He thanks her and heads back over to the guys while I lean into Paloma and kiss her. “I love you. I better get back to the game.” She gives me one more quick peck as she slides into her cart. Paloma winks at me and then drives off. Taking a sip of my drink, I get back to the game, and damn, she makes a bomb ass drink. I take another sip.
“Alright, gentlemen, let's get back to it,” I shout.
“Whatever you say, Golf Daddy,” they say sweetly in unison, and I roll my eyes. I have a feeling these guys are going to become real friends and fast. The rest of the tournament continues without a hitch. Each team plays well, seeming to enjoy the weather as it warms to the perfect day.
I settle my stance, wanting to get this right. Taking a deep breath, I relax my shoulders and enjoy thethwackas my club connects with the ball, shuttling itself in the direction I wanted. The other player does well, he gets his ball close to the green, but ultimately, I get to keep my title of reigning champ.
“Maybe next time.” I extend my hand, and he shakes it. “Do you come out to the clubhouse often?” When he nods his head I continue, “Let’s schedule a tee time before the end of the day.”
If I’m going to build a true community here for myself and Albatross, then it’s about making real connections.
Everyone from the tournament is inside enjoying cocktails made by Shaken Tropes. It was an incredible day for many reasons, but now it's time for all of us to enjoy some lunch and thank everyone for coming out. When I made it inside earlier, Glen asked me if I would sign off the tournament with a speech.
No matter how personable I am, speeches always make me a bit nervous. I walk up to the platform and tap on the mic. “Hello, golfers! Thank you all for coming out today. Whether you decided to sponsor with a donation, your time, or a round of golf—your presence has been noted. It was a beautiful day, am I right?”
Some answer with head nods and others clap with a resounding yes. “First, I want to mention how wonderful it is to be a part of a charityevent for Albatross Youth Academy. A few years ago, Albatross Youth Academy came to me in a dream, and it’s a dream I have revisited many times, which is why I’m back here in Cypress Lake. Starting something so close to my heart only felt right to do in my hometown. This academy, the reason for this charity event, will provide kids with opportunity. Albatross will give them a space where they can make friends, build community, and learn about golf. So thanks go out to each and everyone of you for your donations, sponsorships, resources, and time. Albatross may have been the reason I wanted to come back, but now I have even more reason to put roots down.” I find Paloma’s eyes in the crowd.
I raise my glass and toast each person filling a seat and all those behind the scenes, including the love of my life. My Mulligan.
If I had even a fraction of Superman’s powers I would be burning a hole through my nightstand drawer, or at least I call it mine since I spend so much time over here. Either way, I'd set a goddamned fire in here because her engagement ring is in there. Taking a calming breath, I check to make sure she’s still in the shower.
Why the hell did I bring it with me?I’m starting to feel like a weirdo, and I’m starting to look like one too. She has caught me opening and closing the drawer multiple times just to be sure it's there.
Waffles meows, wrapping his round body around my ankles. He rolls to his back, showing me his soft belly, and I squint my eyes at him. “Youcan't pull me into your trap, you little shit!” I say, scratching him behind the ears, and an idea pops in my mind.
The very moment Paloma changes into her comfy clothes and heads to the kitchen, I’ll make my move.
40
Chuck:Where’s that fat orange cat at?
Lou:We are supposed to be focused on the game. Are you becoming a softy?
Chuck:No one can say no to the softness of a furry belly.
Lou:Now you know Waffles will curl up on your hand quicker than we can make tee time. You’ll come back with nothing but a nub when he’s done with you!
“Make me believe in life after death, you are beloved, so beloved.” Whisk in hand, I belt out one of my favorite songs by Ben Barnes. I’ve made waffles every single morning since Nochebuena.
Rocking my hips back and forth, I mix the ingredients in a big ceramic bowl and pour a third of a cup into the waffle maker. After much research, probably more than was needed, I found this to be the perfect amount. “No spill over, no spill over,” I sing.
“Come here, you little ham!” I hear Clinton whisper-yell to Waffles. Those two must be at it again. Never in my life have I seen Waffles so wrapped around someone's finger. The moment Clint touches his belly, whatever sweetness was there is gone. And that damn man can't seem to stay away from the furball’s belly. I shake my head and turn the wafflemaker back over, shimmying my shoulders as I pull out my first waffle.
I hear them shuffling around the room, and when I hear an “Ouch!” and meow from down the hall, I set my whisk-microphone down and walk toward the room. “I swear to God, these two are out of fucking control.” I laugh to myself and turn the corner, crossing the threshold of the next room.
My shocked gasp immediately causes them to freeze. They’re both sprawled out on the floor; Waffles is biting on the fingers Clinton has on his collar as he makes an attempt to clasp something on it. His other hand is on our cat’s belly, and I know this is the moment of his downfall. I snicker at seeing them both.
“You must have touched his bel—” I stop short, in shock, when my eyes finally land on what he was attempting to put on the collar.
“I got it from here, big guy. No help needed, thanks to you,” he says to Waffles, and then his sole focus is on me. I think I may have stopped breathing. My legs feel like they’re shaking because the man who I thought I lost seven years ago is down on one knee. He's holding one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. “Come here, Dove.”
My feet move by what feels like their own accord, and root themselves in front of Clint. His hair is curlier and slightly fluffy having no product in it, his five o'clock shadow ghosts along his chin. I want to catalog every single second. I never want to forget what forever feels like.
“You ready, baby?” he asks, and I choke on a laugh but nod my head.
“Almost eight years ago you needed to run, to protect your heart in the only way you knew how. And now, you’ve chosen to run toward a future together. You have allowed me to hold and protect your heart. I want you to know just how serious your trust is to me. You are everything, Paloma. I want you to know I never stopped thinking about you.I never stopped hoping, because I knew you were the one. I could feel it in every fiber of my being. Because you were made for me as much as I was made for you. Will you trust me from here until forever with your heart and be my wife?”
With tears streaming down my face, I frantically nod my head. “Yes!” It's the only word I can squeak out, and I think it's the only one that truly matters. Clint lifts me into his arms and stands, kissing me deeply. I pour all my love, all my heart, and all the tomorrows I want with him into this one kiss.
