Page 44 of We're All Liars
Tugging at my blonde strands, he says, “And you don’t care because you know I’m about to wake you up. Just like I did on the sailboat days ago.”
“Pretty much.”
“Any thoughts on when we’re taking that second sail? Because I’m ready.”
I’m not sure if I am. I never thought the damn thing would stay afloat. But it did, and now here we are… I’d agreed to marry him on the boat when we sail it a second time. “What’s the rush?”
“No rush,” he adds unconvincingly.
“Then why have you asked me every day for the last four days when we’re going again?”
I can hear the smile in his tone. “Maybe I am in a rush. But only because I know there’s no one else. You’re stuck with me. Might as well make it legal. I’ll sign a prenup or whatever if that’s your hesitation.” He goes to kiss me, but I push him back and sit up, his eyes intently watching me. “Morgan, what’s holding you back?”
I really didn’t want to get into this conversation yet, but he won’t let up. “I meant what I said. I don’t want kids. I don’t want a big family. I don’t want to be a mother. And I think you’ll regret being with me later on.”
“I don’t need kids. I can’t say I even want them. Never really thought about it much until you told me about the pregnancy. But the more I thought it afterwards, the more I agree. I’d make a shitty dad. And they’d have shitty grandparents. And even though I think they’d have a wonderful mother, I understand where you’re coming from. It hurts to have your heart walking around and not be able to protect them.”
“You’re going to hate me.” I really think he might one day. If he has some other life planned for us in his head.
“Not going to hate you.” He kisses my cheek. “Maybe argue with you.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Maybe hear you tell me to go fuck myself more often than not.” His lips brush across my mouth. “But never hate.” He gives me a real kiss, slow and patient before saying, “There’s really no rush. We have time. I’m staying here. You’re here. And we’ll just figure it out as we go.”
“I was thinking about that plan.”
“And what were you thinking.”
“Let’s get away for the summer. Sail around for a while, maybe go somewhere the water is actually clear.”
“Um. You have a little more faith in the sailboat than I do.”
“No, I really don’t. I picked out a few yachts that have an undercarriage for the sailboat. A new, working, dependable vessel. So, that’s my compromise. We can take the damn sailboat with us.”
“I don’t feel right about you spending that kind of money on something. Plus, I have responsibilities. I can’t just bail on Otis.”
“He’ll understand.”
“Yeah, but it’s the point, Morgan.”
“What is the point?” I grumble.
He hooks a finger under my chin and turns my face to his. “Us.”
“I’ll marry you if you agree that I can buyusa boat.” I hit him where I know it’ll help. “Imagine a three-month honeymoon on the water. Just us. No clothes. Just sun and lots of sex.”
“Fuck.” He groans. “That’s not fair.” After he stands up, he extends a hand to me. “I need to go let my best man know he has plans this week.”
“Neil?”
He nods and asks, “Who’s your maid of honor?”
No question about it. “Ryder. And can we leave the guest list at that?”
“We can do whatever you want. But are you certain you don’t want a big wedding or at least one with more of our friends to celebrate?”
“No. I just want it to be the four of us, someone to officiate, a casual dress, and no stress.”
“So,” he laughs as we make our way down the levee, “you have given it a lot of thought.”
“Wipe the fucking grin off your face or you’ll hear ‘go fuck yourself’ before you even get a chance to hear ‘I do.’”