“We aren’t spending nights apart. Done with that shit,” he says for my ears only. My mom’s eyes flick over toward us and I have a feeling she might have heard Owen. It is no secret how serious we are. I even have a promise ring on my finger that Owen put there. The promise being that he and I will always be together. That college is just the next step in our journey. No matter what that journey is we are going to do it together. I never doubt that. Promise ring or not. I always know where I stand with Owen. Every person in our lives knows the path we are on with one another. He is never shy about letting everyone know that I am his.
He never made it seem like I was property, though. It was always more in a way of being proud to show me off. He loves to brag about me. He teases that he doesn’t know how he managed to win me over. He says it must have been his good looks because it sure as hell wasn’t his math or sewing skills. I always respond by telling him it was his sweetness that did me in. Above all else, that’s what really sank me. Owen is always sweet and good when it comes to me. It’s been like that since the minute I met him and it’s still that way until this day. I know it will remain the same for the rest of our lives. I look forward to cherishing every moment of it.
“In Europe they push the twin beds together to make it a single one.”
“Mom!” I snap at her. I swear she says these things to poke at me. I should be used to them. Owen only chuckles, having gotten used to her remarks. “It’s true. You just get a queen fitted sheet and push them together. Don’t want you falling out of bed. You’re not used to a twin.”
“Whatever,” I mumble. Owen only laughs harder.
“At least I don’t have to live with fifteen other men.” I remind Owen of his own living situation.
“Don’t give a shit where I sleep, Ace.” When my mom turns to going back to making notes in her little pad, he leans down next to my ear. “Long as you’re next to me.” He kisses below my ear. “Under me.” This time he gives my neck a small nibble. “On top of me. I don’t care.” My whole body heats. I have to remind myself my mom is here. My dad and Owen’s mom will be showing up any moment too. It’s moving day for both of us.
“I think I’ve got the list done.” My mom turns to look back at us both. Her happy smile turns soft when she sees Owen has his arm wrapped around me tight. Her eyes start to water and I know what’s coming. Instantly a knot forms in my throat.
“Should I—” Mom cuts him off.
“No, Owen. You stay,” she tells him before she cups my face. “You did it. Knew you would.”
“We did it,” I correct. Without her I wouldn’t be here.
“And you’ll keep on doing it.”
“I will,” I agree. She gives me a kiss before she drops her hands.
“And you’ll be with her.” She points at Owen, who stands up a little straighter.
“Always,” he responds without missing a beat. The stern look my mom had for a brief moment aimed at him drops.
“I know you will. You’re a good man.” She pulls him down and gives Owen a kiss on the cheek before she heads out of my dorm room. She’s likely meeting my dad, who has the U-Haul. She may have excused herself before she burst into tears.
“We’re doing this, Ace.” Owen turns. I tilt my head to look up at him. We are. I am lucky to find my true love at such a young age. Owen didn’t let me push him away. Somehow we always offset the other. We are a perfect match.
Even his mom fits in with my family. We are one big family now. It will grow one day but not today. Owen and I both still have dreams we want to fulfill. We have all the time in the world. I’m going to savor each moment as they come.
A decision to switch schools, an act of kindness and a glimpse in the right direction all led to this moment. I will be forever grateful that the stars aligned to bring Owen and me into each other’s lives.
Now we’ll get to do it all together. Everything from football games, late-night study sessions, Owen getting drafted to the NFL, me graduating medical school, to having an NFL star of a husband to getting a place of our own and seeing my husband not only win a Superbowl but give his mom the life he’d always dreamed he would. Then one day to have babies and juggle it all. Some parts might be easy while others will be hard, but I know together we’ll have it all.