Page 86 of Whiskey & Honey

I have to admit, when Laurel suggested Charades I was a little uncertain. I don’t like being in front of a group of people acting like a fool. That’s what I assumed it would be like, how I thought it would feel, but with the ability to add basic words and topics to the clues, Ashton and I have racked up a few points of our own and I’m having fun.

Now it’s Ben and Laurel’s turn. For people who have played this game a lot and as partners, they aren’t all that great. I expected them to run away with the lead right away, but they didn’t.

“Okay, Benny boy, let’s do this. I feel good about this round,” Laurel shouts.

Benny boy? That makes me cringe and Ashton looks at me and rolls her eyes. We both share a laugh before turning our attention back to Laurel.

Laurel stands at the front of the room and grabs a piece of paper. She holds up one finger to indicate it’s one word. Laurel begins her movements and I have no clue what she’s doing. It’s almost like she’s tightening a rope.

“Bar!” Ben shouts and she high fives him.

I’m not sure how he got that, but whatever. This goes on for three more clues – whiskey, crying, phone. They are rolling through these clues when Ashton leans over and whispers to me. “I think they’ve been sandbagging; they’re doing too good now.”

I nod in agreement. The fact that Ben and Laurel are so in sync makes those uneasy feelings reappear. I find it difficult to look at them; jealousy is a crap feeling. Then I hear the next few words and my attention is drawn back to them. Selfie. Lake. Rocks. Running. I realize then that Ben is looking at me. He’s not looking at Laurel at all.

“These are most random words ever,” Ashton declares, leaning back in a huff. I do the opposite and move to the edge of my seat.

“Next word, Ben,” Jameson says, handing Laurel another slip of paper.

Smiling and looking straight at me instead of at his partner, Ben says quietly, “Whiskey.” Jameson hands her another paper. “Honey.”

I feel the lump forming in the throat. My heart is in in my stomach, palms wet, warmth spreading through every pore of my skin. Another slip of paper.

“Heart.”

I audibly take in air.

“What’s happening?” Ashton asks, sitting up and realizing Ben isn’t looking at Laurel but is giving answers.

Another clue.

“Forever.”

The first tear falls. I look at everyone in the room. Paul and Patty are holding hands and both have tears in their eyes. Jameson has a huge smile on his face and nods in my direction. I look to Laurel, who is freely crying and smiles at me. I look up to Ben as Jameson holds up another slip of paper and lets it fall to the ground.

“Always.”

I turn to Ashton, who looks confused and, for a moment, I feel horrible for what is about to happen. I may be sacrificing the single most important relationship in my life to date.

“Piper? Why are you crying? What the hell is happening around here?”

“Ashton, remember what you told me at my house the other night?”

“Uh, not really. We talk about all kinds of shit. You’re freaking me out. Oh my God, is someone dying?”

“No, Ashton. I told you I would tell you before it happened. I didn’t do that before and I’m sorry. But, I’m doing it now.”

“Okay seriously, what are you talking about?”

“I’m going to kiss your brother,” I say before I stand to walk toward Ben. I don’t make it two steps before he’s in front of me.

“Piper, I’m tired of being patient. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Thank Jesus,” is all I hear before he scoops me up and kisses me. This isn’t a kiss with any doubt. This is a kiss of promises and forever. A kiss by the man I have loved all of my life and the only man I want to spend the rest of it with.

I hear a gasp and commotion behind me, but I’m too wrapped up in this moment to even care. The kiss goes on for what feels like forever and equally not long enough. That’s how it is with him. Everything feels like it can go on forever and yet it’s never enough time.