42 Hours (Time for Love 3)

“You deserve it, brother,” Cal said, voicing my thoughts. “It’s your time.”

TJ responded by saying, “I sure as shit hope so.” He took a long pull of his beer and said with a big grin, “I’m going to ask Sasha to marry me.”

“What?” Cal shouted. “That’s fucking awesome!”

I chuckled. Cal thought everyone should get married. If there was ever a man who believed in true love and marriage, it was him.

I was a little more reserved, and, although the excitement on TJ’s face pulled at my heart, I still had to ask, “Are you sure it’s not too soon?” I held up my hands before either of them could come at me and quickly added, “I’m not trying to piss in your Cheerios, or say that I don’t think you and Sasha are perfect for each other … But, it’s only been a few months. I just want to make sure that you’re thinking clearly … Like you all did for me.”

“I know you are, man,” TJ said, still smiling. I felt instant relief that my words didn’t piss him off. “I know it’s quick by most standards, but this is Sasha … And I know what I feel. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The shining light in my shitty life, and I’d do anything for her.”

“You guys are great together, I’m not discounting that,” I replied. “But you’re already living together. Why don’t you just do that for a while?”

TJ brought his eyes to mine, his gaze unwavering, and responded adamantly, “We could … but I don’t see any reason to wait. We love each other. We’re best friends. We are already living together. What’s the point in waiting? I know she’s the person that I want by my side for the rest of my life, and she says the same about me. I don’t have any other family, but you guys. It may sound silly, but I want Sasha and I to be bound to each other legally, as well as physically, and emotionally. I don’t want to wait to begin the rest of our lives together. I’m ready to start now.”

His words penetrated, and I heard, as well as felt, the truth in them. I let them marinate for a moment in my mind.

I could relate to everything he just said. I’d marry Gaby tomorrow, if she’d have me, and she and I weren’t even actually together yet.

I faced my friend and told him truthfully, “I get it.”

Cal and TJ smiled at each other, then looked back at me with a nod.

They both got it too.

When you meet the person you were meant to be with, time didn’t matter. When a relationship’s right, it’s right, and you don’t want to waste a minute of time apart from that person, when you could spend it together.

I hadn’t felt that way with Victoria, which made it easier for me to realize that I did feel that way about Gaby, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she was mine in the end.

Chapter 22 ~ Gaby

The ride back home was different than the ride to the lake. Cal and Shelly had to leave early in the morning, so TJ and Sasha rode back with Scott and me. It actually made it easier on me that way. Nothing against Scott, but I was still trying to process everything that had happened, and figure out how I wanted to handle the situation with Brock. Sitting in the backseat with Sasha, while TJ and Scott talked up front, took the pressure off me having to make conversation.

They dropped me off at Bee Sweet so I could get my car, and Scott got out to grab my bag and carry it over for me.

After he put it in the car, he leaned down and kissed my forehead.

“Give me a call,” he said, putting the ball in my court. I appreciated the fact that he was willing to give me the space I needed to talk to Brock. I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.

“We’re still on for the charity event, right?”

I nodded against his chest, holding on for a second more, before pulling back and telling him goodbye.

I watched him walk away, then got in my car and headed home. Rather than walking back to my place, I turned and headed for my mother’s house.

When I entered, the smell of apple cinnamon filled the air and I smiled at the feeling of comfort that filled me. I’d gotten my love of baking from my mother, and her apple cinnamon muffins were one of the staples of my childhood. They always managed to make me feel better, no matter what was going on in my life.

I followed my nose into the kitchen, where my mother was swaying to the music of the Grateful Dead as she maneuvered around her kitchen. I walked up behind her hugged her to me. I was a small woman, but I always felt like an Amazon next to my mother. She was petite, fair, and wise beyond her years. I’d always thought she reminded me of a fairy growing up.

“Morning, love,” she said in greeting.

“Good morning, Mom,” I replied as I let her go.

“Coffee?” she asked, reaching for the pot.

“Please,” I replied as I snagged a muffin and sat at the table.

She placed the mug in front of my and lifted my chin to look at my face.