The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Thirteen

Every day was like a secret party between them. They fought between kisses to peel each other apart and maintain their outside lives. After work, Gunner ignored Devin's texts about a meeting at the Den. He needed her. He always needed her.

In the backyard, Dani hammered on getting her grand jete correct. She always found that dancing outside made her feel more liberated; the fresh summer breeze, the sun's unhurried descension to sleep, and the closeness to nature all significantly affected her dancing. At the doorway, Gunner peered with a steamy grin while sipping on a Blue Moon. He was finally off of work and he wanted to make their days without Mary count before they had some explaining to do. One pirouette caused her to stop as she saw Gunner.

She beamed at him.

"... You're an inspiration. I couldn't do that even if my life depended on it."

"Thank you." She replied, shyly.

Gunner walked closer to her and handed her his beer, "Water break?"

She scoffed, "Sure." They sat on the canopy swing that covered them from the spring's sunlight. He wrapped his arm around her and the sense of relief seeped into his body with just one touch on her skin.

"I missed you." Gunner's nose landed on her neck. She flushed.

"I missed you, too."

"Hey, I remember this dress." Gunner caressed the fabric of her dress that gently laid on her thighs.

"Really?"

"Yeah, you wore it to my 17th birthday party. Still, the coolest party I've ever had... we had laser tag, water balloon fights, poolside... took my first hit of weed, remember?" His grin showed the memories flashing in his eyes.

Dani exploded into laughter. "Yeah, we had to pretend that we weren't high, your eyes looked like little red beads! Shit, I can't believe this dress still fits."

"Yeah, that was kinda embarrassing... but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my birthday with anyone else but you..." A dampened hand caressed her cheek and Dani fell into his grasp faster than the speed of light.

"... You caught me off guard."

"I could tell..." She breathed into his mouth and deeply inhaled the air they shared.

"You're my downfall." He grinned.

"I know... and that's a good thing."

Eager lips to eager lips; it felt like her first kiss was done correctly every time their lips touched. Pressing her harder to him, he wanted to fuse himself with her.

"We've got three more days until we talk to my Mom."

"Who's going to... tell her?" They peered at each other – question marks clouded their eyes.

"We're in love with each other."

Mary hadn't even unpacked. Dani stood next to him, wincing.

Mary slowly glided onto the couch.

"Pardon?"

"We're in love with each other." Gunner intertwined his fingers with hers, declaring his sincerity and protection of Dani.

"So... I leave for a week and come back to find you two are in a relationship?" Her tone was steady.

"Yes. I'll no longer be staying in my room. I'll be in hers. Then, we'll move out – we need our own space. It's been a long time coming, Mom, but we love each other, and... this is what we want. I know you love that we're both here and you don't want us to leave but if you don't approve of it we'll move out quicker than we intend. " His delivery was matter-of-factly.

Mary's eyes were widened with awe protruding from them. Dani grew more nervous.

"I... can't even speak."

Now, Dani was really worried. Mary always knew exactly what to say.

"Mom... Mary, I'm sor–" Before Dani could finish her sentence, Mary busted into a loud laugh.

"Oh God, this is amazing! This is spectacular! This is one of the best days of my life!" She shot up and gave them both a hug filled with excitement.

"So, you're cool with this?" Dani asked while being taken aback at Mary's happiness.

"Are you kidding me?! This is what I've always hoped for. You guys are meant for each other." And in that sentence, Gunner flashed a raised eyebrow to say, "I told you so." She grinned.

"Oh my God, I'm relieved... but, Gunner..." Mary's tone quickly grew careful.

"What about your... prior arrangement?" She asked, biting on her bottom lip.

"I haven't figured that out yet, but I will." He squeezed Dani's hand.

"Right. One step at a time. Oh, I'm so happy for the two of you. And of course, I will support you both."

"So, you don't think it's weird that we're god-siblings?" Dani had to ask.

"It is kind of weird but who gives a shit? I don't! Be happy together." Her hands clasped to each other.

By the end of the day, Gunner moved most of his things into her room. Although they lived in the same house, it was as if they had moved in with each other.

In silence, they rested on the bed staring at the ceiling in her room.

"Dani... I love you." He delivered his words so delicately.

"I love you, too, Gunner." They turned to face each other.

"I have a feeling we're going to have a hard time getting sleep." His sly smirk was contagious.

"Oh, you got that feeling too, huh?"