why he asked what your MCAT score was. There’s also something else you might be interested in. They have on campus childcare for graduate students. I got an email about it earlier.”
Tears were streaming down my face. I’d only been home for days and this beautiful man had not only come into my life but was helping me figure out the rest. I thought my options were limited, but now I wasn’t so sure that was true. “You did this for me?”
“Of course. Actually, I asked my grandpa about it before you came to stay with me. I asked him after our time at the swimming hole. I didn’t know what would happen between us, but I knew I wanted to help.”
“Does he think he can get me in, this late in the game?”
“We’ll know in the next couple days. He said if he can’t make it happen for the fall he’s sure it can happen the first of the year. You’d only be one semester behind and it would give you time with baby.”
“Oh my god. This could solve everything. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but this could mend things with my parents. What about housing? My parents are an hour away.”
“You could always move in here.” He put his hands up. “Not necessarily with me. You’d have your own space upstairs, and plenty of room for the nursery. I was thinking about renting it out. I’d rather it go to someone I know, possibly someone who might want to keep me company every once in a while. Maybe in time you’ll want to move downstairs.”
“It’s very sudden,” I admitted.
“Yeah, you’re right, but does it feel rushed? For me, it’s like we’ve been together for years. I know you, Cammie. Maybe it’s different for me. I’ve always held onto hope. I know this is new for you.”
“True. It’s new for me, but that doesn’t mean it feels rushed. I don’t know what it means. When I’m with you I feel like I belong. I can’t make promises, but if your grandfather can get me into Duke this would be a good option for me and the baby. I wouldn’t ask you to help out. I’d already be imposing enough. For all I know the baby will keep us up all night. He or she could have colic.”
He took both of my hands and smiled. “Stop assuming I’ll get tired of you. Stop overanalyzing this thing between us. Just go with it. Do what comes natural and see where it takes us. If anything, I know we’ll be close friends.”
“But it’s not what you want, is it?” We needed to be upfront with each other.
“No. It’s not. I want more. I’m not going to lie about it. I want you. I want you to love me.”
“It’s not just me anymore, Wes.”
“I want it to be my baby. I wish it was.”
“That’s not the answer I’m looking for. I’d never ask you to take on the responsibility.”
“You don’t have to ask. Make me a deal. If you get in to Duke, and we’re still together in two months, I want you to let me help you. I’ll prove I’m not going anywhere. I’ll make you see what I’m feeling is the real deal.”
“Okay, but if it doesn’t work out I need you to promise we’ll remain friends. Josh would never forgive us. It means a lot to me. I wouldn’t have gotten through the past few days without you. I want you to stick around. We have a strong connection. I refuse to deny it, but I’m just scared we’re falling too fast. Is that possible?”
“Yeah, anything is possible if you believe.”
“You sound like a lame slogan.”
“Lame, or wise?” he snickered and rubbed his lips against mine. “I happen to know you’re still going to be right here with me in a couple months, and a couple months after that. In fact, I’m banking on us being together for a very long time.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked.
He put his hand up to my heart. “Because your heart led you right to mine.”
I was rendered speechless, yet again.
After a few moments and a very needed hug, I was able to say something in return. “Where have you been my whole life?” I meant it to lighten the mood, but of course he had an answer for everything.
“I’ve been here the whole time. You had to come back home to find me.”
Maybe he was right. Coming home