A Dream to be Loved Kandi Jaynes (20 page)

"I came to accept early on when my friends were all talking about someday getting married and having children, that those things would never be an option for me. That no one would ever love me enough to want me around all the time. I've been very careful to not let myself become attracted to a man so I wouldn't have to deal with the heartbreak when they found someone more important."

Tears were now streaming down her face. She chanced her first look at Drake. She looked back down, knowing if she watched him she wouldn't be able to continue.

"I've loved this house from the first moment I saw it. I knew it was a place I could feel at home. Feel safe. Secure in the fact it was mine."

She looked back at Drake. "Until recently that is. Lately, I haven't felt safe. I've felt so vulnerable. You came in and ripped the security out from under me. I tried to tell you to go away, but you wouldn't. I tried to explain to you I couldn't handle a serious relationship, but you didn't listen. You wouldn't simply turn away like everybody else had. I realized some time ago how deep my feelings for you had grown, but I figured I would eventually get over it and my life would get back to normal. But you didn't get tired of me and leave." Her head dipped as she ran a hand across her cheek to wipe the tears.

"I also realized not long ago this house no longer felt like home. Being with you did. I only felt that sense of peace when you were around. I started to let myself believe maybe you really would stick around. Maybe you really did care enough about me to stay. I let myself think it might be okay if I allowed myself to have a relationship with you. It seems silly now, but I bought you a plant and was going to let you know I wanted to be around enough to help you keep it alive. I was even contemplating telling you how I felt that day."

She drew in a breath and blew it slowly between her lips. "Then I walked into your apartment and, well, obviously mistook the situation. What I couldn't mistake though, is what I felt when I thought you had turned to someone else. I knew right then these were not feelings I would ever get over." Her eyes came up and locked with his. "I love you, Drake."

He dragged her into his arms, squeezing her so tight she could barely breathe. She wasn't sure which one of them was trembling more.

"Kate, I have loved you since the day I met you. I can assure you that you have been, are, and always will be the most important person in my life." He sat her back on the coffee table and reached into his pocket. He slid off the couch and dropped to one knee. Kate, still trembling, brought a hand to her mouth. He took her left hand. "I've wanted to ask you this for so long. Kate, will you marry me?"

Sure she wouldn't be able to push words through her vocal cords, she nodded her acceptance. Drake slid the most beautiful diamond ring Kate had ever seen onto her finger and pulled her into his arms, with tears welling up in both their eyes as he kissed her.

Sliding her onto his lap, Drake held her tight until her breathing was normal and she stopped trembling. "We need to discuss eventual living arrangements." He turned her face to his and grinned. "I've not looked for a house myself because I was waiting until we could decide together where we wanted to live."

Astonished, she said, "Pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?"

His eyes sparkled. "Just optimistic." He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I know how much this house means to you. I want you to know, I wouldn't ask you to move."

She dropped a soft kiss on his cheek. "I appreciate that, I really do, but I think it would be best if we found a house together." She sat up so she could see him better. "This house helped me probably more than anyone could know. It gave me the security and stability I needed, and a sense of belonging." She looked around and sighed. "I love this house, and always will, but I don't belong here anymore." Emotions threatened to engulf her, but she managed to get the words out. "I don't belong alone, in my house, anymore. I think we belong together, in our house, wherever that may be."

*****

Now emotions threatened to engulf him. Because of the lump in his throat, instead of speaking, he pulled her close showing her with a kiss how much that meant to him.

The phone rang startling them, but neither moved to answer it. Sue left a quick message and hung up.

Drake dropped his forehead to hers. "You know I like your friends, and don't mind having them around, but do you think we could do something about this open door policy of yours? At least for a little while?"

Kate laughed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "They all have keys. How about a call-before-you-come policy?"

"Great. Now, however, I think you should call them so they can congratulate you on your wonderful new fiancé."

Kate threw her head back with a laugh, "My wonderfully modest new fiancé," she corrected, feeling happier than she ever remembered being.

The End

About Kandi Jaynes

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, I live on a quiet country road with my husband, two lovely daughters, and our many animals. I try to enjoy all aspects of life from work to relaxation, traveling and exploring new places, to simply curling up in my yard swing with a good book. I’m a firm believer in the phrase laughter is the best medicine, and believe nothing is as bad as it seems if you can find some measure of humor in it.