“Callie Margaret Baker, will you marry us?”
A silly little corner of my mind is amused and pleased that Miles remembers my middle name, one of the many details we covered during our first fake relationship prep meeting. The larger part of my mind is split in two: half of it stunned into silence, the other half giddily running around in circles.
“Callie, will you marry us?” Max echoes.
Potential images of my future flash through my imagination in no particular order. Me living with the two of them, the three of us starting a family—something we’ve talked about and found we share similar goals for—setting up a house together, me wearing their rings, telling my family we’re engaged, me walking down the aisle, both of our families gathered to watch the ceremony …
“No.”
Two identical faces fall, as their eyes fill with concern.
“No? Are we moving too fast?” Miles asks.
“It can be a long engagement,” Max says.
“No to the bridesmaids. I say yes to marrying you, but only if we can elope.”
Relief takes over their features, along with a hint of exasperation and laughter that fades away as they both stand to kiss me and pull me into hugs. Their touch grounds me.This is really happening.
“Of course, we can elope,” Miles says. “Our parents might not be thrilled at missing out on a big ceremony, but since both of us can’t legally marry you, they’ll understand. We want to commit to you, though, Callie, just like a marriage. We’ll be your husbands, and you’ll be our wife.”
Max presses his lips to my cheek, then my forehead. “Just the three of us, always.”
I pull both of their heads close as my tears start to flow. “I love you so much. I would love to be your wife.”
After showering me with kisses, Miles remembers the rings. He takes my hand and slides his onto my finger. When Max does the same, I see that the diamonds are in the shape of hearts, and they fit together perfectly, side by side.
Somehow, we get back in the car and continue on our way, though I feel as if I’m floating.
When we get back into town, Miles drives us to their place rather than taking me home. Inside their beach house, he makes a big show of stretching his arms overhead and bending to the side. “Anyone else stiff after that long ride?”
There’s a glint in Max’s eye, as he says, “Now that you mention it, yes. I could definitely use a good stretch.”
I shake my head and laugh at them. “You’re both being incredibly obvious.”
I do occasionally lead them in yoga sessions at their house. Sometimes, we invite Ms. Collins to participate, but more often than not, we keep it private, just the three of us.
Miles moves in behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me into a delicious hug. “It’s naked yoga time! Everything off except your new rings.”
I giggle as his mouth nibbles its way up the side of my neck before gently tugging at my earlobe. Meanwhile, Max steps in front of me and bends to bring his mouth to mine.
“I thought you wanted me to work less,” I say when we part, “yet you’re always insisting I lead these naked yoga classes.”
Miles gathers my hair to one side, then kisses a path down the center of my back to my waist.
“I think we’re getting the hang of it. We’ll lead tonight.”
“Yeah?” My head falls backward as Max presses hot kisses across the top of my chest.
“Yeah,” Max says. “Now be a good girl and take your clothes off.”
Before I can do as I’m told, Miles picks me up and carries me into the bedroom. Max follows right behind, and together, we get into some of our favorite positions.
TWO YEARS LATER
Max
“Hey, beautiful. It’s time to get up.” I have to shake Callie’s shoulder a few times before she finally rouses.
