“I do,” I confirm, dropping my head into my hands.
“And you’re comfortable with him?” Julia asks, ever the big sister.
“As comfortable as I’ve ever been with someone. I’m sure I’ll be anxious and stuff, but I want to take this next step. I’m ready for the intimacy with him.”
“Then go for it. I can’t say that your first time is all that amazing, at least mine wasn’t. Then again, it was with a man,” Julia jokes. “But seriously, Han. If you’re comfortable with him, and are ready to have that connection with him, then go for it. You deserve a good dicking down.”
“You did not just say that,” I laugh.
“I did! And it’s true! You deserve it. Thomas is a great guy, Hannah. He’ll take care of you.”
“He already does take care of me,” I reiterate.
“Yes, but he’lltake care of you,” Julia says, enunciating her words.
I groan into my palm. “I know.”
“Good. Now, what else?” she questions.
She helps talk me through some of my anxieties as best she can, but then our time is up. It’s Thomas’s turn to talk to his family, and as much as I wish I could stay on the phone with mine, it’s time.
I say goodbye to my sisters and grandma, holding back my tears the entire time. I sit in the silence for another minute, letting myself try to handle this pain of missing them, while also enjoying my time with Thomas.
After a few minutes, I stand, taking the phone with meand heading outside. Arson follows, darting across the lawn to Thomas in one of the swings by the pond.
Thomas stands, crossing the lawn to meet me in the middle. I wrap my arms around his torso, melting my body into his. “Thanks for that,” I say. “I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”
Thomas tilts my face to meet his. “I’m glad you got that time with them.”
“Now, it’s your turn,” I reply, passing him the phone as we separate. “Do you want some alone time?”
He shakes his head. “No, I think I want you there with me. It might be easier.”
“Okay,” I respond, taking his hand in mine as we head back to the house.
When we’re inside, we take the same spots as before at the kitchen table, only this time, Thomas surprises me by pulling me into his lap. I tense for a moment until I settle into him. He feels so warm, and I can’t help but soak up the comfort that he gives me and hope that I can provide that for him as well.
He dials the number, and whoever he’s calling picks up on the third ring. “This is Jason,” he answers.
“Jase,” Thomas breathes. “It’s Thomas.”
“Holy crap, Tommy, are you good?”
“Yeah. We’re good. Are you with anyone?”
“Yep. There’s an event at the brewery today, and everyone is here. Give me a minute and I’ll round everyone up.”
There’s a lot of rustling and conversation and a few minutes later, Jason is back. “Tommy? I’ve got everyone in here.”
A cacophony of voices breaks out across the line, all of them fighting to be the one to speak first.
“Everyone chill,” Thomas says with a laugh, his earlier nervousness softening. “Hannah and I are fine. I’m sorry I had to leave so abruptly, but we’re fine.”
“Oh thank god,” a feminine voice says. “When are you coming home?”
“I’m not sure, Mom. Hopefully, only a few more weeks, but there’s no way to know for sure. Did Josie have the baby yet?”
Andrew’s voice pops in. “Nope. She’s convinced she’s going to hold out until you get home, but there’s only two more weeks until she’s due, so she could go anytime.”
