Truth or Lies?

by A. Gomez

  He helped me out of his truck and I noticed he wasn’t in FBI mode anymore. All the threats must finally be over. I would finally get to know and see non-FBI Josh. I could hardly wait. Although a tingle of fear did hit me. What if I didn’t like non-FBI Josh?

  We held hands up the elevator and all the way to the door of his apartment. I could sense he was drained and tired from everything that happened this evening and the past six weeks. I was, too.

  He opened the door for me. I walked into a dark room with only the glow from the outside lights shining in. I could hear loud rumbling and popping. The fireworks must have started. I could see a little of them as I headed towards the glass doors.

  “Happy New Year, baby.” Josh was behind me, kissing the side of my neck. He pushed a button on his remote and got the fireplace going. The fire gave the living room a warm glow, revealing the flowers that were sitting on the kitchen table. They were peonies in a white ceramic vase.

  “Oh, Josh, when did you do this?” I squeaked. “They’re gorgeous! And peonies, my favorite. How did you manage to find peonies this time of year?”

  “I didn’t know they were your favorite. I’m glad you like them.”

  “I love them!” I gushed.

  “Billy, the doorman, helped me out. His sister has a flower shop and peonies were all she had left. She deserves all the credit.”

  I gave him a quick peck on the lips and ran over to get a better look at the flowers. “You know…” I took the necklace he gave me in between my fingers, rubbing it. “You never told me the story about this necklace I’m wearing. My mother said it was a sweet story but it was one for you to tell.”

  “Oh, yeah.” He stroked his beard, taking me by the hand and leading me to the bedroom. “Well, it’s my late grandmother’s necklace. My mom’s mom. My grandfather gave it to her. He gave it to her because he knew, as soon as he saw her, she was the one.”

  We were in his bedroom; the lights were off so the glow from the fireplace illuminated the room.

  “Before she died she gave that necklace to my mother and told her to save it for my future wife. And yes, my mother does have a sibling but it’s a sister. My mother is the only one that had a son. My aunt had all girls,” he mused.

  I gasped softly. Wasn’t he rushing things just a little? He couldn’t possibly be sure I was the one for him. This necklace was worth so much more than I realized.

  “My grandmother passed when I was seven years old,” he said and paused, his expression intense and smoldering. “My grandfather not only loved his wife, he was in love with her. My mother would tell us stories of how my grandfather would hope and pray that he and my grandmother would be together forever. Even in heaven.”

  “Does my mother know the entire story of this necklace?”

  “Only that it was my grandmother’s and how much you mean to me and how long it’s been in the family. But she’s a very smart lady, I’m sure she was able to put two and two together.”

  “That she is. Sometimes a little too smart,” I said wryly.

  He smiled; the smile reaching his eyes. “I am a red-blooded American male and have had many relationships. Some very good and some not so good, but never one where I knew… I know, Isabel, you’re the one for me.” He was undoing my belt and my jeans, or rather his jeans. They were so big on me he didn’t need to unzip them, they just fell to the floor. I placed my hands on his hard biceps. “Isabel, I’ve never felt this pull toward anyone before. And I’ve never ached from being apart from a girlfriend before. Baby, I know I didn’t talk to you first about us and marriage and I’m sorry about that. I know there may still be that possibility that I may not be the one for you. But I will wait forever for you. I love you, Isabel Grace Langley,” he said, pressing his lips gently to mine. Our tongues touched, his lips were strong and urgent. He let out a deep throaty groan as he pulled me against his body. It sent tingles throughout my body.

  “Well,” I whispered against his lips, “if you don’t ask me then you’ll never know. Will you now?”

  I could feel his smile against my lips. “Isabel Grace. Will you marry me?”

  “Yesss,” I breathed, smiling broadly and wrapping my arms around his neck.

  How could he not be the one for me? He was all I ever thought about. I couldn’t say no to him and I didn’t think I would ever want to.

  It was New Year’s Day. We could hear more fireworks and revelers outside. The beginning of a new year and a new life. A life with Josh. His shirt was on the floor along with mine. I could not have asked for a more perfect New Year, falling into bed with Josh and us being tangled up in each other’s arms all night. And in the morning, we would meet my parents for brunch and talk about our future… together.

  The End