A Walk to Eden

31

Eden is wedged between Sam and I, slowly eating the soup he made her. Her fever went down, thankfully, but it is still concerning. I brush the hair out of her face with me hands, combing it between my fingers. It's always a worry of mine of her getting sick. She's so little, and her immune system has always been weaker. Having Sam there though, to help calm the nerves, has been a saving grace. Him humming with me as we cook, him help me fold laundry, hold me when I worry. The more he's here the more I realize...

"You done sunshine?" Sam asks. Eden nods and hands me the bowl. I get up and take the half eaten soup to the kitchen.

When I come back, Eden is tucked under the covers, nuzzling into Sam's side. He runs his fingers through her hair, humming a soft tune. I stand in the door way and watch them as Eden's eyes slowly close. Seeing Sam take care of Eden not out of obligation, but the simple want. He treats her like she's known him his whole life. Like she's his. No doubt in my mind, he will be the best father. The way he's gentle, playful, and patient with her. I know he is going to be a loving father. And the want to make that happen... Sam looks at me and smiles.

"She asleep?" He whispers. I nod and he smiles down at her. He gently gets up, and rolls the blankets over her. Kissing her temple, he leaves the room. He closes the door quietly. I walk into the living room, feeling his steps behind mine. I turn around and pull him in. His hands gently hold the sides of my face.

Kissing him feels like breathing. Holding him feels like home. He is my sanctuary, my latibule. I feel the worry wash off of me. He pulls away, but I hold him closer, not wanting him to let go. I realize...

"You drive me mad." He chuckles into my skin, leaving soft kisses around my face.

"I love you." I nuzzle into him. He pulls back, still holding my face.

"I love you." He smiles. "Are you alright?" He asks. I nod.

"I want us to go with you." I whisper, leaning my head on his chest. "I don't want you to leave. Neither of us do." I look back at him. His caramel eyes staring back into mine. "I love you. And I don't want a moment away. Your my home." I feel my eyes start to water.

He doesn't say anything. He just stares at me. His eyes traveling around my face, to my hair. His so beautiful.

"Okay." He whispers.

"Really?" I ask.

"Yes." He smiles. "I want you there. I was going to ask you, but you beat me to it." He chuckles. "I don't want to leave you guys either. It would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do." He leans his head onto mine. Intertwining our fingers, he leans his lips onto mine.

I realize. This is the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. He is the only person I trust everything with. My life, my home, Eden. He has it all. It's terrifying. He could wipe it all away, throwing everything out the door. He could leave, and never come back. As much as the thought drills fear into me, I wouldn't choose anyone else.

"I know it's crazy." He whispers. "But I can't imagine a life with out you." I turn my head up and look at him. "I don't want to." He holds my arms and walks me to the couch, sitting me down. "I love you." He kneels down in front of me, holding my hands. "I know, I know, it's crazy, but I don't want to wait anymore." His eyes start to fill with tears.

"Sam.." I whisper, holding the side of his face. His hand covers mine, softly squeezing it.

"I don't want to wait until I'm back. I don't want to wait until the tour, or the band even is over." He takes a deep breath. "I want forever to start now." He reaches his hand into his pocket. I feel my chest tighten. Is he-