Then Hawaii happened.
A group of us were going to Hawaii even though our friends called off their destination wedding. In the end, life happened, and we realized the night before it was just the two of us still going on the trip.
It was one of the best weeks of my life, but when we got home, I compartmentalized what we shared. Owen… not so much.
For me, there is real life, and our secret life.
It wasn’t the same for him after that trip.
When we got home, he asked me out. Like on a date. I told him he was crazy and that it would never happen.
He said he’d wait.
Now,waitingfor Owen means changing absolutely nothing about his dating life. He’s still charming the ladies and making out with them at my brother's wedding for the entire world to see.
I haven’t changed my dating life either. I date. And just like I watch him flirting his way around town, he watches me do the same.
It’s been close to two years since he said he’d wait, and we’ve found corners to kiss in and touches have occurred under the noses of those we love, but we’ve only beentogetherthree more times since then. Once, a couple of months later, the night of our town's Winter Festival. Then there was a long golf weekend spent in Bandon last fall. We were the only singles on that trip. While all the other couples did what married couples do, Owen and I locked ourselves in his hotel suite doing what we do best.
It’s unreal, the half-truths my family will believe. They never suspect a thing.
Then, just three weeks ago, there was New York City.
New York opened my eyes to what I seem to have been missing these last few years. Regardless of what it looks like, I think Owen Swift may actually be waiting for me.
And I’ve been a jumbled mess since we got off my brother's private plane and came back to real life. Owen is everywhere I turn. From the hospital when Gracie was born, to the night at the bar, to the firehouse with the puppies, and Cal’s place visiting the baby. I see him in his patrol car driving down Wall Street when I’m in Bend for meetings. And then, of course, there are Sunday dinners.
So tonight, as the room fills with the rest of my favorite people, I get a little itchy waiting for the one person I most look forward to seeing. We’re celebrating Knox’s birthday tonight, so it’s strange he’s not here.
Before I know it, Mom is ushering everyone to the back deck to take their seats. I got here early to help decorate with streamers and balloons, and we’re even making my big shot rock star brother wear a paper birthday hat. If he’s moving back home, we might as well bring him back down to earth quickly.
Mom carries her famous chicken pot pie, and I carry her homemade mac and cheese. This is what the birthday boy requested and his wish has been granted. I predict we’re all going to be in a food coma after this meal.
I’m just about to sit down when I remember the green salad I made. I doubt we’ll touch it, but it makes me feel better to see something green on the table. Mom’s comfort food staples are legendary, and Knox has chosen well, but we needed to add a little balance to the meal.
“Well, since Owen can’t make it, we’re all here. Let’s dig in,” Mom says, taking the plate in front of Knox to add a scoop of pot pie to it.
“Where is Officer Swift?” I ask casually.
“He’s on daddy duty,” Knox answers her.
“Huh?” I tilt my head, confused.
“He picked up his new pup today. I think he’s a little overwhelmed.”
I gasp, the mac and cheese spoon in my hand suspended over my plate. “He adopted one of the firehouse pups?”
“Yep. He messaged me this afternoon. I think his little pooch is quite the handful.” It’s Cal who answers this time.
“She’s a sweet little thing,” Mom adds. “He sent me a pic this afternoon when he said he wouldn’t be able to make it.”
Why does it bother me that everyone here but me knew about this?
Finally landing the pasta on my plate, I pass the serving dish to Mia and pull out my phone.
Daisy:
You’re a daddy and didn’t tell me?
