Like it’s always just been us this whole time.
Austin turns to me, his arms settling around the small of my back, his eyes pouring into mine.
“So …” he says, filling the gentle air.
“Yeah,” I say right back, then let out a small, nervous chuckle.
Then we come together, my face against his shoulder, his against mine, as his arms close around me in that sweet protective way that makes everything else fall away.
My favorite place in the world.
“I guess …” I start to say, voice buried somewhat in Austin’s shoulder, “this is when I … say something life-changing …?”
He chuckles. “Or we just bug your parents and insist to help clean up the mess in the backyard.”
I pull back just enough to look at him. “Austin …”
“Or, if you’re afraid of facin’ their wrath over us bein’ way too dang helpful, we could take up Billy and Tanner’s offer to go head-to-head at the arcade this afternoon with their game-happy kids?”
I smile distractedly, remembering. “Right. We, um … could …”
“Wasn’t that pastor guy I met for half a second also roped into the plans? Since he and his husband left early before the fireworks and we didn’t chat with them much, it’d be a nice chance to—”
“I think I have to do something first.”
He peers at me. “Do what?”
After a moment’s thought, I begin to slowly nod. “I … I think I need to …” I swallow. “… to have a talk with my parents.”
His gaze hardens with understanding. “About your future.”
“About a number of things.” I give his arms a squeeze as I let go. “I just hope … I hope they …”
He gently takes my hands, bringing my focus back to his eyes, grounding me in that amazing way only he can do. “Theyloveyou. Trust that love.”
I close my eyes, squeeze his hands, and nod.
Then I peer back at the house. It looks like a gargantuan bug with eighty eyes and it’s lunchtime soon.
“Want me in there with you?” he asks suddenly.
I turn to him. “No, no, that’d be too much.” The next second, I blink. “Or maybe that’d be perfect …? Yes.” I nod, realizing it’d be impossible for my parents to get upset if he’s there. “You’reexactlywhat I need. I need you there. Be next to me.”
Austin smiles that self-assured, cocky-ass smile of his.
Exactly what I need to see.
Y’know, before I enter the mouth of that gargantuan, hungry, eighty-eyed bug.
I gather my parents in the downstairs study. It’s easy. My dad was already there looking for a book. My mom was nearby in the kitchen finishing a bagel. People are in the backyard loading stuff up from the party and nothing needs their attention.
It’s the perfect time.
And here I sit in a chair across from them. Staring the two of them down like they’re strangers. Austin in a chair next to mine.
Isit the perfect time? Could this have waited another few days or so, letting us ride the high of the party before I go and do this?
Am I about to ruin everything?