Page 140 of Charmed, I'm Sure
We all stood on the porch, watching as the Jacksons loaded into their car, then waved as they drove away—until their taillights became nothing but a blip in the darkness.
I wasdog tired. Bone weary.
All I wanted was to crawl into bed and sleep for ten-plus hours.
And now that everyone had gone, I could finally do just that.
But as I turned toward the door, Taylor caught my wrist and tugged me into his arms. Perched on the railing, he kissed me long and slow.
“Hi, sunshine.”
“Hiya, cowboy.”
“A lot of people showed up for y’all tonight.”
“They did. It was a little weird, but also… nice? I’ve never really felt like I belonged here. Let alone that people cared.”
“And now?”
“Now… I don’t know. It’s hard to process when you’ve basically been a pariah all your life. But I guess it’s nice to know that there are people in this town who actually have my family’s back.”
“Aren’t you glad you didn’t curse the whole town?” he asked, a cheeky smile tugging at his lips.
“Taylor!”
“What? Too soon?” He laughed.
“Hardy har har,” I groaned, letting my head fall against his shaking chest as I blew out a heavy breath. Taylor pressed a kiss to my crown, then nudged my chin up so I had no choice but to look into his eyes.
My lanta. It was like willingly getting lost at sea when I stared into those sapphire blues.
“I love you, sunshine.”
“I love you, too.”
I don’t think I’d ever tire of seeing his face light up like a Fourth of July fireworks show when I said those three little words. It happened every single time, and every single time, my heart flipped.
“Come home with me.Staywith me.”
“You… you want me to move in?”
“If you want just a drawer and a toothbrush first, we can do that. But I want you in that house, Magnolia. I want it to really, truly beourhome. I may have bought it because you liked it, but it doesn’t feel right when you’re not there. I want to wake up to you every morning and fall asleep with you every night. But we go at your pace, baby. I don’t want to push you into—”
“Yes,” I said swiftly, cutting him off.
“Yes? You’re… you’re sure?”
His eyes widened with excitement, and as I nodded, tears welled in my own. I pressed my lips to his—hard, insistent—beforepulling back just enough to whisper, “Never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you. I just need to say bye to everyone first.”
“Bye!” my sisters and aunt hollered in unison from inside the house.
“I will not miss the lack of privacy!” I yelled back, though I couldn’t help but laugh when they answered with a chorus of, “Love you!” before the front door clicked shut.
A smile permanently affixed to my face, I turned back to the man I loved more than I ever could have fathomed. “Take me home, cowboy.”
One month later…
I stood behind the counter, absently fingering the necklace Taylor had surprised me with for Christmas, a goofy smile on my face. It was beautiful, and when he’d explained the meaning behind it, I’d cried…again.
