First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 52

  The past couple days have been really good. It feels great to just let myself be and to be happy. Today was a good day at work but I was ready for it to end so I could get home to see KK and Taytum.

  The minute I walk through the front door, the sound of small feet pounding against the floor echoes from the hallway. KK rounds the corner at full speed, her hair bouncing, her smile wide enough to knock the air out of me. "Mommy!" she shouts, launching herself into my arms.

  I catch KK easily, laughing as I stagger back a step. "Hey, hey, slow down! Are you trying to knock me over, baby?"

  KK hugs me tight, arms wrapping around my neck like she didn't just see me this morning. "I missed you!"

  "I missed you too," I say, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "How was your day?"

  "I played ponies at recess and I got a sticker from Ms. Lopez for helping clean the blocks and I drew a cat that looked like a potato."

  I grin. "Sounds like a solid day."

  Behind her, Taytum stands near the kitchen island, watching the two of us with that look again. The one that makes my chest feel like it is stretching wider just to hold whatever this is between us. Her arms are crossed, but her smile is soft. She doesn't say anything. She just lets the moment be what it is.

  KK wiggles out of my arms and takes off down the hallway again. "I'm gonna finish my tea party!" she yells without stopping.

  I wait until she is in her playroom, then look over at Taytum. "Hi," I say quietly.

  "Hi," Taytum answers, walking toward me. We meet in the middle, her hand brushing my arm as she leans in and kisses me.

  "You look good," she says, voice low. "Tired, but good."

  "End of the day teacher exhaustion," I say. "It's a look."

  "It's working for you."

  I smile, feeling the edge of my nerves start to poke at me. I take Taytum's hand and lead her to the couch. "Can we sit for a second?"

  "Of course."

  Once we are both settled, I turn towards Taytum, pulling one leg up onto the couch between us. Her hand finds mine easily, like it belongs there.

  "I've been thinking about something, all afternoon actually," I say slowly. "And I want to say it right."

  Taytum tilts her head. "Okay."

  I glance down, then back at her. "You're already here most days. You bring me lunch, you help with KK, you're here and... I don't want that to change."

  Taytum's brow lifts slightly. She doesn't speak, but her grip on my hand tightens just enough to tell me she is listening.

  "I'm just saying, what if we make it official?" I say, heart thudding. "What if you... move in?"

  For a second, the room seems still. Taytum doesn't react right away, and I worry I misjudged everything. But then a slow smile spreads across her face, one that reaches her eyes and lights up every inch of her.

  "You mean it?" she eagerly asks.

  I nod. "I know it's fast. I know we've got a lot going on, but I feel better when you're here. KK's happier. I'm happier. Calmer. And we're already doing life together in pieces. I don't want the pieces. I want the whole thing."

  Taytum leans in and kisses my hand. "Then yes. I'll move in. I really want that too."

  Relief floods me so quickly I almost laugh. I squeeze Taytum's hand and exhale. "Okay. Okay good."