Page 78 of This Memory
He reached his hand out for mine, and I took it.
“Close your eyes. I’ll help you down the stairs.”
I did as he said and tried not to giggle as the anticipation grew.
He stopped when we cleared the stairs and stood behind me. Placing his hands on my upper arms, he leaned in and whispered, “Open your eyes.”
I did—and gasped at the sight before me.
Gavin had placed candles around the room and made a nest of sorts on the floor, piled with pillows and blankets. The ottoman had a large tray with another candle, as well as popcorn, Cherry Pepsi—my favorite drink—and my all-time favorite chocolate sponge candy from Stefanelli’s Candies in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“How did you know about the sponge candy?” I asked.
“You’ve only mentioned it a dozen or so times since I’ve known you. Your dad brought it back from a business trip when we were in high school. You gave me a piece once.”
Turning to look at him, I slowly shook my head. “I did?”
“Yeah, when we worked in the office together.”
“Did I tell you where it came from?”
He winked. “No. I asked your father where he bought it, and he told me. I ordered it a few weeks back and was going to give it to you for Christmas. But why wait?”
“Why wait, indeed!” I said, as I nearly pounced on the chocolate.
“Evelyn would pitch a fit if she knew you were drinking a Pepsi, but your mom said one won’t hurt.”
“My mom? When did you talk to her?”
His cheeks turned bright red. “On the way here. After earlier, I knew it was a risk, calling her, but I figured it would be safe. I was wrong. And I mean about calling her, not about the Pepsi. She said it was okay if you had a soda, then proceeded to tell me all about a book I could pick up on how to satisfy my pregnant partner. Sothatwas horrifying. But, not gonna lie—I went on Amazon as soon as we hung up and ordered it.”
I stared at him for a moment before I burst out laughing. “My mother is going to fall in love with you. You know that, right?”
He grinned and walked over to me. Cupping my face in his hands, he leaned down and brushed a kiss over my lips. “As long as her daughteralsofalls in love with me, I don’t mind.”
My heart pounded in my chest. It was too soon. Way, way too soon. “She’s beginning to.”
His grin turned into a tender smile. “I know it’s early in our relationship…but I’ve loved you since high school, Bry. And last night, making love to you, sealed the deal for me. I don’t want any other woman who isn’t you.”
“Gavin,” I whispered, as I wrapped my arms around his neck and stretched to my toes to kiss him.He held me tightly, and I swore it felt as if my feet were off the ground. I wanted to tell him I loved him back. After all, I’d been head over heels for him since high school too.
When we broke the kiss, and Gavin rested his forehead to mine, I closed my eyes and decided life was too short not to be honest.
I drew back, met his gaze, and said, “I love you too, Gavin.”
A brilliant smile grew on his face, and he kissed me once again, soft and quick. “I have another surprise for you. Let’s get comfortable.”
Taking his hand, I let him lead me to the blankets and pillows. I sat down, and he motioned to the table of goodies.
“I’ll have the popcorn and sponge candy, please.”
Laughing, he poured some popcorn into a smaller bowl and handed it to me, along with the bag of chocolate.
I snuggled in and smiled as I watched him pour the Pepsi into one of my tumblers and screw the cap on. “Thought this would work best, since you can close it and it won’t spill.”
I reached up and took it. “Thank you.”
He also handed me a bottle of water, and I chuckled when I took it and placed it next to the Pepsi. Then he made himself a bowl of popcorn, grabbed a beer, and settled in next to me. He lifted the remote.
