Page 46 of Oliver

“This was made for someone like me.”

26

Oliver

“Sweetheart, we need to pick a day for the wedding,” I said, sitting across from Emery at the table.

She looked up with a surprised expression. “We are getting married next weekend. Did you forget?”

“No, I just wanted you to look at me. I have something for you.”

“You do. What is it?”

I took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. “It’s beautiful,” she cried.

“It belonged to my grandmother. She gave it to me before she died. She told me that she wanted this ring to stay on the finger of the woman I chose to love for the rest of my life.”

“She did. Did Dana wear it before she died?”

“Sweetheart, no, Dana didn’t wear this ring. I don’t know why I didn’t give it to Dana. I suppose I knew in my heart she wasn’t the one. I never felt anything for Dana that I feel for you. It breaks my heart that she died; she was Olly’s mom, and she loved him so much, and he loved her too.”

“I love this ring, it’s beautiful.”

She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me.

Did I tell you that my dad will be here on Saturday? I need to take care of all of this so I won’t have to explain my career change to him. I was thinking of getting a she-shed so I have my own space for designing my clothing line. I feel bad because they are lying everywhere.”

“Did I forget to tell you I’m having a room built onto the house for you? You will have your own bathroom. And anything else you may need. They start work tomorrow.”

She cried again. “You are giving me everything, and I haven’t given you anything, which reminds me I need to make a run to my home and get some things.”

“Sweetheart, you give me something every day; all I want from you is you. We can pick a few things up from your place tomorrow. Where is your place? Why did I never know where you lived?”

I saw that grin of hers before she said. “I live in San Diego.”

“You lived in San Diego. Now you live here,” I said, looking at her. Now I remember you said something about San Diego.

“Yes, now I live here. This will always be my home. We can take Olly with us, it’ll be our first road trip. Did I tell you I love taking road trips?”

“I do too. See how much we have in common.”

27

Oliver

The road trip turned out to be a blast. Olly loved the San Diego Zoo. He was so happy. He kept telling us we should do this more often. We agreed because we all loved it. I was surprised to see where Emery lived. It was a beautiful older part of town that had impressive front yards, with loads of flowers in the front and a swing on the porch.

“Wow, this is beautiful,” I said, looking around.

“Thank you. My grandma left me this house. I take after her with plants. I love flowers.”

“You can plant whatever you like; our home is your home to do anything you wish.”

I kissed Oliver, it felt so good to be able to kiss him whenever I want.

“What will you do with this home?”

“I’ll keep it. We can stay here when we come to the zoo. Let’s go look inside.”

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