Page 32

Chapter 31

Shawn

T he days have turned into weeks so quickly between Lee moving most of her stuff into my place and me at practice or away games. The conversation of Lee moving more stuff in and staying here was just as natural as falling in love with her.

We went to her place one night to put more stuff in suitcases, and I had a moving crew meet us. She looked at me and then the crew and just nodded her head. Like yep, she knew this was inevitable.

Life has become so sweet in the Six. I have loved getting to see an actual fall for the first time, the leaves changing, the crisp cool air; it’s a breath of fresh air. Except for the other day when a black squirrel with a white stripe down its back scared the ever-loving shit out of me and I spilled my double-double all over Luna. That motherfucker looked like a skunk to me. Who knew that squirrels came in different colors?

Lee has been going to all the home games she can, mostly with Soph, and occasionally, Millie will come, but she has been busy lately. When my games are away, Lee will watch the dogs curled up on the couch and send me a video for good luck. Calling me every night before I go to bed. Our routine is perfect, and the way it all just clicks makes us both feel like this was the path destined for us. I wipe the sweat from my forehead as I scroll through my plane ticket details for tonight.

My phone rings, startling me from my thoughts as I sit on the nearby park bench watching Luna and Blaze get out some energy. Lee is at work, and I have the afternoon off before we’re gone for the next couple of days on a series of away games.

I look down at my phone and smile at the name on my screen.

I hit the green accept button and press my phone to my ear.

“Just the lady I needed to talk to,” I say as I rub my clammy hands together.

“Hi there, Superstar! Are you ready for your big game coming up?”

Mimi has been calling when she can to check in with me. She knows my family isn’t nearby, so she has taken me in just like she did the Harris family all those years ago.

“I stay ready Mims.” I laugh over the phone.

“I know you do, angel. How’s my honeybee doing?”

“She is great. She wants to come out and throw with you soon. Maybe this weekend or next, while I have some away games. Maybe bring the dogs with her to run around.”

I can hear her clapping her hands.

“Oh, I’ll go to the store now and make sure I have some bones for them and pickles for Lee.”

I snort loudly, trying to hold back my laughter.

“Yeah, Lee will eat a jar of pickles any day of the week.”

“Oh, I know Shawn. Who do you think she got that from?”

Now I really laugh. “Well, she will love it. How are you holding up, Mimi?”

“I’m good, angel. Just got some of my pieces shipped out this week. My place was all cluttered. Did you get Lee and I’s pottery dish I mailed?”

“Sure did, and it’s still in the bubble wrap in my closet. I’m scared the dogs will get it. Can’t have them breaking my most prized possession.”

A rough laugh comes over the phone as I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

“Mims, can I ask you something more serious?”

“Of course you can, angel.”

“How do you know when it is the right time to propose to someone?”

She clicks her tongue.

“Well, well, well, can’t say I didn’t see this coming. But honestly. It is up to you. Don’t look to society's norms to tell you how long you need to wait, what you need to do, or how you should propose. Just do what feels right for you and Lee. We’ll all support and love you along the way.” I sigh.

Of course, Mimi knows just what to say.

“I know Lee is my person, Mims. I’ve felt a connection with Lee our whole life, but I don’t know when or how to act on it. I’m going to stop by Dallas on my way to Atlanta and pick up a ring. My old college friend designs custom ones, and I wanted it to remind me of her, so I had them help draw up some options.”

“Oh, Shawn, that sounds wonderful. So sweet of you to get something unique for her, just like my honeybee. She will love it when you are ready to give it to her. I don't know if I'm more proud that Lee found her person or that I get to have you as a grandkid-in-law.”

“Thanks Mims. You’re the best. Love you! Appreciate you calling, and I’ll keep you posted on what I come up with. I’ve gotta go get packed.”

“Please do! Go get 'em Books.” She hollers through the phone, making big whooping noises. I chuckle at how much I already love this woman. I can see why she and Lee are so inseparable.

“Bye, Mims.”

“Bye, Angel.”

I hang up the phone and head back to my place to pack.