Page 50 of Watercolor Skulls

When she slides it over to me she glances from Dan back to me. “When is the wedding?” she asks, a serious look on her face.

I choke on my tea. Dan stutters, “Mom, we just met a week ago.”

His dad laughs and leans over to give his wife a kiss. “How long did it take for you to marry my ass?” he asks her.

She giggles like a schoolgirl. “Two days,” she says, staring longingly at her husband.

“Wow. You must have known right away.” I lean back in my chair, my eyes darting to Dan who looks embarrassed by his mom’s comment.

They stare at each other. “We did. The minute I saw this woman I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my days with her. I didn’t know what family was until I met her.”

A lump forms in my throat as I watch them.

Dan takes my hand under the table. When I feel like I can keep the tears at bay I glance at him. He smiles warmly before nodding his head towards them. “They used to embarrass me with all their public displays of affection, but I think I get it now.”

Ray laughs and his mom blushes prettily at Dan’s admission. “Were we that bad?” she asks.

“Yes. Yes, you were but it’s fine. I grew up knowing what love looks like.”

Where did this man come from? He says the most thought provoking, deep things. It’s not normal. I’ve never met a man like him.

“I think a winter wedding would be wonderful,” his mom teases.

“Mom,” he scolds. “You’re going to scare her off.”

I laugh at this. “If I was going to get scared off I think it would have happened when you threatened to rip body parts off of anyone who looked at me.”

His dad roars with laughter.

Angela tsks, “So, much like your father.” But she smiles at him with so much love that even I can feel it.

“In my defense men were ogling her like a bunch of vultures. I was only trying to protect her.

His mom’s eyes soften at the corners. “I know you’ll protect her, you’re a good boy, Dan.”

We finish the evening off by carving pumpkins. While Dan and his mom are out lighting them on the porch his dad pours us a glass of wine. “I’m glad Dan finally found his way home.”

I shift nervously on the couch. He hands me a glass.

“I know it’s hard on him when she doesn’t remember.” He takes a drink and sighs. “She may not notice his absence but boy I sure do.”

“Maybe he’s finally coming to terms with her condition,” I offer, not sure what to say.

“Maybe it’s you.” He taps his glass on his knee.

“Oh, I can’t take the credit. He asked me to come with him. I didn’t suggest it.”

His gaze slides over my face. “You haven’t mentioned your family?”

Wringing my hands nervously in my lap I think of how to respond. “I don’t really have a family.”

He nods his head slowly. “Does Dan feel like family?” he asks me seriously.

Tears escape my eyes without permission. “He feels like home.”

“And home is family,” he says quietly. The screen door creaks open. Dan and his mom’s laughter wafts down the hallway. “You know even on the days she doesn’t remember me she never seems frightened. Her mind might not remember me, but her soul sure does.”

Okay, now I see where Dan gets it. I wipe at my eyes as they join us. Not only does my heart want Dan, but it also wants his friends, his family…I want it all.

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