Page 116 of Between Us

The declaration takes me by surprise a little bit. Adrian and I talk about our future a lot, even marriage in an abstract way. We’ve planned on moving in together officially when his lease ends next month. I’m there almost every night anyway. He tells me he loves me every day in more ways than with his words. But this somehow feels more concrete than those other times.

Making sure the boys are distracted, I lean closer and breathe out, “Really?”

He moves a few inches closer to me and wraps an arm low around my waist. “Really, Storm Cloud.” With his lips near my ear, he promises, “I want an entire life with you. Careers and marriage and babies—all of it. I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”

When I look up at him, he’s smirking down, the affection and commitment he feels for me—forus—is evident.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him how badly I want those things too. That I think about what our future is going to look like more often than I’d like to admit.

So much of my life has been spent waiting for better days and feeling like I’m surviving. Adrian makes me feel like I’m alive though.

I’ve never doubted that I was whole by myself; the concept of soulmates always being whimsical and ridiculous. But he changes all of that. He makes me feel hopeful—like I can actually believe in all the good things to come in life.

As Adrian starts a game of tic-tac-toe with Mikey, I’m looking at their sweet interaction in a new light. And maybe things between us are moving fast, but I’m certain I want this forever.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Blake

OnceIgotinmy car to come talk to Adrian’s parents, the nausea hit me suddenly. But I couldn’t get myself to turn back. I didn’t want to.

Since his birthday six weeks ago, I haven’t been able to get our conversation out of my head. And the more I thought about it, the more it felt stupid to wait. Especially if his only excuse was he’s waiting for me to catch up. I’m five steps ahead of him now.

Part of those nerves were due to the fact he’s spent significantly more time with my family than I have with his, and even my parents were a little apprehensive. Maybe rightfully so.

It’s only been around seven months since we’ve officially been together, though actually closer to a year since the first time we saw each other in the grocery store.

Weirdly, it didn’t feel insane until after I got my parents approval—which makes no fucking sense. I should’ve felt better. Except it seemed too easy. So I’m positive that Cami and Will are going to say ‘hellno.’

I texted Cami earlier this morning, asking if it’d be okay if I went to see them for lunch. I didn’t think she’d get back to me as quickly as she did. Without asking any questions—like why Adrian wouldn’t be with me and why she couldn’t let him know—she said she was excited to see me and would make waffles. I guess Adrian mentioned that I love them to her once.

It’s the first time I’ve ever been alone with his parents, and I’ve been worried about how it would feel to be here.

As soon as I park my car, the front door is flung open to reveal a beautiful, smiling Cami leaning against the door, waiting for me. The stance is so similar to the one I’ve seen Adrian hold a hundred times over by now.

So much of Adrian’s personality comes from his mom. Their easy charm, the way they’re both quick to laugh and can make anyone feel right at home. Will, on the other hand, is more timid. He seems comfortable to let his wife take the reins of life. Like right then, I could see him peeking his head around the corner from inside, as I walked closer. He offered a swift wave before disappearing again.

“Look at you,” she gushes with her arms wide and waiting. I step into the embrace, already familiar with her open affection. “Gosh, you’re gorgeous. I can’t get over it. I’m sure my son can’t either,” she teases as she tucks me under her arm and guides me inside.

I’ve been to the Jones’s home three times now, the other two with Adrian. Still, it’s not a completely foreign place to me.

It’s different from my own parents’ home. Cami leans more modern and neutral, with pops of color rather than bright and slightly cluttered. At the same time, there’s a level of comfort that only a loving mother and father could create.

Guiding me to the island, she takes a seat in the stool next to me. “So how have you been, Blake? It was such a great surprise to hear from you this morning.”

My cheeks warm. “Sorry I didn’t bring Adri—”

She waves her hand and lifts her coffee mug. “You’re welcome to visit whenever, with or without our son.”

“Well, thank you. I actually wanted to—”

“Coffee?” Will cuts in, sliding a fresh mug my way and two different types of creamer. With a small smile I take the sugary cinnamon roll creamer and mix it in with a quiet thank you. “How was the traffic? It’s not usually too bad at this time of day, despite all that construction they’re doing; it’s unbearable sometimes.”

“It wasn’t bad,” I reassure. “Plus, I wanted to talk to you in person about thi—”

“Blake,” Camila cuts me off this time with a soft smile and a warm hand over my own. “We’re not in a rush if you aren’t.” I want to tell her that I kind of am in a rush—the longer I have to wait, the more I want to find Adrian and start our life togetherright now—but Adrian isn’t going anywhere and truthfully, it was a great reassurance that they both are so happy to have me at their home. “My son can wait—Lord knows he’s gotten more than enough attention in his lifetime. I want to hear about you, doll.”

I can’t help preening a little, even if tears are burning my eyes all the same. “Oh?” I ask, trying to gather my senses.

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