Page 98 of It's Not PMS, It's You

Ruth: Only five. And Bagel Barney made another surprise appearance. So did Max. Like a rash that I just can’t get rid of. I’m on my way home.

Dee: I’m still at your place but won’t be here when you get back. Brandon and I are going out to dinner!

Ruth: Lucky you. Have fun. Let me know how it goes later.

Dee: Will do. Oh, and Nick has a surprise for you.

Ruth: What kind of surprise?

Dee: It’s a surprise.

Ruth: Tell me.

Dee: No. But I promise, you’re going to love it.

Ruth: Tell me.

Dee: No.

Ruth: You’re fired.

Dee: I quit.

Ruth: Well played. You can keep your job.

Dee: I know.

I hated when she teased me like that. Now, I couldn’t wait to find out what it was.

I needed something positive to change my mindset and I needed it now.

Maybe I would even do another breathing exercise in front of the fountain.

I caught myself going over the speed limit twice on the way home.

Slow down. You don’t need a ticket.

I entered the house, set my purse on the kitchen counter, and opened the screen door to head outside to the backyard, stopping in my tracks when I saw such an amazing sight for sore eyes.

My gazebo was finished.

Nick was sitting inside of it, looking relaxed, of course.

Karma was by his side.

All my new furniture from the garage was set up inside the gazebo. Nick had even strung up the white lights around the border above his head.

I approached slowly, in awe, noticing the new wisteria planted near the ground of each post. I would have to be patient for it to grow and cover the gazebo, but I couldn’t wait. A wisteria in full bloom was one of the loveliest sights.

“Wow!” I stepped inside the gazebo, did a spin, and then sat down on the red, thick-cushioned wicker chair across from him. “I love it.”

Nick grinned. “I was hoping you would.” He gestured to the dog. “Karma was hoping so, too.”

I smiled, leaned over, and scratched her on the head. “Does this mean you get to keep her for a while then?”

“If you mean keeping her for the rest of her life, then yes.”

“That’s wonderful! I thought you were talking about something temporary.”