"You don't have to say it back Hayden. I just know how I feel about you and I-" she stammers out.
"I love you too Layla." I say cutting her off.
I have plans for us, but it's too soon... just hearing those words let's me know that I'm making the right decision. I raise our interlaced hands and kiss the back of hers.
I never thought I'd be this happy in my life.
~~~~
I knock on my mom's apartment door and Avery answers. "Hayden... my, it's been almost a year since we last saw you."
I rub the back of my neck, nervous habit. "I'm sorry for not visiting you and mom more... things with my career just kind of took off and I haven't had much down time." I say feeling guilty.
"Oh honey, it's ok. Your mom and I just want the best for you. You know sometimes we check out some of the local galleries and admire your work. It's really really good sweetie." she says proud of me.
I blush from embarrassment, "That's sweet of you to say, thank you. Hey, I was wondering if my mom was home?" I ask her.
She shakes her head, "No she went to the grocery a little while ago, but she should be back any minute. Do you want to come in? I can fix you something to eat." she asks opening the door wider.
"I'd like that." I say with a smile and stepping inside.
In the middle of lunch while Avery and I are chatting, my mom walks in the kitchen and drops the grocery bags, "Hayden? You came back." my mom says wrapping me in a hug and kissing my head over and over.
"Yeah I had a lot of stuff going on... here let me help you with that." I get up from my seat helping her pick the groceries up.
"Dammit, I broke the eggs..." my mom groans frustrated with herself.
"Mom they're just eggs... they're replaceable. But the time you have with me isn't." I say touching her hand gently.
She looks up at me with a confused look but then she smiles and tears well up in her eyes. "Hayden I'm so proud of the woman you've grown into." she gushes.
My cheeks flush a deep red, "Thanks mom... I um, I was wondering if I could have the family ring. I know grandma gave it to you when she died."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" she asks me.
"I've met someone and I know I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She treats me so unbelievably well, takes care of me when I'm sick and coughing up a lung, she tells me when I'm being an asshole, and genuinely loves me for who I am. I'm wholeheartedly in love with this woman." I gush feeling my heart beat faster the more I talk about Layla.
My mom takes the ring off of her finger and places it in my hands. "Take every opportunity to tell her you love her Hays... you never know which moment could be your last." she says giving me a kiss on the cheek.
I slip the ring into my pocket. "I will mom. Thank you. I've gotta head out, but I'll make a point to visit more often ok?"
"Ok baby."
With that, I leave my mothers house with what I had come for... the ring I'm going to propose to Layla with. Just have to wait for the right time. As I get into my car my phone dings.
Future Wifey 💍
-this day is dragging onnnnn-
-I just want it to be over so I can come home and cuddle the shit out of you-
-and eat ice cream in our pjs-
-and cry because I'm getting fat-
-but then feel better because you'll tell me I'm beautiful no matter what-
H
-you can make it through the day baby-
-picking up your favorite on the way home-
-you are ALWAYS beautiful no matter what 😘-
Future Wifey 💍
-I love you Hayden Elizabeth 💕-
H
-and I love you Layla Blake ❤️😘-
My heart skips a beat when I read the words I love you.
~~~~
I'm curled up on the couch with Layla in my arms, tracing patterns along her arm. "Layla?"
"Hmm..?"
"Have you ever thought about having kids?" I ask out of curiosity.
"I've always wanted to be a mom... but it just never worked out. Zave and I tried for years, but he was um, shooting blanks. So I just pushed the thought out of my head... what about you?"
I chuckle, "I don't think I'd make a good mom... I had a really weird childhood, as you are so very aware of, and I just don't wanna fuck a kid up."
She giggles, "Well, contrary to what you might think, I think you would make a great mom. You pay attention to things a lot better than you think you do and you have a natural protective instinct."
Without realizing it my hand gravitates toward her stomach.
I imagine her being barefoot and pregnant cooking breakfast in the kitchen. Rubbing her little baby bump every morning and saying good morning to our little peanut. Being there for her through the delivery and holding our baby for the first time. Watching out child grow into a rambunctious toddler who is hell on wheels. That last one makes me giggle out loud.
"What's so funny?" she asks me. I can't tell her just yet... I still need to ask her to marry me.
a/n: she got the ring bois!
Keep in mind Hayden got that fame game going on too... 👀
