Right Where You Left Me | Grayson Dolan

8

Brooklyn

I've read a lot of articles and advice columns on parenting, and a lot of them will tell you that Saturday morning cartoons are one of the best distractions you can give to your kids while you and your partner sneak off to the bedroom for some quick intimacy.

In other words, Grayson and I figured out that putting Ivy on the couch to watch cartoons in the morning was one of the best ways we could get alone time while we snuck upstairs to have sex.

Worked like a charm. Thank you, parenting articles.

"Let's go somewhere this weekend," Grayson said, leaning on the door frame as I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom. "We can take Ivy up to the lake and rent out a boat to go on the water. It'll be fun."

"Yeah," I said. "Let's do it."

"We can use my grandparent's cabin. Would you mind if Ethan and Kylie came with us?"

"I would love for them to come with us," I said. "It will be a fun weekend."

After I rinsed the toothpaste from my mouth, Grayson wrapped his arms around my stomach and started leaving kisses on my neck. "Ivy's watching tv downstairs, and our door is locked.

I turned around to face him, biting my lip as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I'm giving you twenty minutes," I said.

Grayson licked his lips before leaning in to whisper in my ear. "That's ten minutes for every time I'm gonna make you come this morning."

"Time starts now," I said. "Better hurry."

Grayson scooped me into his arms bridal style before walking into our room and laying me on our bed.

Sure enough, he did exactly what he said he was going to do. And yes, it was incredible.

After Grayson threw some clothes on, he went downstairs to sit with Ivy while I took a shower and got ready. Then I got Ivy dressed and ready for the day while Grayson showered.

We've been playing outside in the backyard almost every day since we moved in, and Ivy has loved every single second of it. It's usually pretty rainy in Washington, so this is a nice change of pace for her to actually be able to use up her energy while being outside.

Ethan and Kylie came over to hang out with us, so we all sat on the patio while Ivy ran around the backyard and Grayson grilled some fresh vegetables and veggie burgers.

"So, do you guys wanna go up to the lake with us this weekend?" Grayson asked as we all sat down to eat.

"Sounds fun," Ethan said. "We haven't made plans yet, so that's perfect."

"We're probably gonna rent out a boat for the weekend, so we can go on the water."

"And grandma and grandpa still have those jet skis we can use," Ethan said.

Grayson smiled at me before placing his hand on my knee. "You gonna go on the jet ski with me, babe?"

"I'll go on it with you," I said, smiling back at him.

This is the life I always dreamed about. Finally being safe, and letting myself truly be happy for once. Grayson makes me endlessly happy, and I know that's how Ivy's starting to feel.

"I'll take Ivy on the jet ski too. She'll love it," he said. "That reminds me. Does she have a life vest, or do we need to get her one?"

"She has one, but it's getting small on her, so it's best to get a new one."

"We can do that," Grayson said. "Does she also need new swimsuits then?"

I nodded. "Definitely. It's been almost a year since she's been swimming, so she's definitely grown."

"We can go shopping tomorrow if you'd like," Grayson said.

"Okay."

After we finished eating, Ethan and Grayson got up to clear the table and do the dishes, while Kylie and I continued sitting at the table and talking.

Ivy wanted to sit with me, so I lifted her onto my chair.

"So, are you gonna show me that ring?" I asked, smiling at Kylie.

A huge grin took place on Kylie's face as she held her left hand out to me. "He did good," she said.

"Wow. That's a beautiful ring. How's he propose?"

"So, the night of graduation we went to dinner with my family and Ethan's family, and I was sure he was going to do it then. It caught me off guard that he didn't. A week later we went on a little dinner date and we took a walk along the river and there was a live band on the boardwalk playing one of our favorite songs. I turned around, and Ethan was on one knee. It was perfect, and I couldn't have dreamed of a better proposal. Honestly, I'm so relieved that he didn't do it in front of my family. You know? I wanted the moment to be just about us, and not about them."

"That's awesome. It's a more special and intimate moment when it's just the two of you. Do you know when you're getting married?"

"September of next year. I wanted a longer engagement so that I'd be less stressed with wedding planning, and it'll be a more relaxed process. We're gonna have a small ceremony anyway. Just our closest friends and immediate family."

"That's really sweet," I said. "I'm so happy for you guys."

Kylie smiled. "Right now I'm working on my bridal party invitations," she said. "Also, that reminds me," she continued, getting up to walk over to the other side of the table. She kneeled down next to Ivy and smiled. "How would you like to be my flower girl, miss Ivy."

Ivy smiled at me. "What's that, Mama?"

"It means you get to toss flower petals onto the ground before Kylie walks down the aisle to marry Uncle Ethan."

Ivy glanced at Kylie. "Okay," she said.

"Yay," Kylie said, getting up to go sit back down. Ethan and Grayson walked back outside, and Kylie was already smiling at her husband-to-be. "Good news. We have a flower girl," she said, gesturing to Ivy.

Ethan smiled. "Awe. Ivy, you're gonna be the best little flower girl ever."

Grayson leaned down, kissing Ivy on the cheek. "Not to mention the cutest one," he said.

Ivy giggled as Grayson gave her more kisses on the cheek, and I couldn't help but smile. Ivy already adored him so much.

Grayson then sat down in the chair next to mine, placing his hand on my knee before smiling at me.

"What?" I asked, smiling back.

"Just looking at ya. You look beautiful today."

A blush rose onto my cheeks. "Awe. You're so sweet," I said.

"When's your wedding?" Ethan joked.

Grayson smiled at me again. "Someday."