Hot 'n' Cold

24

I felt time stop, the door opened slowly and a tear rolled down my cheek. I heard the drop hit the pavement. My mom pulled me into a bear hug, behind her was the lieutenant, my father. I gasped.

"Daddy." I ran into his arms and held him tightly.

"I missed you so much nugget."

-ADAM'S POV-

"Hi Elizabeth, how have you been?"

"Worried like crazy! How was the trip, tell us all about it!" She led us out into the backyard. "So, this is my husband Gary, those are a bunch of relatives of Cleo's"

Cleo and I sat on the grass, while surrounded by the whole family.

"There was one moment I thought I was a goner, we were in the first few months and I stepped over this log. I forgot to look where I stepped. And this giant Viper snake got my ankle!" Gary looked like he was about to take off my head. "Luckily, Adam carries anti-venom!"

"Later on, we took a break at this beautiful watering hole." I let her tell all the stories, she passed her journal around and all the photos inside. Of course, everything was exaggerated just a bit, but the way her eyes sparkled in excitement was amazing. I couldn't believe that a year ago, she was getting heat spells when I was near her, and now it's only when we are separated, which is basically never.

"I'm going to help your parents in the kitchen, I love you."

"I love you more." She kissed my nose and continued to tell some little stories, to her cousins. I closed the sliding glass door behind me.

"Adam, what can we do for you?"

"I would like to talk to you if you don't mind." We sat down at the table and I pulled out the engagement ring. "I want to marry your daughter, and would like your blessing."

"It's a yes from me." Laughed Elizabeth. "Can I see the ring?" I opened the box.

"Hmm, Peridot and sapphire, you and her?"

"Yes, sir."

"Answer me this, how many grandkids are we getting?"

"I would want 3 kids, but it's all up to Cleo."

"Welcome to the family son." We walked outside with the burgers and hotdogs.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and the stars came out to twinkle in the night sky. Elizabeth turned on the lanterns illuminating the darkening yard.

"Excuse me! Could I get everyone's attention." Gary and his wife hugged each other, waiting. "As some of you may know, my name is Dr. Adam Miller or Cleo's boyfriend. I just wanted to take a few moments to thank you for coming out here. I know everyone is crazy busy, especially on a Monday. But our team arrived home 2 days ago, funny story. I had to drag Cleo out of bed just hours ago. That girl slept for 40 hours! And the only reason she got out was because I told her, we were getting our dog Fish back." The crowd laughed at my blushing girlfriend while Fish barked at the sound of his name.

"Cleo, this past year has been so much fun. And I know you are barely listening, you just want to know how Rocky and Athena are doing." I was met with confused faces, Cleo stood up. Her dress flowed behind her as she walked towards me slowly. "Rocky is our giant iguana, and Athena is the 6ft python. Anyway, I love you so much, Cleo. And I was going to do this in the Amazon." I knelt down in front of her and pulled out the little black box.

-CLEO'S POV-

"Cleo Stone, will you marry me?" More tears escaped my eyes.

"Oh Adam, yes, a million times yes!" He placed the ring on my finger and hugged me tightly, he took his chance and whispered into my ear.

"I'll make you say yes, again tonight." I laughed.

"Not when I'm in this state," he looked at me blankly. "I'm pregnant." Adam's jaw dropped, he let me out of the hug and looked down at my belly. He placed his hand on top and laughed.

"Are you really?"

"Dr. Samuels did an ultrasound. I'm 3 months." Adam picked me up and spun me around. My parents came over to us.

"Congrats on the engagement kiddo." My dad hugged me tightly.

"Not so tight Gary, she's carrying precious cargo!" My parents froze.

"A baby?!"

As midnight rolled around, we decided that it was time to head home. My phone pinged, a text popped up.

Unknown-

Welcome back! Since you took away the one thing I loved, I think I should repay you the favor.

XXX- S