“I love you,” I said.
“Love you too.” I heard the shush of his palm over his phone and could just make out him saying something to Piper that sounded like he would be right there.
I knew he was going to end the call. I knew he was going to go back to Vivian and spend the rest of the day explaining why all our manhole covers don’t match, or how rotted kelp could be harvested as bait, or all the tedious differences between a ROtring and a Staedtler pencil.
I knew he was going to go on with his day doing this job, looking after Ordinary just like I was going to go on with my day to do the same.
We’d see each other tonight.
But there was something about this good-bye that felt bigger. Felt more permanent.
I didn’t like it.
My heart was beating a little too fast, and my thoughts spun. I didn’t want Ryder to spend one more moment not knowing how much I really loved him and how much I wanted forever too.
“I want to get married,” I said.
There was a small pause. “Okay? You just said that a minute ago, remember?”
“I picked a date. I think we should do Friday.”
“A week from now?” He sounded a little panicked. “We don’t have the cheese. Think of the cheese.”
“No.” my mind was still racing, and so was my heart. But it was excitement instead of fear.
“Not a week from now. How about…” I tried to remember the dates Bertie had said the Community Center would be open, even though I didn’t know if we’d want the wedding held there. “How about September? Yeah, this September. The second Friday. Do you think we’d have enough time to get everything done? If I help? Really help this time?”
“I…” his voice went out on him, and he had to clear his throat. “Are you sure, Delaney? I know I said I was impatient, and if you want, I want. To wait. If you need time, I want to give you time.”
“I know. I do. But I don’t. Need more time. I’m ready.” I exhaled a laugh. “I’llbeready. I want this, Ryder. You’re my forever.”
“Goddamnit, Delaney Reed. Now you tell me this?” he growled. “When I can’t kiss you stupid and drag you off to bed?”
“It’s like poetry, the words falling out of your mouth.”
“Delaney,” he groaned.
“I love you.”
I heard the exhale of his breath. “I love you too.”
“Good. ‘Cause we’re getting hitched, Mr. Bailey. Better stop insulting every cheese manufacturer in the state between now and September.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“I expect great cheese. Only the best cheese.”
“Only the best,” he promised. “Gotta go.”
“Good luck boring her. Couldn’t think of a better man for the job.”
“Hey—”
I ended the call and grinned. My heart was still racing, my breath a little fast. Even my face felt flushed.
I was happy. I was ecstatic.
“I’m getting married,” I whispered to myself. Then I swiped my thumb over my phone and called on our very own god of death.
