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“As I said, your love is only a mystery to the two of you.”

“I’ll tell her, Maria.”

“Do it today. If not today, then Wednesday.”

“Wednesday? Why Wednesday?”

“Some of us started a betting pool on when you two would admit that you love each other. Wednesday is the date I picked, dear.”

Tasha was speechless.

“Goodbye, dear. And remember what I said.” Maria hung up.

Tasha walked home. It was a longish walk, but she needed to clear her head. Night was coming by the time she got home, and Megan and Sophia were already there.

“Tasha! You’re back. Is everything alright?”

“Hi, Aunt Tasha! Roller derby is so much fun! I really want to play. Tell Mommy that it’s okay for me to play.”

“Hello, munchkin. I’m glad that you had fun. I promise to talk to your mom for you.”

“I’m right here…”

“She’s just being protective. You’re her little angel, and moms get worried. It’s their job.”

“I know,” Sophia responded in that classic high-low of a child who hasn’t gotten their way (yet?).

“But Aunt Tasha, she’s the fun aunt, so she’s going to do everything that she can to convince your mom, right?”

“Yay!”

“I’m still right here…”

“Hey, you.” Tasha smiled at Megan. “Um, we need to talk.”

“We do, how did things go? Which envelope did you give him?”

“Oh, that. It went well, actually. I still can’t believe it, but I gave him the good one.”

“Really? I wasn’t expecting that. It must have taken forever if you’re just getting home now.”

“Oh, no, I was done hours ago. I walked home.”

“Why?”

“I needed to think.” Tasha held up her hand before Megan could ask anything else.

“Okay, Megan, stop with the questions. I have to tell you something. It’s important.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Megan, I love you.”

“Tasha, I love you, too.”

“No, Megan.” Tasha’s heart raced, she felt the sweat on her palms as she took Megan’s hand in her own, looked her in the eyes, and leapt. “I. Love. You.”

She saw Megan’s eyes widen as her words sunk in. She heard Megan utter a long, “Oooohhhh.” She saw the fear. She saw the uncertainty. Her heart shattered. And then Megan’s arms were around her, holding her up. Tasha felt like her entire world was imploding, and then Megan whispered in her ear. “Tasha, thank you for telling me. Please, just give me some time. I… I just need a little time.”