Bas
I CAN’T BELIEVE I’VE BEEN with one woman this long. What’s even harder to believe is that I’m considering marriage. I never really saw myself as a married man. However, when God sends the right woman, it instantly goes from being about you, to about her and your future.
I can honestly say, before getting involved with Kendell, my life was nice, but it was lacking something. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, until I opened myself up to her.
She’s not looking for the showy, flashy guy. She sees the real me. The guy who loves to cook, and cares about his family and friends. The guy who’s no longer afraid of commitment. Now, if I could only get her to talk about marriage.
I’ve tried talking to her about marriage and every time I do, she quickly recites her patented response, “It’s too soon.” We’ve been together almost two years. When will it not be too soon?
While Moses was picking out wedding bands for himself and Alex, I saw the perfect engagement ring, an oval diamond set on a platinum pave band. It was simple, but it looked like Kendell. I asked Henry to hold it for me.
Maybe it’s being around all these happy couples, but it would be a great way to cap off this impromptu trip. What a story that would be for our kids, “Mom and Dad went to Aunt Alex’s surprise wedding and came back engaged.” Could I sound any more like a woman?
I looked up and saw Miss Connie smiling at me. “What’s going on?”
“I was just wondering if you needed me and Emma to help you with anything.”
“What are you talking about?” I smiled.
“I recognize that look.”
“What look?”
“It’s the same one Moses had when I asked him if he was in love with Alex.”
I stood up and walked over to the counter and poured another cup of coffee. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I took a long sip and refused to look at her. I heard her walk over and stop next to me.
“Sebastian, look at me.” Miss Connie is like a mother to me, so when she gives me an order, I do it. I turned and met her gaze. She cupped my face in her hands. “You love her?” I nodded. “Then ask her.”
“I’ve tried to, but…”
“Try again.”
“You think I should?”
“I’m going to ask you the same thing I asked Moses. Do you love her or are you in love with her?”
“I love her and I believe we can be happy together.”
“That’s not what I asked. If you aren’t in love with her, then don’t do it.”
I looked at her with a half smile sitting on my face. “Do what?”
“Henry told Emma and me that you put a ring on hold.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t…”
“I met Alex’s father at a wedding and you see how that turned out.” We laughed.
“Miss Connie…”
“I may not have given birth to you, but you’re my son. I want you to be happy, but I also don’t think you should rush into something. A lot of people rush into marriage because they feel it’s the next step. Or, they get caught up in the moment at another wedding.”
“I don’t think I’m rushing. I’ve never felt like this about a woman.”
“So you think it’s love?”
I hesitated. “Yes.” She nodded. “What does that look mean?”
“It means I think you and Kendell need to talk.”
“I’ve tried, but she keeps saying it’s too soon.”
“Then maybe she’s not ready.”
“It’s not like I’m suggesting we get married tomorrow. I just want to know…”
“She’s my niece and I love her, but she’s had some challenges when it comes to men.”
“I told her I wasn’t like the other men. I’m not trying to…”
“I haven’t seen her this happy in quite a while, and I like how this relationship has affected you.”
“I haven’t changed, that much.” My joke was pathetic and transparent.
“I didn’t say you changed. I think she’s allowed the real you to shine.”
“And that’s a good thing…right?”
“It can be, at the right time…with the right person.”
“So you think marriage is too soon?”
“I didn’t say that, but I do think she’s scared.”
“Of me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you did what the other men didn’t.”
“Which was?”
“You fell in love with her.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The others said it, but they never showed it.” She covered my hand. “Talk to her before you do something that will break your heart.”