Best of Women

Pippa

We'd made arrangements for Mia to go to gymnastics with a friend because Eva now had to take a break from gymnastics due to her grades. I was at the Mirandas' doing some laundry when she and Rio walked in after school. Eva was incredibly grumpy.

"Hey, guys," I greeted them as I poured in some detergent.

"Hi," Rio said quietly. Eva just tossed her backpack on the floor and kicked it. A few moments later, she stormed to her room and slammed the door.

"Lovely child," I commented, causing Rio to chuckle. He got some cookies from the pantry and sat down at the bar. "How was your day?"

"Fine," he told me.

"Have you thought any more about telling your dad what you told me?" I asked him.

"A little," he admitted.

"Good," I said. "Because it won't be a big deal for him at all."

"I hope not," he said.

"It won't be," I said firmly. "I promise you. It will make no difference to him."

"Sebastian might make fun of me," he said, which made me sad.

"I'll talk to Sebastian," I told him. He was a teenage boy who said stupid things sometimes. I was not going to let him crush his little brother. "Anyways. What do you want for dinner?"

"Chicken enchiladas?" he asked.

I nodded. "I think I have all the ingredients. I'll start in a while."

Eva stormed back out a few minutes later, having forgotten to get a snack. She grabbed a fistful of cookies.

"Don't eat too much. I'm starting dinner soon," I told her.

"Bite me," she snapped at me. Rio gaped.

"Hey!" I protested. "Don't talk to me like that."

She just glared at me and went back to her room. I decided to steer clear of her for the night. I knew she was upset about not getting to go to the gym, but she'd brought it on herself.

Lin came home a half hour or so later and seemed...giddy. He was in a really really good mood. He grabbed me and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. Rio said "eww" and moved to the living room.

"I missed you," he told me, his hands gently stroking my arms.

"I missed you too," I admitted. "Sorry, I needed some space."

"That's okay," he said softly, kissing me again. "But I've been thinking. Maybe you don't feel comfortable moving in because we're not...official yet."

I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering what he was up to. I was completely floored when he reached into his back pocket and pulled something out. He got down on one knee and opened up a dark blue velvet box. My hands flew to my mouth as I looked down at a beautiful ring.

"Philippa...will you marry me?"

I looked at him, flabbergasted. He was so hopeful, and I knew he expected me to say yes. I could see us possibly getting married someday, but not now.

"Lin..." I began, trying to find delicate words. "Umm...what are you doing?"

He looked at the ring and then back up to me. "I'm proposing."

"Lin," I bet my lip. "That's really sweet, but we're not ready for that."

He breathed out a little and looked down, obviously hurt. We were quiet for several moments before he finally sat up.

"Pippa..." he set the ring on the counter and took my hands. "I want to be with you. Always. I thought you felt the same way."

"Lin, I have strong feelings for you, but we've only been dating a couple months," I pointed out.

"We've known each other for years," he said.

"We haven't even said I love you yet," I said, searching his eyes.

"I do," he said softly. "I love you."

I wasn't ready to say it back. I just wasn't. I felt my eyes tearing up. It broke my heart how desperate he seemed. Was he just into me because he wanted to be with someone? Was he just desperate to be married again; to have a mother for his children? Suddenly, I was disgusted.

I stepped away, letting out a disgusted sigh.

"I need to go," I said, gathering my purse.

"Pippa-" he called after me as I stumbled quickly towards the door. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I practically ran down the hallway, tears streaming down my face. Was that all I was good for? To be a dutiful wife who cooks and cleans for him and his four kids? Was that all I meant to him? He'd told me he loved me, but I wondered if he even knew what love was.

I raced home and collapsed on my bed, giving in to my sobs.