Wanted (22 page)

Later
that night, we curl up with a blanket in front of a flickering fire underneath
an ocean of stars both holding our marshmallows over the hot flames until they
catch on fire.

“Ness?”

“Yeah.” 
She says sleepily, watching the flames swallow her marshmallow.

“Stay
with me.  Go to Western.  Live at my apartment.  We can come here on the
weekends.  I want you to stay with me.”

“Really? 
Are you sure?”  She says with uncertainty.

“Are
you fucking crazy?  Of course, I’m sure. Come here.”  I pull her into
my lap and crush my chest against her back wrapping my arms around her.  I
pull her long hair away from her neck and push it over one shoulder. 
Holding her close, I whisper in her ear. “I love you Ness.  I want you
with me.  Did you think I didn’t?”

“I
just didn’t want to assume.”

“Assume. 
Assume I want to marry you some day.  Assume I want you to be the mother
of my babies. Assume that you will always be mine.”  I place a kiss on the
soft skin under her ear.  She’s quiet all of a sudden and doesn’t say a
word.  I grab her chin and turn her head towards me so I can see her face
and I see tears streaming down her cheek. “What’s wrong baby?” 

“Nothing’s
wrong.  They’re happy tears.  I can’t believe all this is happening.”

“Is
it too fast?  Don’t be scared Ness.”  Her marshmallow finally falls into
the flames.

“I’m
not scared.  I’m excited.  How many babies do you want?”  She says
with a laugh and turns to see the shocked look on my face.

“Whoa!! 
One thing at a time.  Although, I have to say, the thought of your belly
swollen with my baby inside turns me on.”

“Everything
turns you on.”

“Your
tits will get bigger.”

“I’ll
get fat.”

“I
heard you get hornier.”

“No,
that’s hungrier.”

“Mom!  We’re here!”  I yell as we
enter my parent’s house.  The smell of apple pie overwhelms my senses.  I grab
Ryan’s hand and we enter the kitchen.  My mom is floating around the kitchen in
her red apron and santa hat.  My dad is sitting at the kitchen table having a
serious discussion with Mason.  Red, green and gold have taken over the house. 
The 12 foot pre-lit Christmas tree sparkles in front of the window as giant
flakes of snow fall outside.  Soft Christmas music is playing. 

“Hey Vanessa!  Ryan!”  My mom
greats us with her big smile and hugs.  “Merry Christmas you two.”

“Merry Christmas Mom.”  I wrap
her in a big hug and Ryan kisses her cheek.

“Ryan!”  My Dad motions from the
table.  “We’re discussing Xbox versus Playstation.  We need you.”

Ryan gets a boyish grin on his
face and pecks me on the cheek before joining my dad and Mason at the table.  I
hop up on the counter as my Mom pulls the pies out of the oven.

“I got a call today from James. 
He just called to wish us a Merry Christmas.”  My mom whispers.

“It’s okay Mom.  Ryan is okay
with me talking to James.  We keep in touch.”

“I knew you two could remain
friends.  I’m glad.”

“We’re better as friends.  He
actually asks me about how things are going with me.  He asks about you.  He’s
not the selfish guy he used to be.”

“No regrets?”

“Absolutely no regrets.”

“Good to hear, so how are classes?”

“Great!  I love Western.  Kim is in
a lot of the same classes now.  We’ve become great friends.  Especially since
we work at Perky’s together too.”

“Are she and Landon still dating?”

“Yep.  They’re doing good.  They
still go to counseling.  They’re still taking things very slow but they’re
good.  Really good.”

“I’m so glad.  And you and Ryan?”

“Couldn’t be better Mom.  He’s
really something.”  I say blushing.

“Ah.  Nothing’s missing then?”

“Nope.  He’s everything to me. 
Everything I’ve ever
wanted
.

The End