I listen and laugh and contribute when I have something to say.And I realize this is what I've been missing.Community.Connection.People who care about me not because they have to, but because they want to.
After everyone leaves, Timothy and I clean up.We work in silence, passing dishes and wiping counters, and it feels easy.Natural.
When we're done, I turn to him.
"Thank you," I say.
"For what?"
"For today.For introducing me to your friends.For making me feel like I belong."
"You do belong.You're part of this now.Part of us."
"It's just weird.Good weird.But weird."
"Get used to it.Because I'm not letting you go."
"I don't want you to."
He pulls me close, and I wrap my arms around his waist.We stand there in the middle of the kitchen, holding each other, and it feels right.
Later, in bed, he makes love to me slowly.Taking his time.Learning my body all over again like he's trying to memorize every inch.
I do the same.Running my hands over his chest, his arms, his back.Kissing the scars that tell the story of his life.Claiming him the way he's claimed me.
When we're both sated and exhausted, we lie tangled together, and he traces patterns on my back.
"I want to marry you," he says.
I freeze."What?"
"I want to marry you.Not now.But eventually.When you're ready."
"Timothy," I gasp.
"You don't have to answer now.I just wanted you to know.So you can think about it."
"I don't need to think about it."
"You don't?"
"No."I prop myself up on my elbow and look at him."I want to marry you too.When the time is right."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
He grins, and it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."Good."
"Is that a proposal?"
"No.That's a statement of intent.When I propose, you'll know."
"Now I'm curious."
"You'll have to wait and see."
I settle back against his chest, and he wraps his arms around me.
