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“I don’t think so? I’m pretty sure he was swept up by my need for better medical insurance, not dreams of a happily ever after, but I’ll know more soon. He’s coming over.”

“Do you need me to chaperone?” Lisa asked.

I snorted. I could picture her perched on a chair in my kitchen, eyes agog as Jimmy and I talked. Knowing her, she’d bring popcorn. “I don’t think so. He’s the kind of trouble you shave your legs for, not the kind you need protection from.”

“You say thatnow. Are you sure? I can slip you a different kind of protection if you’re shaving your legs. Discreet packaging and everything. Safety first.”

I laughed, picturing her dropping off a brown paper care package of condoms. “I’m sure. And I’m covered. But thanks for offering, Lisa. It means a lot that you have my back.”

“Remember that next time I have a code naked.”

“Yeah, if that happens again, I’m making new signage for your room.”

“Good luck with Smokey Bear. I want to be matron of honor in your wedding. I’m calling dibs now.”

“Hah! If I marry Jimmy, it’s a deal, but somehow, I think you’re safe,” I said.

“You say thatnow. Are you sure?”

Lisa’s words echoed in my mind after we hung up. I glanced at the clock. Jimmy would be here any moment. I was going to refuse his proposal. Wasn’t I?



















Chapter 3

Jimmy – Proposal Part Deux

What was I thinking? Proposing via text? If my mom were here, she’d slap me upside the head for being foolish. Not that my mom ever slapped me upside the head, but there was always a first time, and this would totally be it. She had standards. We had to look sharp when we left the house, no sloppy kids for my mom. It came from a place of love, but as a kid I hated it. We had to appear more than respectable,always. Military perfect. Only in private could we slouch around in jeans and sweats. In public it was button-down shirts, slacks, and a tie for me. She took me to the barber every two weeks to keep my hair regulation short. Every move, every test score, reflected on her and my dad. Other kids looked at me weird. Especially off base. They thoughtI thoughtI was fancy. What I wouldn’t have given for their T-shirts and jeans.

If by some miracle Melena accepted, I was going to have to rewrite history to satisfy my family. Proposal via text message would not appease my mother. She couldn’t tell that story proudly at social events. Maybe it was better not to tell her. My sister Andi was the only one who might understand, and she’d still tease me mercilessly.

I picked up a dozen donuts before approaching Melena’s door. I figured bringing sweet, unhealthy goodness might help me get inside. I’d stewed and cussed myself out after sending my ill-fated ‘will you marry me’ text. Then I spent a few hours researching arrhythmia treatments and reviewing my insurance summary of benefits. You know, the sexy stuff that sells a woman on marriage. Today I wanted to make things right.

Melena answered my knock, which I took as a good first step. I smiled as I surveyed her quickly. Her color was good, and I was happy to note her normal golden glow was back. Her dark brown hair was piled up on top of her head in a messy ponytail and she was dressed casually in a loose gray T-shirt and leggings. It shouldn’t have been sexy, but she looked fresh and comfortable. Projecting a confidence I didn’t feel I told her, “I come bearing breakfast. And an apology for my text last night.”

She hesitated a moment before stepping aside and opening her door wide enough for me to enter. “It’s a good thing you brought the donuts.”

I followed her into the kitchen, where she poured me a cup of coffee. “I didn’t know what you wanted, so I bought one of everything. Do you have a favorite?”