“Like what we’re going to eat for breakfast?” I wink before smothering her in playful kisses, hoping we can work it all out.

When I get home in the early afternoon, I immediately crash on my bed, too exhausted to do anything else. Thank God the last few weeks are behind us. I never should have agreed to Cory’s ridiculous plan. I should have tried harder to understand her reasons and worked through them with her, instead of letting her brush them off. She’s going to be around for a long time. Forever, if I have my way. I need to make sure she feels secure in our relationship.

Huffing out a breath, I throw my arms over my face to get some shut eye, but the thought of Cory and forever has my thoughts running rampant.

My mind goes where it shouldn’t. It’s too soon. And yet, it can’t hurt to be prepared, right? If you know, you know.

I shut down all negative thoughts as I grab my phone, calling my hero before I’ve even fully processed what I’m doing.

“Small bear. To what do I owe the pleasure? We only spoke a couple of days ago.” I roll my eyes even though he can’t see me. He’s been calling me small bear forever, despite the fact that I’m now over six foot.

“Gramps, I’ve missed you. How’s your shoulder going?” He tore his rotator cuff, doing things a man his age should never be doing. Being less active as a result has been hard on him. He’s a tough nut, but I can see him struggling, so I try my best to call or visit often to cheer him up. In fact, I spend most of my college breaks at his place. Well, I did, until he got himself a lady friend… His words not mine.

“My shoulder still works; I consider myself lucky.” That’s Gramps to a tee, glass half full. “If you’re calling about Christmas, tell your mom I’ll be there. She doesn’t have to use my favorite grandson to convince me.” I laugh because I’m his only grandson, and that’s definitely something my mom would do.

“I’m not calling for Mom. I’m calling for me.”

“I’m listening.” I hear shuffling, which means he’s probably getting himself comfortable in his recliner, expecting me to vent. He’s the one person, other than Shane, that I tell everything.

“I want to marry Cory,”I blurt and am met with a chuckle on the other end of the line.

“Well, that’s pretty obvious with the way you talk about her. Got any fresh news.” Smart ass.

I take a deep breath and share why I really called. “I don’t plan on asking her soon; things are still new. But I know she’s it for me, and well… well, I was wondering if… if it would be okay—”

“She would have loved you to have her ring, Nate. And from what you’ve told me about Cory, I know she would have loved her, too. That’s why you’re calling, right?”

I clear my throat to stop the emotion threatening to rise. “Yes, that’s why I’m calling. I’d love to one day propose with Gran’s ring.”

“I’ll bring it to Christmas, or is that too late for your impatient mind?”

Shaking my head, I laugh again. “Christmas is perfect. Like I said, I don’t have any immediate plans. It’s just good to know I’ve got it if the moment presents itself.”

I mean that. I don’t want to propose tomorrow or even this week or this month. But I’m going to propose one day. If our time apart has taught me anything, it’s that Cory is my number one priority, and I can’t lose her. No matter what gets in our way.

“Does your mom know you feel this strongly?” Including that…

I groan, even though I should have expected that question. “Not exactly,” I drawl. God, I’m such a coward when it comes to Mom.She’s so important to me, but ever since…

“Nate, you need to toughen up. She’s not the keeper of your life.”

“I know that!” I’m not lying. I know I need to talk to her, but there’s a reason I accepted a scholarship and moved away for college rather than using my parents’ money near home. She’s just impossible to tolerate on some things. My love life being one of them.

Gramps changes the subject, and we talk for a few more minutes. When I hang up, my smile remains in place. Today is a good day. Liv is twenty-one in a few hours, so she’ll get her inheritance. Cory and I can finally get back on track, and after last night, we’re in a good place. And, on top of all that, Gramps is letting me have Gran’s ring to one day propose to my beautiful girl.

Yep, life is good.

Closing my eyes, I curl up to take advantage of the rare moment of silence I’m being awarded and drift off to sleep with thoughts of Cory running through my mind.

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