“Yes, and I’m so tired,” she says with a deep sigh. “But a good tired. It was a really good day.”
“How was it overall?” I ask.
“The truth is...I love it. I love the kids, the projects, the vibes...all of it. I feel like I somehow won the lottery in life.”
I smile. “It all just gets better from here.”
The silence stretches between us and she finally says,“I have to tell you something.”
Her tone makes me pause.
“What?”
“I have a bigger reason why this can’t be real. I don’t want a family,” she says softly. “Not like the white picket fence, matching Christmas pajamas, and all that. I’m just not built for that life. I don’t think I want it. I like how things are with me and Owen. And you.”
I stay quiet and listen.
“I just want a good life for Owen,” she continues. “I want to make sure he’s okay. That he’s safe. And I want you with us. But I don’t know if I can do more than that.”
I continue massaging her feet, gazing at her, waiting for her to finish.
She looks over at me. “And I can’t imagine you not here with us. But if you want more than that, I wouldn’t blame you. You deserve a picket fence and matching pajamas. You deserve everything, Ollie.”
I say nothing because I know she’s not finished and needs to get whatever this is off her chest.
“I’m scared,” she admits. “Of promising something I can’t ever give you. I’m just not sure I’m built to be a wife and a mom like that, to have babies.”
I pull her into me and hold her to my chest.
“I’m here for whatever,” I say. “I’m not asking for anything with you, Poppy.”
She rests her head against my chest. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“You won’t,” I promise. “Not now or ever.”
She breathes me in like she’s memorizing the feeling.
“Matching pajamas are so lame anyway,” I say, and I feel her shaking with laughter.
“Right?”
“I don’t even like pajamas. Before you, I just slept naked.”
She snorts. “You can sleep however you want to be comfortable, Ollie. I’ll adjust the pillow wall accordingly.”
I laugh. “I don’t think your pillow wall held up. And I’m comfortable with you here, Poppy. I love having you both here.”
“Thanks,” she says softly. “I’m happy here, too.”
I stare at the wall over her head and think the quiet thought I don’t say out loud.
I love her so damn much. I’ll take whatever she’ll give me.
Chapter 14
Poppy
Quit You by Karley Scott Collins
