This Love: A Frank Adler Story

Nine

After a very long eight hour shift, I pulled up back home. It was raining outside.

I grabbed my items and got inside. For the ten seconds that I was out I was practically drenched.

Frank was on the couch with Mary. She was giggling while watching tv. Frank laughed with her.

I couldn't even focus on my job today. I quietly shut the door and set down my mug.

I walked into the bedroom, being soaked. I grabbed some shorts and a sweatshirt and threw them on before brushing out my wet hair.

I heard the bedroom door creak. Frank stepped in.

"You look cold."

"It's pouring rain." I said.

He came over. He was playing with his hands. I couldn't stay mad. I was frustrated with the situation, not him.

I turned around to look at him.

As I did, Frank got closer to me. I realized afterwards that there was a box in his hands.

"Frank...I don't know if it's a good idea at this point-"

He moved to peck my lips. I sighed.

"Do you want me to get on one knee and everything?"

"No." I said quickly.

My heart was beating out of my chest. He opened the box and slipped the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly.

I felt my hand shake in his. He sighed and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, tight. He kissed my head.

He pulled me away and pulled me into such a passionate kiss that I think I lost balance. He just held me closer.

Relationships aren't perfect. Ours was far from it and that was okay.

I couldn't help but smile as he pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. Our noses brushed against each other.

"I guess what I'm trying to do is apologize." He said as he moved his head away.

I smiled, tears in my eyes.

"This is an okay apology." I said as I looked at the ring. It was perfect. Frank pulled me into another hug. I smiled and kissed his neck.

I closed my eyes to keep the tears in. Frank set me down and kissed my forehead.

I felt more tears well up in my eyes. I looked down and sighed.

"I'm sorry. It's been a long day."

Frank pulled me in again. I sighed and let myself go.

Mary came in. I moved away from frank. She looked at me and smiled.

"Are you finally getting married?"

Frank nodded and smiled. I smiled as Mary jumped into his arms. He stumbled and hugged her.

I wiped my tears and sighed. Frank moved to kiss my cheek. I smiled sadly. Frank moved to hug me. I started crying again.

"Fuck I'm sorry." I whispered. Mary moved to kiss my forehead. I smiled at her.

"God I love you both. And Mary, baby I'm so sorry for what I said earlier today. I meant none of that. I love you like my own."

"I know you didn't mean it." She said. I sighed and looked up at frank. He smiled.

"Let's watch a movie in here." Frank said.

———

I was snuggled up with Frank as we watched a movie. Mary's head was on my stomach. I played with her hair.

The movie was almost done. Frank rubbed his thumb against my shoulder as we watched.

I moved to look at him. He stared at the tv, but smiled.

"Stop." He whispered.

I smiled. He moved to peck my lips. I rested my head back down, blushing. Frank moved my hair behind my ear. I looked down at Mary who continued to watch the movie.

She gasped as she watched. "Oh my god she's pregnant! Auntie you should be pregnant I want a little sibling...cousin- I don't know I want one."

I giggled. "It would be your sibling. But umm..let's just hold off. Don't rush these things."

"One day?"

I shrugged. "Maybe." I said.

"You would be a great big sister Mary." Frank said.

"So you'll help get me a sibling?" She asked.

"Oh no uh uh. We aren't talking about this again." I said.

"Intercourse?" She asked.

"Mary." I groaned.

She giggled.

"At least we don't have to teach her the birds and the bees." Frank said. I laughed.

"No we don't." I said.

Mary looked up at us. She moved up and hugged me.

"I have the best life ever." She said. "I love you both. But can you please please pleeeeaaase get married soon?"

"Very soon." I said.

"And then get pregnant."

"Stop." I said and giggled. "I don't feel like going through all that shit just yet."

"Like during labor how your entire canal splits but goes back to its normal state in just six weeks? Or how a contraction can have the same pain as a heart attack?"

"Yeah that."

She nodded. "One day?"

"Mhm. I'm still young enough."

She smiled. I kissed her head.

Frank rested his head back and closed his eyes. I kissed his cheek. Mary did the same.

She finished the movie before getting off the bed.

"Goodnight Mary." I whispered. Frank was already asleep. She smiled and kissed my cheek before shutting off the light and going to her bed. She left our door open. I didn't care.

I laid down with frank. He was out. I kissed his temple before shutting off the lamp beside him. He stirred a bit as I moved. I smiled and touched his shoulder while i got back to my side.

"Ave.." he whispered.

"Yeah."

"We're gonna be married."

"I love you." I whispered. "Even if our relationship wasn't picture perfect, I love you."

He smiled, his eyes still closed.

"Goodnight." I whispered.

"Goodnight fiancé."