I was so surprised when mom placed her pendant in my hand. I had always known there was something very special about it, but I figured she'd hang on to it forever. I could feel a sort of power in it when I hung it around my neck. I wonder how old it is, and where it came from?
Anyway, before mom called me out to the pond, things were just getting interesting between Lane and me. If it had been up to me, I'd have jumped him ages ago, but he insisted on being a gentleman and waiting until I turned eighteen. I was hoping to make my birthday night a night to remember, but by the time my mom and I were finished, daddy told me Lane was sorry, but he had to be up and the crack of dawn the next day, and he would see me tomorrow.
The next morning I was trying something new at my workbench when, ka-boom! I connected two wires wrong and before I knew it, my newest invention was an exploding ball of fire.
I was really glad right then there was a bathroom right off my workroom, and I hightailed it into the shower.
I was just stepping out again, my clothes soaking wet, when Lane rushed in.
"Livie! Are you alright? I was so worried when your dad's call came in at the station."
"Ya, I'm fine. Just a little singed on my behind."
"You need to be more careful. I..I really ..care for you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you..."
He had such concern in his voice, it shook me up. I shivered a little, I think probably from the cold water...
"You're soaking wet... come here."
He didn't seem to mind the wet clothes at all, and took me in his arms. Then I forgot everything else as he kissed me for the first time. It was just as wonderful as I'd been imagining it would be, ever since the night we first met.
Then I started shivering for real from the cold, and I let him carry me upstairs, even though I could have walked if I wanted to. He left me to change while he went to make sure there were no hot spots left in the basement.
Later we went down to inspect the damage together. My workroom was nothing but a pile of rubble. No wonder everyone had been so worried.
"You were lucky you didn't get caught in that cave-in."
"Looks that way, huh."
There was no way I'd give up my inventing. I compromised by putting my workbench outside behind the barn, though. And it was a whole lot nicer working outside. I never realized before how invigorating the outdoors could be. Being outside was actually inspiring, somehow.
Lane insisted on installing a "safety shower" in the barn, and on that we were in total agreement.
Today Lane and are are getting tattoos! He asked me to go with him while he got tatted up, and I decided I'd get some too. He knew exactly what he wanted, so he went first, while I checked out all the designs.
He got a few flaming tattoos, to show off down at the fire station.
I decided on three - a rose for my ankle, a butterfly on my lower back, and a line of pretty little flowers for my wrist. The rose and butterfly turned out great, but I hate the flowers on my wrist. The tattoo artist didn't make then nearly detailed enough, and from a distance it looks like a little worm. Not that I mind worms, really, but not tattooed on my wrist!
Afterward, we headed over to the White Rose for a few drinks.
And then a walk in the little park nearby...
"Livie, I was going to wait and ask you on a real date before I gave this to you, but its burning a hole in my pocket, and I can't wait any longer. I never realized until the past few days, how much you mean to me, and how much I love you, and have loved you for a long time - ever since that night your mom made you return that silly dish set, remember that? Will you marry me?"
"Of course I will. I think I've loved you since that night I smacked you with that pipe, remember that?"
"How could I forget? I had a lump on my head for days!"
It was late by the time we got home, and Lane had to go. He doesn't want to be tired for an emergency, and I guess I don't blame him. So my birthday wish will have to be delayed again.
It wasn't hard to prepare for the wedding. I can't stand dresses, so even though daddy advertised it as "formal", Lane and I decided to be the least formal we could and still get away with it. I knew mom, Lily, and Lance would refuse to dress up anyway, and I was right. All the usual family were there. There sure is a lot of us when we all get together.
Lane and I said our vows next to Sunflower's pond, in the grand Greenbow tradition.
...and kissed under the stars for the first time as husband and wife.
My sis Lara is having a baby! She doesn't even have a boyfriend.
"So who is the daddy? Inquiring minds want to know."
"Umm.. Trey.. Trev.. something like that. You know the guy in the top hat that hangs out downtown?"
"Are you getting married?"
"Heck no, I barely know the guy."
"Uh... how'd that happen?"
"Long story involving a double dare and several bottles of nectar. You don't wanna know."
Actually I did want to know, but it was obvious Lara wasn't going to share, so I dropped it.
Mom is excited as can be about grandchild number two. I suppose she'll be after me next.
We only had one party crasher, an old guy no one knew. He had the audacity to die right in the middle of the reception.
And to top it all off, just as the party was ending, Lara went into labor! Mom hustled her off to the car and drove her to the hospital.
Later that night, I had a new little nephew, named Antwan.
I didn't find that out until late the next day, however, as I was busy finally making my birthday wish come true.
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