Page 67 of Jeremy
Hermouth falls open, and she puts Calvin in his bassinette. “You bought Mistake?”
“Idid.” I look up at her as she stands in front of me. “And I hope that titleisn’t true anymore.”
Herface softens, and she sits down beside me. “You weren’t the mistake, Jeremy.That morning after you thought we slept together, the way you looked at me andhow that made me feel, that’s what produced that painting. I was the mistake.”
I’llnever be able to look at that painting again without it tearing my heart out. Ipull her into my arms. “You could never be a mistake. I’m so sorry. I was realmessed up.”
“Iknow. I forgave you for that a long time ago.” Her deep blue eyes connect withmine. “I’m glad you bought it. I didn’t want to let it go to a stranger.”
Wecuddle for a bit, then Melissa makes dinner while C.J. sleeps on my chest. He’sgoing to be spoiled with us always holding him, but if anyone deserves someextra love and spoiling, it’s him, after all he went through.
Hesleeps in the bassinette beside the couch while we eat, then get ready to watchthe newest episode of Dark and Unsolved.
Melthrows her legs over mine, and lays back on the couch. “I’ve been thinkingabout something.”
“Hmm?”I rub my hand up and down her smooth leg.
“Iknow we agreed to move in together, but we didn’t decide where. I think weshould move to Indianapolis.”
I’vebeen trying to find a way to suggest that, but I know she loves this house, andthat she has a connection with the Lindon Gallery. “I didn’t think you’d wantto leave here.”
Shetilts her head against the back of the couch. “The only other friend I had herewas Agnes, and she moved to Florida. Your family is in Indiana, and I wantCalvin to have family around him.”
Irub her feet, and she groans with pleasure. “They’re your family too. And I’dlove to move back if that’s what you want. What about your sister?”
Kellywas due to transition out of the psych ward this week, but we got the news afew days ago that she ran. The cult really screwed her up, and therapy wasn’tsuccessful in convincing her they were wrong. She needs long term help, butshe’s an adult, and was found not to be a danger to herself or others so it’snothing we can force.
Melissasighs, and runs a hand across her forehead. “We don’t know where she is, andshe doesn’t trust me. I’ll make sure my information is always public, so shecan find me. And I thought maybe I could hire a private detective to find her,just to see if she’s all right, if she doesn’t turn up soon. That doesn’t meanI need to stay here.”
“We’llfind her. When were you thinking of making the move?”
“Doesa few months sound good? I’d like Calvin to keep the doctors he’s had for a fewmore months. And it’d give us time to find a house.” She smiles. “I love thelake, but if we could find a place with any kind of nature around it, I’d behappy. Fields, a forest, whatever. I know we’d have to look outside the city,but—”
“Iknow a place. Tucker and Leah live on a farm and the land adjoining it has beenup for sale for a while. It’s wooded and peaceful. We could build our dreamhome, and you’d have Leah right next door.”
Melissasqueals and vaults into my lap. “That’s perfect!”
Calvinisn’t a fan of her loud enthusiasm and lets out a wail.
“Aw,I’m sorry Cal-bear. Mommy scared you, huh?” She comforts him, then scoops himup. “He’s wet.”
“I’vegot him.”
Shehands him over. “Are you sure? Better keep your mouth closed this time.”
“Uh-huh,keep running your smart mouth and I’m going to put it to good use.”
“Youknow that’s a reward, not a threat, right?”
I’mgoing to marry this woman. That is, if the next few hours go right.
Ihave no trouble getting his diaper changed this time and he doesn’t even fussas I grab a nearby marker. I write a message on his little white undershirt andbutton him back up. I know she’s going to give him a bath soon, and my nervesare shot to hell.
Afteran agonizing hour, she finally throws a towel over the dining table, and fillshis plastic baby bath with warm water. She’s not paying any attention to me asI walk around to stand behind her.
Sheunbuttons his sleeper and gasps. When she turns around, I’m on one knee, andhopefully she can’t see I’m shaking.
“Melissa,I know we haven’t been together long, but I’ve never been so sure of anythingin my life. I’m not good at speeches and stuff like that, so all I can say is Ilove you and I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?”
