Page 81 of Someone to Watch Over Me

“I haven’t thought about that in such a long time that I’m not even sure how I feel about it anymore. It felt like one more thing that was lost to Jim’s illness, you know?”

“I see what you mean, but we’re both still young enough to make it happen if we decide to go for it. I’d work until I was eighty if it helped to make your dreams come true.”

“Just so you know, whoever is writing your material is spot-on. They know just what to say to me.”

“Haha, all my own original work, I’ll have you know.”

My phone chimes with a text from Iris. She rarely texts us this late. “Do you mind if I check that?”

“Of course not. Go for it.”

The text is to the full Wild Widows group.We’ve got two new people interested in joining our ranks. I thought it might be nice to do more of a mixer sort of thing where we bring friends and make it more social than widow-focused to introduce them to our group. Gage and I were already thinking about doing a get-together for everyone next weekend, so we could invite them to join us? What do you guys think?

Brielle has already replied.I love that idea. That way, they can see how close and welcoming we all are, and the rest of us can get to know some of the new SOs. Hello, Tom Terrific, I’m talking to you!

Iris responds:Wait, Tom Terrific? What’d I miss?

Joy:Single-girl outing tonight, and a nickname for Lexi’s “roommate” was born.

Iris:Oh, I do so love that! LOL

Me:So does he. HAHAHA. Love the idea, Iris. Count us in and let us know what we can bring.

I turn to Tom. “How do you feel about going to a Wild Widows party on Saturday night?”

“I feel very good about that. I’d love to get to know your friends.”

“They’re very interested in getting to know Tom Terrific, too.”

“That name is gonna stick, isn’t it?”

“I believe so. And PS, you’ve earned it, so enjoy it.”

“I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”

Tom

Tonight wasone of the best nights of my life, and all we did was talk after she got home from dinner with her friends. I’ve had more romantic dates with other women that ended up in bed, but no one has ever touched my heart and soul the way Lexi does. The things she told me about her relationship with Jim and what they went through during his illness will stay with me forever.

As we attempt to watch a movie that neither of us is all that interested in, I think about him falling down a set of concrete stairs and her getting that call while at school.

Her head is on my shoulder as I run my fingers through her curls. I love being close to her like this, even if all we do is snuggle. As I breathe in the scent that’s so uniquely hers, all I want is more. I want everything with her.

I want to protect her from anything that could ever hurt her again, especially myself. I’ll never eat another french fry or pizza again if it means staying healthy for her, so she never has to go through losing another man she loves. I’ll hit the gym seven days a week. Whatever it takes to be there for her long term.

After I yawn, Lexi raises her head off my shoulder. “You should get to bed.”

“Are you coming with me?”

“Only if you want me to.”

“Duh.”

I love that smile. I’ll do anything to see it as much as I can every day. I want her smiling, happy, joyful, looking ahead to all we have to look forward to.

We disentangle from each other and get up to head to my room. Or is itourroom now? I like the sound of that. I, who never wanted anyone invading my personal space, was ready to turn over the keys to my kingdom to her the day she first moved in.

She gets into bed while I use the bathroom and brush my teeth.

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