Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

“Rappers usually do,” she says sarcastically.

“Christian rapper and he really walks the part. He … um, he doesn’t believe in sex before marriage.”

Petunia laughs.

I glance down.

“Oh my God. You’re serious.”

“As a heart attack.”

“And you’re okay with this?” Petunia whispers.

“I wasn’t sure at first. It’s unusual for people our age, and there’s so much emphasis placed on sex. I started to turn him down based on that alone.”

“And then what happened?”

“I asked myself what mattered most in a relationship. Trust, respect, humor, common ground, and a million other things popped up first. We might not be sleeping together, but there’s plenty of intimacy.”

“How?”

“Holding hands, snogging like teenagers on the couch, cuddling, and sharing things with one another. It’s so much more than joining our bodies.”

“Wow.”

“We’re doing something I’m not sure I’ve ever done,” I admit.

“What’s that?”

“Dating with the intention of finding the person I want to be with for the rest of my life.”

“Jesus, Willow. What did this guy do to you?”

“He showed me what a relationship could be and I’ll never go back now.” Thoughts of him bring a smile to my face.

“You don’t think he’s coming with a lot of rules, regulation, and baggage? Where’s the kids’ mother?”

“Ilana and Neomi’s mother has a habit that landed her behind bars.”

“It just keeps getting better.”

“Petunia, you were encouraging me to give him a try, what’s with the hostility now?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt again, and he’s got a lot going on. I mean, how often is he even home? Who watches his children? Does he even have time for you? What happens if you decide to get married? What if the sex sucks? Are you ready to be an instant mom?”

I blink. “Whoa. First of all, marriage is a long way off. I don’t know if I’m ready for that, I haven’t met the girls, so the jury is still out. His mother watches them now, but previously there was a nanny while he was on the road touring. Yes, he has a hectic schedule, but he always makes time for me. I never worry about my importance to Drew, because he makes it clear by showing me in everything he does. From the random facts about me, he remembers, to the way I make my coffee or the texts during the day. I know this is different, but I’m happy. Can’t you support me for that reason alone?”

Petunia sighs. “If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“Thank you.”

“But I’m watching this guy like a hawk. I want to see the two of you together.”

I nod my head. And this is the other reason I kept it to myself. “I’ll set something up soon.”

“Good.” She nods, satisfied.

“How’s morning sickness?”