27 Will
MILES AND I returned to “Casa de Bradford,” as Miranda had called it. The modest, Southwest-style home with a stucco exterior had rock landscaping with various cacti native to the area. Inside, a corner adobe fireplace divided the living and dining area with clay tile floors throughout.
Last night I had marveled, being in Miranda’s childhood home. There wasn’t anything fancy or pretentious about it. It was a comfortable, understated home that mirrored its owner’s personalities. What I had enjoyed most was the abundant love circulating in the air.
Melanie, Miranda’s mom, had hugged me tight and asked me to call her Mel. Her eyes had the same playful glint I adored in Miranda’s. Mel’s warm demeanor had put me at ease right away.
The Bradfords were good people, salt of the earth.
“Mel said she and Miranda wouldn’t be home until after three. I don’t know about you, but I’m wiped. A cold shower and a soft bed would be perfect for a late-afternoon nap.”
“Agreed. I’ll see you at dinner.” I nodded and strolled down the hallway toward Miranda’s room. The home only had two bedrooms, both master suites and one on each end of the house. The set-up was perfect, giving me and Miranda privacy.
I stripped off my sweaty clothes, stepped into the refreshing shower, and let the water wash away the baked-on perspiration. As I braced my head on my bent arm, the cold tile soothing my aching muscles, marrying Miranda occupied my thoughts.
There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation in me. Six months of bliss, supporting each other, loving each other… I wanted sixty years, no a lifetime with her.
I wanted it all with Miranda.
I stepped out of the shower and toweled off. The second my head hit the pillow, I was out, dreaming of a future with Miranda.
“Will…wake up, handsome.” Miranda peppered kisses along my jaw, down my neck, and across my chest. “Dinner will be ready soon.”
I reached my hand into silky hair as it tickled my skin, inhaling her soft perfume, and pulled her up so I could see her.
“Did you have a good nap?” Her blue eyes danced over me. “Gotta little sun, did ya?” She lightly kissed the tip of my red nose. “Poor baby.”
“You’re gorgeous, M. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Her cheeks blushed as I ran my finger over her soft pink lips.
“I love you.”
“Did you get heatstroke?”
I knew she was teasing, but I didn’t like it. I raised myself, cupping her cheeks. The muscles in my back tensed, and my biceps flexed in mounds of determination.
“Don’teverdoubt my feelings for you. You’re it for me. There will never be anyone else.”
She blinked rapidly, tears pooling in her baby blues. I sealed the words on her lips, kissing her deeply, caressing her tongue with mine while my fingers gripped her head.
“How about an appetizer before dinner?” I pulled her on top of me.
“You read my mind.”
Sixty years... I inhaled her into my soul, filling my lungs with her essence. I wanted Miranda as my wife.
Miranda
Something changed in Will over the last twenty-four hours. Or since he’d golfed with my dad. When we’d first arrived, he was cautious, observant, and guarded.
But not anymore.
Last night we played poker, drank margaritas, and listened to my dad’s favorite playlist. It was how I’d dreamed it would be, me bringing home a boyfriend and my parents giving me their smiles of approval. We’d all get along, no tension, no narrowed eyes: just laughs and respectful banter.
Then the most unexpected thing happened. The Stevie Wonder song Will had played for me at his house on our first date started playing. My dad and Will both jumped out of their chairs and exclaimed, “I love this song!” They stared at each other, stunned. My mother and I watched them with wide eyes and smiles.
Dad and Will had roared with laughter, shaking hands and mumbling something I couldn’t make out over the music. It’d been quite the sight, seeing the two men I loved most treating each other as friends would.