Page 68 of Running Home

She serenely replied, “I am.”

“Really? You’ve never shown any interest incars.” The woman had a ridiculous number of layers. Held moresecrets than he did.

“I’m not interested in cars, exactly. Justantiques, which extends to beauties like this one. My dad washugely into cars, and I spent a lot of time under hoods with him.Since before I was old enough to even walk. He collected old cars;each of us kept one when he died. I don’t have a garage sincemoving to Seaview, so I go to my older sister’s place at everyopportunity and work on this bad boy.”

“With her moving to Denver, maybe we’ll haveto buy a house with a good-sized shop, for automotive repair andcarpentry. Do your sisters maintain their own cars, too?”

“No. Cara was too young to learn and Jen toprissy to care. They keep theirs stored and drive newer cars. Ifthey have any issues, I fix them.”

As they merged onto the expressway, the windwas too loud for conversation. Ronan didn’t mind, he relaxed andenjoyed the moment. Patting the little box in his pocket, he feltincreasingly impatient. He wanted to time it just right, but hewasn’t sure he could wait much longer.

They arrived back in town at dusk. Withoutasking, she drove him straight to her apartment. Half of hisbelongings were there anyway. Following her up the stairs, he felta wave of excitement, of anxiety as they returned home, heartthumping frantically in his chest.

She flipped on the lights when they gotinside, and dashed in to use the bathroom as soon as they walkedin. That’s ok, he could wait. Tossing his backpack and shoes underthe entry table, he moved into the living room and lit a fire. Forgood measure, he laid her big soft throw blanket on the floor infront of the fireplace and laid down to wait.

Walking out of the bathroom, she spotted himcamped out on the carpet. “Planning a romantic evening in front ofthe fire?”

He sat up and raised his eyebrowssuggestively, “You game?”

Standing above him, she crossed her arms.“Are you ever going to leave without telling me again?”

Sitting up on one knee, he swore, “Never.” Hepulled the ring out of his pocket. “Payson, you’re stuck with me. Ilove you so much. I’ve done a lot of soul searching over the pastyear. Trying to make my way along the broken path I’d been stuckon. The moment I met you, the path changed. You are everything Iwant. Will you marry me?”

“Shit.” Tears started pouring down herface.

“Honey, did you just sayshit?” Heslowly rose from his kneeling position and pulled her against him.She let him in, let him hold her in his arms.

“I cried so damn much while you were gone. Isaidshitbecause I’m out of tissue.” He couldn’t help butlaugh. “Please say that was a yes?”

Thankfully, she laughed with him. “Yes,that’s a yes. Yes, I want to marry you.” Head buried against hischest, she laughed again, shedding a few more tears. “I waited myentire life for you. I love you.”

He pulled back and looked down at her, wipingthe tears from her wet cheeks. She smiled up at him and laughedagain. “Hang on.” And she ran to the bathroom. Presumably to get atissue. Was she…? He heard the unmistakable sound of retching, aflush, teeth brushing, nose blowing, then she came back to him.

“Payson, did you just… vomit?” he cocked hishead at her like a puzzled dog.

“Uh, Ronan. I, uh…,” wringing her handsnervously, she took the long way around the living room but finallymade it to him and sat down next to him in front of the fire.Taking a collect-your-thoughts pause, she finally, calmlyannounced, “I’m pregnant.”

The ground suddenly fell from beneath him andhe was plummeting, fast. Rubbing his chest, he soothed the new,unfamiliar ache that was developing. “Shit,” he managed to say.

Quickly correcting himself, he laughed,“Sorry, I mean… wow, shit… what… how…?” Then he laughed. Andlaughed some more. “Wow, shit,” he watched her waiting, nervous,hopeful. “I’m not sure any path is going to be as exciting as thisone.”

He lunged for her and pulled her into hisarms, tilting her head back and kissing her deeply. Lips lockedonto hers, he pulled her down on the blanket next to him and theymade love until the sun rose.

Ready to forge a new path, together.

~The End~