"You and me are the given here," he said. "I'm not letting you go that easy."
I set the gift on the table next to the plate I already have set. I light the three candles— real candles, not our play candles we keep hidden under the sink in the bathroom— and turn off the dining room lights. I keep the lamp in the living room on as well as the one above the stove. The candles still send flickering shadows around the space. I'm just setting the food on the table when Nelson walks back out.
"This is too much, Bennett." He wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my neck. I can't stop the smile that overtakes my face. "It was just a first day on a new job. Not like I solved world hunger or anything."
"Be proud of yourself, Nelson." I turn in his arms and smile at him. He's trimmed his beard in preparation for the job. It's maybe an inch long. I reach up and scratch my fingers through it. "You might not have solved world hunger, but you have made my life so much better since you came into it. I know we've only known each other for a couple of months, but I love you and sometimes I like to show you how much. So you'll just have to get used to me playing house husband from time-to-time."
"Husband, huh?" His eyebrows raise in surprise as he repeats the word. I grin at him and shrug. I hold up my left hand, faking a frown for a moment.
"Well, maybe one day I can use that word." I sigh dramatically, but Nelson just pulls me tighter against his body.
"One day." He kisses my cheek. "I promise."
"Enough mushy. Do you want to open the gift I got you or eat first?"
"Bennett, seriously?" His eyes go wide when he sees the box. "You are doing way too much."
I want to bicker with him some more. It's our own type of love language and comes so naturally. I bite my tongue this time, though. We sit down beside each other and I watch him reach for the box. It's really not much, but I saw it and thought of him. He unwraps it carefully and lifts the lid.
He pulls out a small figurine. It's a hand carved statue of a horse that looks just like Zula, with a little cowboy man sitting on the back. I've dusted off his collection of knick knacks enough time to know that it's something he'd love. I can see his eyes glistening in the candlelight. He looks over at me with a genuine smile.
"I love this," he says simply. He holds it to his chest and leans over to kiss me. "Seriously, it looks just like my girl. Where did you find it?"
"I have my secrets."
I found it in a shop on a quick trip back to Chicago. I ended up going back for two days between the end of the summer class and start of the Fall semester. I went to check on Finnigan and make sure he was okay after hearing from our mom that he quit the business. Finnigan isn't sure if it'll be a permanent decision, but right now he's exploring other options.
"I figured it'll fit in nicely with the rest of your figurines when we put them on those shelves in the dining room. It'll remind you of where you came from."
"I'll never forget that," he says quickly. "But thank you. I really do love it. You spoil me too much, Bennett."
I place a hand on the back of his head and run my hand over his hair. "You do just as much for me. Now, let's eat before it gets cold."
The food is delicious. I'll have to thank Joyce for the recipe she gave me. Nelson's knee knocks against mine a few times, but neither of us talk. The house is far from silent though. I have the music still playing and the kitchen window is open to let in thecooler evening air. I can hear the crickets over the music even from this far inside the house.
"I've got it." I place a hand on Nelson's shoulder when he stands to put his plate in the sink. I rinse them quickly, but leave them to clean later. I can't wait for the dishwasher in our new house. It's one of the things we agreed on adding before we move in. Nelson has turned his chair around and is facing me when I move back toward him.
I straddle his lap without hesitation and wrap my arms around his neck. He wraps his around my waist.
"How was the first day of work?" I finally ask.
"It was good. It's a mix of men and women on my team, but they all get along well. Paul really built a great business, even without taking your expert class."
I roll my eyes at his joke, but I lean forward and hug him tightly. His hands start roaming up and down my back and I feel him nuzzling against my neck.
"Thank you," he whispers after a few minutes. I pull back to look at him.
"For what?"
"A lot of things." I can see his eyelids drooping. I'm sure he's tired. "You have changed my life so much in the short time I've known you. Thank you for not getting annoyed with me for all the emails I sent you, for working with me on my test taking skills, encouraging me, supporting me in whatever decision I made. You are amazing, Bennett, so thank you."
I can feel myself getting emotional at his words. I feel the same way about him, that my life has changed. That I've changed. I have a budding relationship with my brother and sister again. I've learned to let go of the past and trust that someone could love me for me and not for what I could give or do for them.
"I love you." I don't know what else to say.
I'm wrapped up in a hug again, but this time Nelson stands up, holding me with my legs wrapped around his waist. He starts walking toward the bedroom, but I make a small squeak noise. "Blow the candles out," I whisper. "It's romantic until big fire."
I feel Nelson's laugh rumble through his chest. He stands me on the floor and spins me toward the bedroom. "Bed, naked, now. You have one minute."
