Holding my stomach, I’m slowly recovering. “First of all,” I say wiping my chin of any remaining water, “I am impressed with how observant Matt is. He’s right on most of it, actually. I’m shocked, but also very impressed you did that for us.” Reaching out I grab hold of Micah’s hand. “I’m not sure what to say, we’ve not talked finances, yet Micah.”
“Nothing for you to worry over,” taking a hold of my hand, he squeezes it. “I got it handled. We’ll sit down and figure it out, the first thing is to close on the house and then get you to work for us.” He says, glancing at Matt.
“Thank God, Elsa can now take care of your unwanted attention you’ve been receiving lately.” Matt says under his breath.
What, that got my attention.
Micah moans with his disapproval. “Matt would you shut your mouth, do you ever just stop saying shit you should not say?”
“Babe, don’t listen to him. A few clients hang around more than they should. The great thing with you working there they will know I am with you and to leave me the hell alone.” Micah rambles this out so fast, I’m not sure what he just said.
I took away from that admission that indeed, women were hot after him. Now I can’t say I blame them for wanting him, he is beyond sexy. I just did not need to hear it.
Okay, I’m mentally seeing myself on a daily basis watching women hang on him…I’m not sure this is a good idea after all. Rolling my eyes, not liking it, I accidentally talk out loud. “Oh great, just what I need.” I say it and the minute I do, I regret it.
Clearing his throat, Matt looks at me like I’ve grown ten heads. “Seriously, my brother only has eyes for you. Always has, always will. You are the only woman I can say with one hundred percent confidence that your man…my brother…would never cheat.”
I shyly reply, “Ah, thanks Matt. He knows better.” I say with my butter knife in my hand, waving it around.
“Hey, I’m right here and I don’t need anyone else. Five years ago you, ruined me for any other woman. No one compares to my pretty girl.”
I hold my hand over my heart. “I’m one lucky gal.”
“Not lucky,” Matt’s smirks. “I do think you have a magic…um… let’s just say you must…yeah, I’m not going to finish that thought. I’d rather not get hit from my brother for less than pure thoughts of you, El.” He lets out a quick exhale which sounds more like a snort.
I can’t help but snicker. “You Taylor boys will be the death of me yet.”
“Damn straight baby,” Micah says with a head roll.
“THE HOUSE IS AT the end of Park Street near Harrison Heights. It’s perfect for us El, I took my dad there a few days ago. He liked it and to be honest,” Micah says with a shrug of his shoulders, “He gave me the money for the down payment. I think it was his way of making amends.”
I hate to tell him I’m not super comfortable with his parents yet. I’ve yet to face them now that they know about the baby.
“He doesn’t need to do that Micah, even though it’s beyond thoughtful. He has no reason to make amends with me, either.” I don’t need another reason to feel uncomfortable around him.
“Don’t let it bother you, El. If he wants to help us out, let him. It’s not like he’s hurting for cash. My mother would string me up if I made him take it back. Just spend your time decorating it the way you want it.”
The idea of decorating a place of our own is exciting. It’s a lot to take in for the short time we’ve been back together. When has anything gone according to plan with me in my life? Never. Why start now?
The idea of finally being happy with Micah and us moving forward is like a dream come true. The only sad part of this dream is living my life without my parents in it. That part hurts.
“Why the sad face, beautiful?” He asks me, nudging my chin up with his finger so our eyes could meet.
“Nothing, forget it.” My lack of a smile says it all.
Using his finger, he slides my hair from my face. “Not happening. Spit it out, El.”
Wiping a stray tear, I try to shake my sad thoughts away. “Just thinking about my parents missing out on all of this. Growing up, I always looked forward to having them by my side in every facet of my life Micah, and none of it will ever happen. I now see them for what they are, and it kills me. To realize how much hatred they have for me, it’s not love, it's sick.”
After dinner we ended up sitting in his room. Needing a breather, I go walk back to the living room. I’m sick of crying and I need to get the idea they would be a part of my future out of my mind. They won’t be there for me, not anymore. They stopped the minute they found out I was pregnant. A switch had flipped with them. I no longer held the same value in their eyes. I was pushed aside. Just like baby Michael, I was also swept under the rug.
I notice Matt sitting on the couch watching TV. I decide to sit next to him, he always could make me laugh…and right now, that is exactly what I need.
“Hey sweet pea,” he can see my tense expression. “Oh no, what did my brother do now?” Of course, he thinks it’s Micah’s fault.
“No, not your brother…this time,” I say with a smile. “Let’s just say my parents suck. I’m the outcast and need to come to terms that they will never be by my side. They will miss out on all the beautiful things my life will bring.” Placing my hand on his knee, he covers his hand on top of mine. “It’s not a great feeling.”
Taking a moment to let what I said sink in, he takes me by the shoulders and crushes me to him in a bear hug. I relish the comfort this crazy Taylor boy can bring me, he’s the brother I’ve never had.
“You will be okay El, they are the ones who will miss out. You have your nutty boyfriend, my parents, and of course me. Now having me in your life, has got to rank right up there with number one.” His sense of humor holds no bounds.
Of course, I agree with him. “Don’t let your brother know that,” I say laughing.
“Lips are sealed, baby.”
And just like that, presto, my mood goes from sad to delight. Noticing movement out of the corner of my eye, I glance up to see Micah standing against the wall, watching us with such a sweet smile on his face. He enjoys the fact his brother and I get along so well. Sneaking a peek over Matt’s shoulder at him, he winks back to me. My love for that man takes my breath away, to see him so strong and right in front of me is a magnificent sight.
I mouth the words, “I love you.” Then give him a wink of my own.
Walking toward us, he sits with us. We spend the next hour watching whatever we can find. Relaxed, we all sit back laughing and talking like lifelong friends. It’s a great way to pass the time, being here with the Taylor brothers is just what I needed. The rest of the night, not one time did I think of my parents.
MICAH’S DRIVING US to our new house today so I can get a look at where we will begin our future together. Arm out the window, he’s bopping to the music like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Me? I have one leg bouncing and I’m so nervous, I have to wipe my clammy hands on my pants. It’s not so much I’m worried I won’t like it, in fact, just the opposite. I’ll love it because I’ll be with him. The fact is his parents will be there, and facing them after all this time terrifies me.
As we pull up to the house, the lightness in my heart gives way to my wide grin. My pulse is racing, the house is beyond magnificent. The view reminds me of what you may find on the cover of magazines. I smile instead of speaking because Micah keeps asking me what I think. Wow.
It’s slightly larger than he let on, it has arched peaks above the front door and second story windows. Two stall garage is trimmed in black which accentuates the incredible dark tan color of the house. There is an incredible winding walkway from the driveway to the front door. Noticing the color of the front door, I laugh and look over at Micah’s beaming face. It's then he raises his eyes, and I know what may have sold him on this particular house. The front door is a beautiful shade of red. A nice match for his beloved Chicago Blackhawks. My man is a sports nut, lucky for him so am I. Yet, another reason we get along so well.