33

I laughed.

“I told you it was a good idea.” JerRic grinned. “I wasn't sure if her scales would freak you out.” My husband winced.

“I had a pet iguana when I was eight.” I smiled. “I named her kitten.”

“Kitten?” JerRic's eyes were wide.

I laughed. “Yeah. Mom is allergic to cats, so I thought it would be a good compromise.”

JerRic grinned. “Well, Beth, you can have whatever animals you want. I'm not allergic.”

I couldn't help smiling. “Maybe another iguana?”

JerRic laughed. “Okay.”

The house came into view. I felt happy. I wasn't sure about this when I started the journey, but I couldn't dismiss how JerRic made me feel or the effect this place was having on me. That's when it dawned on me that I was building a life with JerRic. Before that, I had been so worried about taking care of Mom that I hadn't really thought about finding someone for me.

“I don't know that look.” JerRic nudged me.

I chuckled. “I was just thinking marrying you might have been a good decision, after all.”

JerRic laughed. “I should hope so; no taking it back, Beth. You're stuck with me.” His mischievous grin was more of a threat than reassuring.

I started laughing.

“I'm hungry. Are you hungry?” JerRic leaned in.

“Sure, why not? I just took on a few dragons. I think we deserve a celebration meal.” I nodded.

“I wouldn't exactly call petting Rosie Posie and calling her a pretty girl... facing dragons.” JerRic smirked.

I laughed. “She is a pretty girl. She deserves to be told that.”

JerRic opened the front door laughing, and we both walked inside.