“Why’s that?” Looking away, I drink water, and shift my thoughts from his lips and his hum to the sound of the ocean not too far from us and how warm it feels tonight.
“Because she’ll send you a Facebook friend request. Show you all my baby pictures. Then she’ll not so discreetly ask you questions while she’s actually plotting our marriage and making fake scenarios in her head about our future with our nonexistent kids and yeah, she’s a lot. If you think I’m annoying, just wait until you meet my mom.”
“I don’t think you’re annoying. Relentless until you get your way and cocky but not annoying.”
“You forgot hot,” he adds.
I scoff. “You don’t have to worry about that because if your mom ever met me, she’d tell you to run.”
He studies me, taking in my words, then his eyes sweep over me.
My brows scrunch together. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because my mom would love you,” he says so matter-of-factly it sends a shiver down my spine.
“Oh yeah?” I stuff my mouth because I don’t know what else to say and instead look down at my steaming food. Jesus, this salmon is good.
“Yeah.” I feel his eyes on me and eventually when I finally cave and look up, he’s still looking at me. “She’d really love you. If you ever meet her, just be warned.”
I nod, letting the silence settle between us.
“I hope I don’t sound—you know what, let me shut up.” He scoops up another forkful and my eyes betray me as they follow it slipping in and out of his mouth.
“Tell me.” I softly kick him under the table.
He swallows. “It’s not my business and I don’t know why I thought of asking but?—”
“Daniel, just ask me.”
“Do you want to get married and have kids?”
My heart stutters and my hand tightens around my fork. Something is wrong with me for letting my mind run wild with that question. He’s not asking me. He’s just asking.
“I’ve never thought about it. Mom always said men were useless and served no purpose other than to get you pregnant and leave you,” I answer, eyes drifting to the pool. “Mom told me that’s what happened to her when I was eight. I made the mistake of asking about my father and…anyway, it made me never want it or to think about it.”
“I’m sorry,” he empathetically says.
“It’s okay.” I shrug. “Mom wasn’t in my life as much either because she was always busy with swimming and stuff.”
“You know, if you ever want to talk about her, I’m here.”
From the corner of my eye, I see him stretch his hand close to mine. His fingers flex before he fists his hand and leaves it resting next to mine.
“I know,” is all I can bring myself to say because despite not having either in my life like I would have wanted, my life wasn’t shit. I may have grown up with nannies, but they took care of me well. And I spent most of my life in swim meets and practices anyway.
But did I notice their absence? All the time.
“Do you want to get married and have kids?” I now ask.
“I never thought you’d ask.” He flashes me a haughty smile. “But listen, I’m all for women taking the lead. I’m a supporter and all, but if anyone is going to propose, it’ll be me.”
“You’re really willing to spend the rest of your life with me?” I don’t know why I play along but I do.
“Yes.” His knuckles brush against mine.
My cheeks flame. “Are you sure you want that?”
“I’m sure it’s what Ineed,” he instantly replies, not missing a beat.
