“Okay, so I may or may not have gotten us a sex swing,” Stan confesses in a hurry, holding his hands up. “In my defense, I didn’t tell either of you ‘cause it’s supposed to be a surprise.”
Em frowns but looks interested. God, the things we could do to her when we install it. But I shake my head, needing to focus.
“I have gifts for both of you too,” I say. “But I need you both to stand down here.”
They both do it without question, which is nice, except I’m still nervous as hell.
My heart’s hammering so hard I’m pretty sure they can hear it.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I drop to my knees.
Stan yelps. “Lix!”
I hold up both hands, fists closed around cool metals warming up fast in my palms.
My arms are shaking. I don’t hide it.
In each fist is a ring. Identical, simple bands, silver with a humble shimmer that shows under the light, when I open my hands and show the sparkling rings to them.
The room goes quiet.
It’s a miracle Stan isn’t talking or screaming right now, so I guess it’s my time to shine.
Taking a breath in, I start talking. “I didn’t know that happinesslike this could exist.”
They don’t interrupt me. Em’s tearing up. Stan looks stunned, mouth open but nothing comes out. Thank god, so I keep going.
“For a long time,” I continue, staring at the rings so I don’t chicken out, “all I knew how to do was survive. Get through the day. Protect who I could.” I swallow. “That was my sister. For a long time, it was just her.”
I breathe out slow, glancing up at them.
“But she’s been safe with Sterling.”
Tears run down Em’s face. All I wanna do is kiss them away.
“It’s not like I was looking for a new purpose or anything,” I say. “But the world answered a question I kept to myself.” My throat tightens. “I always wondered who would even understand me. Who would even bother when I’m quiet and keep to myself?”
My hands clench around the rings.
“I’m messed up in the head,” I admit. “I get angry. Run away or rush in. Either way, I don’t always express myself well.” I force myself to meet their eyes. “But I’m trying. I’ve been trying. For you two.Becauseof you two.”
The words are spilling out now. I don’t stop them.
“So will you both please promise me forever?” I ask, trying to hide my anxiety behind a chuckle. “I know it’s a lot. But you both make me want to be selfish as fuck.”
Em moves first. She nods, tears slipping down her cheeks and fogging her glasses.
Then she bends down and kisses me, so soft at first, then deeper.
I slide the ring on her before holding her by her beautiful face.
“Yes,” she whispers into our kiss.
My vision goes white at the edges. Stars burst behind my eyes.
I don’t know if it’s the adrenaline or the caffeine or both, but my hands are shaking worse.
When Em steps aside, nodding at Stan, I get up, turning to him. He’s still staring at me like he’s seen a ghost.
