“Okay, well, if you’re sure, I would really appreciate it. I’m honestly in no rush to come back, anyway. If you bring it down, that means I can make my trip there a one-day thing.”
“I got you. Just let me know when you want it and where to bring it, and I will take care of everything else.”
“Thank you, Raven. This is really sweet of you.”
“You’re welcome. I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye.”
I didn’t realize I was sitting there with a goofy grin until Hosea came out of the bedroom and called me out on it.
“What’s got you smiling so hard?”
“Raven just showed me a glimpse of his old self.”
“How so?” Hosea asked, grabbing his keycard.
We were about to go for a sunset bike ride in place of our usual cardio in the gym.
“He offered to pack my things up and drive them to Memphis.”
“That’s a nice gesture. You think he’s doing it to get back in your good graces?”
“I’m not sure. I told him I was in a relationship, but he still offered to do it.”
“Cool. Either way, I’m not worried about him or anyone else taking you from me.”
“Good,” I replied, interlocking our fingers. “Because I don’t want anyone else but you.” As we walked down the hall, I added, “But there is something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“And that is?”
“Would you be offended if I moved into my own place?”
Hosea’s head shook. “Not at all. I’ll miss you, but you’re free to do whatever you please. May I ask why you want to move out?”
“Things moved really fast between us. We kind of went from friends to lovers with no in between. I love living with you, but I don’t want us to get too comfortable too fast. I want there to be excitement between us for engagement and marriage, but if we’re staying together so comfortably now…”
“You’re worried I won’t have a reason to propose.”
I nodded as we stepped into the elevator. “Yes.”
“I love you, Tink. Whether you live here or in Timbuktu, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” I couldn’t help but smile as he pulled me into his arms. “I do like the idea of courting you more properly, but I also want you to know I have every intention of proposing to and marrying you.”
“Will you give me four babies, too?”
He dropped a tender kiss to my nose, then my lips. “Whenever you want me to.”
“I’m glad you aren’t upset. Haley has been helping me look for places, but I was nervous you’d think I didn’t want to be with you anymore.”
Hosea scoffed as he released me and pressed the L to get to the lobby.
“Our bond is tight. I know any decisions we make going forward are to make us better, not to break us apart. I’m just glad you’re staying in Memphis. I don’t give a damn where you live. When I want you, I’ll pull up, or make you come to me.”
I chuckled. “I got a feeling we’re going to end up spending the same amount of time together.”
“As long as you know.”
I laughed harder as the elevator opened and we stepped off. Though I was looking forward to gaining a bit more independence, I would also miss going to sleep next to and waking up next to Hosea. Plus, the Tower was literally perfect. It had all that I needed, plus my job was here.