Andrea’s shoulders relaxed as she breathed a sigh of relief.
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing, though. I think you guys would make a wonderful couple,” Rory voiced her opinion.
“It’s too soon. We’ve only been dating for a little over five months,” Andrea reasoned.
Rory fixed her gaze on her mother. “Mom, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known him. If you love him and he loves you and can see a future with you, then that’s all that should matter.”
Andrea opened her mouth to say something, but Rory beat her to it.
“Do you love him?”
She hesitated before answering, “I do.”
“And do you think he loves you?”
Her definitive answer once again was, “I do,” she sighed. She turned and extinguished the flame under the stew before turning back to look at her daughter as she spoke, “But I do not think we’re ready to be married,” she stressed. “I don’t know if I want to be married,” she said just above a whisper, her voice raw with vulnerability.
Rory walked up to Andrea and took her hands in hers. “I know you’re scared, Mom, and I get it. You think you need more time before taking that big step, and that’s understandable. It’s just…I’ve seen how your face lights up when you talk about him, and I’ve witnessed how much he cares for you and how sensitive he is to your feelings and emotions. Sometimes I wish…” she didn’t finish the statement, but sometimes she wished that James could be that aware of her feelings. She wished he realized just how much she needed him, missed him— without her having to say the words. “You deserve to be happy, Mom…more than anyone I know. I believe that when Donny does ask, it’ll be the right time. Just…be open to the idea.”
Andrea smiled appreciatively at her daughter. She reached up to cup Rory’s cheek lovingly. “What did I do to deserve a daughter like you?”
Rory felt the warmth creep up the sides of her neck before her face became warm, and her lips turned up into a smile.
“I’m gonna head upstairs and take a shower,” she informed her mother when they separated.
“Okay, sweetie. Dinner should be ready by the time you’re done.”
Rory nodded and headed for the door but stopped and whipped around. “Did Aunt Cora pick Jules up from the hospital?”
“Yes. She’s in her room, but she’s resting. She ate earlier,” Andrea informed her.
“Okay. I’m just happy that she’s back home,” Rory expressed.
“Me too,” Andrea smiled, agreeing.
Rory made it to her room and took a quick, warm shower. Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, her phone began vibrating. Securing the towel around her, she launched herself across the bed, flopping on her belly as she reached for the device.
“Hello?” she answered as soon as she hit the answer button.
“Hi.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and her pulse quickened. “Hi,” she softly breathed out, flipping onto her back.
“Hi,” he repeated. After a short pause, he added, “are you busy? You sound out of breath.”
“I was in the shower,” she responded, her eyes glued to the ceiling.
“Oh…okay.”
There was another pregnant pause.
“What are you doing?” she broke the silence.
“I’m at this silly, boring fundraising with Mom and Dad. I stepped out for a bit to call you. I really wish you were here.”
“Why?” Rory heard herself ask.
“Because I miss you,” James replied almost immediately.
