“Of course I did babe. Besides, I picked up some extra underwear for myself. They’ve got the good stuff.” He winks at me. “I picked up some of your favorite Dominican candy. The kind that’s almost impossible to find. I hunted it down at a bodega near eighty sixth street. I need to take you there sometime.” He grabs my hand and kisses the back of it. “The rest are just a couple of things that would make you feel more comfortable here. Like your own throw blanket, since you don’t like to share. Full size bottles of your shampoo and conditioner, along with some other stuff I was roped into buying. Apparently it’s the hottest thing on the market to keep curly hair healthy and shiny, or at least that’s what I was told by the sales clerk.”
I’m now a full koala, clinging onto Evan’s side as he continues to talk through the rest of the gifts. I feel a tear escape and quickly dissolve into Evan’s shirt, but I don’t dare move or interrupt him.
“And then, I got these flowers arranged for you. I wasn’t sure what your favorite flower is, so I asked for an array of everything. But these flowers in the center are yellow tulips.” He points to the understated flowers in a beautiful clear vase, and I hold my breath. No, it can’t be. There’s no way he would know, could he?
“I remember your mom loved yellow tulips. She always found a sneaky way to integrate them into the typical holiday decor, and all the Tías would be up in arms because apparently it clashed with the tablescape. But I always loved how she stuck to her guns and had them at every family function.”
Before I know it, I am overcome by emotion and am a blubbering mess. Tears pour out of my eyes faster than I can wipe them away.
“Shit. I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to upset you.” Evan pulls me in for a tight hug. “Shhh, it’s okay, let it out baby.” He rubs my back as the waterworks slowly start to subside.
It takes me a few minutes to regulate my breathing, but once I do, I know what is coming next.
Evan hands me a couple of tissues and I wipe my eyes and blow my nose.
Way to keep it classy Amelia.
I take a couple of deep breaths, and look up at Evan’s worried face. He’s reading the situation completely wrong.
“I’m sorry for bringing up your mom babe, I know it’s still too soon. I just wanted to incorporate her in a small way for your birthday.”
I hold both his hands in mine, and take one more deep breath before my eyes settle on his. “Evan, this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. The fact that you would even know that yellow tulips are my mother’s favorite flower just blows my mind.” My thumb caresses his hand as he stares into my eyes, still worried about whatever I’m going to say. “I am very much at a loss for words, except for five.” Evan’s face bunches up in confusion.
“I love you, Evan Cooper.” I smile softly.
I hear an audible release of air from Evan’s chest as his shoulders slump. A few moments pass in silence. “Say it again.” He squeezes my hands with his eyes closed, causing me to smile like a fool.
“I love you Evan, I am so in love with you, it’s ridiculous,” I whisper close to his chest.
He gently grabs my face with both of his hands and places the world’s gentlest kiss on my lips. “Are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you. I know I’m coming off strong, and I just want you to be sure.” He desperately searches my eyes for the confirmation he’s looking for.
“Evan, I don’t think I’ve ever stopped loving you since the day you became my first crush. So if you really think about it, I’ve been in love with you longer than you’ve been in love with me.” I smirk into his lips.
“You always have to one-up me, don’t you?” He says in a fun-loving tone. He proceeds to lift me in the air, and I take advantage and wrap my legs around his waist. We kiss while he walks us into his bedroom.
“Hey! Wait! You still have to wine and dine me before we get to this part!” I giggle as he throws us onto his bed.
“I promise I will.” He laughs. “But first I want to feel what it’s like to make love to you, knowing that you love me, too.” He kisses my nose and I chuckle. “What, too cheesy?” He winces.
“Yes, but that’s not what I find funny.” I grin.
“Care to enlighten me?” He sits up by the headboard, and I settle into his lap.
“All this time, I’ve never stopped playing by the cabin rules. I’ve always belonged to you, regardless of whether or not we were within the cabin walls. And it’s a joke to believe that I would never admit to being madly in love with you, because I’m yours and you’re mine.” I wrap my arms around his neck.
Evan rests his forehead on mine, and releases a deep breath. “You’re killing me here, Amelia.” He pauses, then pleadingly looks into my eyes. “Okay, now that we got that out of the way, how long are you going to make me wait until I can propose to you?” He grunts.
I throw my head back in laughter. “Let’s just eat some Dominican cake first and take it from there.” I pat his chest playfully.
When Evan doesn’t mimic my reaction, I start to believe that he’s being serious. Before I can say anything else, he crashes his lips into mine. “Let’s just get to this love making part and I’ll handle the rest Little Miss Amelia,” he finally teases back.
I think I’m going to love my thirties.
34
Evan
We’ve just finished havingdinner and I feel like the luckiest man alive.
