Page 20 of Cold Snap

Teresa

H ours later, we finally make it to the bed. I’ve dozed off and on as we’ve lain and talked and learned more about each other. It’s kind of hard to believe that everything I’ve wanted for years has finally come true. I never really thought I would ever be here.

When I tell Land he laughs and shows me again how real this is.

A nagging worry sits in the back of my mind -what will this be like when we go back?

We’re in our own little world now, but will he still be this affectionate when other people are around?

Do I need him to show me how much I mean to him even when we’re in front of, say, my dad or brother?

I think I do. I think it’s going to be very important to me.

“What’s going on in that big, beautiful brain of yours, sweetheart?”

I hesitate. I don’t want to tell him and make him feel forced into doing what should come naturally, and I don’t want him pretending to be something he’s not. If this thing is going to work between us, then I want him to be who he really is.

“I was wondering what, um, exactly couples do together. I’ve never really dated, and you’re the only person I’ve ever wanted. What if you find out I’m not really the person you want to be with? I'm pretty boring, really. I read and hang out with Oakley. That's all.”

“Baby, I’ve watched you turn into this amazing person from afar. I don’t want that distance between us anymore. I don’t want to be someone you just dream about. I want to be someone you live and love with.”

“Live with?” I push up off him, but don't go far.

“I was hoping, maybe, you would think about maybe moving in with me.”

“Move in? Live with you? You want me to move in with you?”

“Not right away if you don’t want to. We could take it slow if that’s what you want.”

I drop back down after something feels like it settles in me.

“I…I was worried, maybe, you wouldn’t want…well, that maybe you would want to keep the affection between us hidden, and I wasn’t sure I would be okay with us not…holding hands and showing each other love in front of…”

“Your family?” I nod and stare up at him. “Babe, did you forget…I am trying to knock you up, so everyone will know you belong to me.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you want to…”

“Grab you and kiss you and hold you close to me so you can’t run away. Oh yeah, sweetheart, there is going to be no chance anyone will ever doubt, including your father or brother or second cousin.”

I laugh and throw myself back at him. Our lips meet and I am certainly left in no doubt that our love will be enough to melt even the coldest snaps our relationship will go through.