Page 34 of Do Me
Every eye at the table turned Braxton’s way. His mother beamed, while his father just chuckled and shook his head. Debra and Jared smothered grins and his nephew and niece outright laughed.
“Uncle B, you might want to get started,” JJ said. “Forty is kind of old to be having kids.”
“Forty is notoldand how about y’all just eat and stay out of my business.”
Debra burst out laughing. She held up a hand. “I’m sorry, baby bro, I can’t help it.”
He shot his nephew a glare and mouthed, “Just for that, I’m beating you before you get off the starting line when I come over.”
JJ grinned and kept eating.
Braxton made it through the remainder of the meal without any other comments about his love life. After his sister’s family left, he stayed around a while longer and ended up in the family room alone with his father.
“I hope you aren’t letting your mother get to you, son. You’re the only one who can decide what’s right for you and Londyn.”
“I’m not. I love her and I want to marry her.”
Not much rendered Johnathan Harper silent, but apparently, Braxton’s pronouncement did. “I didn’t know things were that serious between you two.”
“I know you’re thinking it happened kind of fast, but—”
“But that’s how the heart works sometime. There’s no timetable on love, Braxton. I admit I’m a little surprised because you’ve never really seemed to be interested in long-term relationships, but I couldn’t be happier for you. Have you talked to Londyn yet?”
“No. I haven’t even told her how I feel. And it wasn’t that I haven’t been interested, it’s just that I could never find the right one.” It came to him that he should’ve told Londyn first, but he wanted and valued his father’s advice. “Since you and Mom have made this work for forty-seven years, what do I do?” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I mean, I’mfortyand this is the first time I can honestly say that I’ve been in love.”
His father laughed softly. “Again, there’s no timetable. Wouldn’t you rather be forty and get it right the first time than have gotten married early and got it wrong? As for what to do, love her, cherish her and respect who she is as an equal partner in your relationship. Be honest and transparent about everything, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
Braxton pondered his father’s counsel. He’d never led Braxton down a wrong path—if anything, his steadfast love and guidance had kept Braxton on track. “Thanks, Dad.” He knew what he wanted. He wanted Londyn in his life forever.
Chapter 10
Thursday evening, Londyn sat at her desk entering chart notes on the new computer system.
“How late are you planning to work?”
Londyn glanced over at the wall clock that read five-fifteen. “Seven, seven-thirty. Are you leaving?”
Shawn shoved his hands in his pockets. “In about ten minutes.” He nodded toward the computer. “I see you’re enjoying the network.”
She smiled. “I knew we were in the technology dark ages, but I didn’t realize how far back until now. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.” Not only could she pull up her charts with ease, but she could also input her schedule so Corinne could see it without Londyn having to print it out, or leave notes about any changes.
He laughed. “I know what you mean. I thought Corinne was going to kiss Gayle when she finished the installation. You know she baked the woman chocolate chip cookies.”
“Are you kidding?” She leaned back in her chair. “I saw her out there yesterday doing a little dance at her desk. I guess she’s happy.”
“We all are. Speaking of computers, are you still seeing that guy.”
She’d known he would bring the subject up sooner or later. “Yes, I’m still seeingBraxton. Why?”
“Just curious. I hadn’t seen him around and thought maybe things had cooled between you two.”
“You’re persistent, if nothing else.” Londyn rolled her eyes and opened the next chart. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.”
After he left, she worked steadily over the next hour. She’d been putting in one or two extra hours each night that week to get her charts digitized. Most of the other psychologists had decided to take their time, but Londyn wanted to get up and running sooner, rather than later. Her cell chimed and she smiled.
Braxton:Hey, baby. What are you doing later tonight?
