, make it more comfortable for you in the summer.”
“Yes, Sam, whatever you say Sam.”
“That’s my girl, now tell me you love me, I’m going to need hear it every day.”
“I think I can do that. I love you, Sam. I love you so much, now make love to me and show me your love.”
Epilogue
“I can’t believe he stole my secretary and the favor came out to a lot more than I thought it would.”
“Oh please, you knew he wouldn’t allow her to keep working for you. It won’t be for long though, she told me she’s going off the pill when they come back from Italy, so it wouldn’t have been long before she quit anyway. That favor was nothing compared to what you got in return and you know it. Two weeks paid for her honeymoon compared to getting Sam and all that comes with him. You can huff all you want but I know it’s just to cover up how happy you are.
I can’t believe it’s so simple and pretty and she managed to pull this together in only six weeks.”
“Maybe you’re right, but don’t tell Sam and Zoe all that. I like using Zoe’s guilt a little, she found a replacement house and low balled the offer and she got it no time at all. I’m pretty sure it was the guilt that helped.
What’s really hard to believe is that apart from the dress, the rest of it is all Sam. Zoe would have been happy with a bouquet and minister and I had nightmares of you two poring over swatches but Sam hired someone who made his money talk. It is only thirty people but still, for a backyard wedding even as a guy I’m impressed.”
“Taylor, I’m pretty sure it’s her having Sam that given her the confidence for the low ball offer. I can’t believe she’s not crying at all, she said Sam told it would ruin his day if she cried so she had to promise to only smile and she’s done it. I never thought I’d see the day when her happiness came through as a smile instead of tears. It’s really annoying when you’re right but you were so right about them. I’m sorry I doubted you for a second.”
“Hmm, if I’m right about this do you think I could be right about us having a baby not being as scary and won’t turn out as badly as it had for you before? I’ll be there the whole way through, my love, you let me do all the worrying.”
“Sometimes it’s scary how well you know me. When Zoe talked about going off the pill I knew then I was ready to do the same thing. I’m not saying I won’t be a little scared but I know with you, what ever happens we’ll get through it together. Remember, babies can be loud and demanding little things.”
“I think I’m ready for it, if you are.”
“I am. Sam and Zoe are beginning to look desperate. Let’s leave and I’m sure other will follow, it will stop Sam from throwing people out. When I went shopping with Zoe for her honeymoon I found a few things I liked, why don’t we go home and I’ll show you and we’ll start working on a baby.”
“You, my beautiful wife, are a genius and the love of my life. Let’s go.”