“Do I need to shower for this surprise?”
“Not if you don’t want to.”
“I don’t want to. I plan on getting back in bed when this is over.” She shuffled off to the closet.
In the months that we’d been together, Sienna had spent ninety percent of that time staying with me. More than half of her possessions were in my house, yet she still wasn’t ready to move in yet. At least that’s what she told me. I had a feeling she wanted to take the next step but was going on my cue. I wondered when would be an appropriate time to ask her to move in for good.
I sent a quick text to Tony, telling him to get ready and that I was going to pick him up soon. He sent back a question mark and sleeping emoji, but I ignored it. His question would be answered soon enough.
Sienna came out of the closet wearing leggings and a tank top. “Do we have time for coffee?”
I kissed her cheek and went with her into the bathroom. “We always have time for coffee.”
I took a quick shower while she brushed her teeth. When I got out, she wasn’t in the bathroom anymore. I went back into the bedroom and she was curled up on the bed again.
Hm. These black-out curtains weren’t helping me out today. I flicked on the lights and she jumped up. “I’m up!”
“If you can stay awake for two more minutes, I’ll be ready. Or else I’m carrying you to the car.”
“I’m fine,” she said, still shading her eyes with her hands.
When I was finished getting dressed, Sienna stayed true to her word and was sitting up waiting for me.
Even without coffee, she was more awake than she had been before. That was a good sign. I expected more of a fight from her, but she was being a trooper. I knew she wouldn’t be disappointed once we made it to our destination.
Her text tone pinged and she reached over to the side table. Her eyes narrowed at her phone. “Why is Tony expecting a ride from us?”
“Because the surprise is for the both of you,” I said. “Get his coffee order and we’ll be on our way.” I knew Sienna hated surprises, but I had to do this one in secret. She would have fought me the whole way, and I knew deep down this is what she wanted and needed.
There was a distinct difference in our relationship now. I had the basic need to provide and protect her. This was my way of providing a happy and fulfilled life for her while protecting her heart. The consequences be damned.
After getting coffee, we swung by Tony’s place and picked him up. He hadn’t bothered to shower, either.
“You two have certainly become slackers since you became unemployed,” I said, pulling out of his driveway.
“Shut up,” Sienna said at the same time Tony said, “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
So, this is what it felt like to have teenagers.
Their mood didn’t get me down. I could barely contain my excitement on the way over.
When Sienna and Tony started to get their caffeine fix, they started to ask questions.
“Can you tell us now?” Tony said.
“This is starting to get annoying,” Sienna whined.
I took her hand and kissed it. “Patience, Sienna. I promise it will be worth it.”
She smiled over at me. “It better be.”
As we turned the corner toward where the diner had been, Sienna took in a sharp breath. Since it burned down, Sienna would take detours to avoid that area. It was too painful of a memory for her.
And that’s what I counted on.
Once the plot for the diner came into view, Sienna and Tony sat up in their seats.
“Parker!” Sienna gasped.