“You punched Tyler in the face.”
“Tyler fucking deserved that.”
“He didn’t take your money.”
“But he wanted you the whole fucking time we were together. And I trusted him. I let you hang out with him every Friday night for the past year because I trusted him.”
“He was trustworthy. And he still is. He only ever said anything to me when he realized you broke up with me. Which he found out about because you showed up at his place and punched him in the face. I didn’t tell him.”
James raised his eyebrow at me.
“Please don’t punch anyone else. And don’t yell at cops. And don’t buy cocaine.”
He sighed.
“I feel like those are things most people don’t need to be reminded of,” I said.
“I’m not most people.”
“I know.” I touched the side of his face. “You’re so much better. Thank you for telling me. Geez, that cop made it seem like you had a rap sheet of beating up women.”
“I would never hurt you.”
“It hurts me when you try to push me away.”
He pulled me back against his chest. “Then I’m done pushing you away.” He kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry that I ruined tonight.”
“Tonight was perfect. It finally feels like there’s nothing left unspoken between us. Do you have any idea how relieved I feel?”
“I feel it too.”
“There is one more thing, though,” I said.
I felt his body tense.
“Does a small part of you just want to hop on the next flight out of here and get married somewhere obscure?”
He laughed. “Maybe a small part. If it means I could have you all to myself.”
“You already have me all to yourself.”
Saturday
“I have a gift for the bride,” Rob said as he peered around the door. “Everyone decent?”
I laughed. My hair and makeup were done, but I was still in my robe. All I had left to do was put my dress on. “It’s just me and Jen. And we’re both good.” The rest of my bridesmaids had gone for a coffee run. And my mom was on the phone outside giving last minute directions to relatives.
He closed the door and walked in.
“How is James? Is he nervous?”
Rob smiled. “I think excited is a better word for it. You look beautiful, Penny.”
“Thanks, Rob. You look very handsome in your tux.”
“I better. Because this tie makes it feel like someone is fucking strangling me.”
I laughed. “I know James appreciates you wearing one. And I do too.”
“You know I’d do anything for you. What’s your dress like? Can I see it?”
“Did James ask you to report back to him about that?”
“What? No. Psh. Your veil looks nice.” He gently touched the veil that the hair stylist had already gotten perfectly in place.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Rob shrugged. “Worth a try. I figured you’d already have it on, actually. I think he just wants to know whether or not he’s going to have to hide a boner or not.”
“Ew, Rob,” Jen said from behind us. “But yeah, it’s that kind of dress.”
“Score.” Rob winked at me.
“You really should be cutting down on this whole inappropriate comments thing now that you’re dating Daphne.”
“Boners are uncontrollable, Penny. Fuck, now I’m worried I’m going to get one.”
I laughed and took the box that he handed me. There was a note folded beneath the ribbon. I couldn’t wait to read it.
“Is there anything else you need?” Rob asked. “I have very specific instructions to give you anything you might want.” He raised his left eyebrow just like James always did.
“Oh, I think I’m good. Thanks, though.”
“You sure? It’s your last chance to take me up on my offer. I’ll fuck you right now, Penny. Just say the magic word.”
I scrunched up my face.
“The magic word is please. Just in case you were wondering.”
“Rob! Seriously, you have a girlfriend,” Jen said. “Stop being gross.”
“She’d understand. Penny and I have both been wanting this for so long.” He winked at me again.
“You’re ridiculous,” I said.
Jen laughed. “Rob, get out of here. None of us need anything. Go bother James.”
“And that’s why Penny is my favorite sister. Seriously, Penny. You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. You’re sure James is good? He’s still planning on showing up?”
Rob laughed. “He’s good. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Okay.” I took a deep breath.
“And I can tell him you’re still planning on walking down the aisle, right?”
I smiled. “Of course.”
“I’d kiss your cheek, but I’d probably mess something up. And I don’t want to do anything inappropriate.” He frowned at Jen. “Fist bump?” He put his fist out to me.
I laughed and bumped his fist with mine.
He made an exploding noise. “See you girls in a bit. Text me if you need anything. And open that in private, Penny. James said it was personal.”
“I won’t look,” Jen said and started rummaging through her purse as Rob left the room. “Even though I’m dying to know.”
“I’m sure I can tell you. Just give me a second.” I walked a few steps away from her and pulled the note out from under the ribbon.
Penny,
I can’t believe this day is finally here. I’ve been waiting my whole life to feel the way I do when I’m with you. You’re everything to me. And today I finally get to make you mine.
I promise not to slip, Penny. I promise to apply to another teaching job like you want. And I promise to love you for the rest of my life. As long as I have you, I’ll never need this. And I like to think it’s because you make me whole. Not because I’m addicted to you. Give me time. Please don’t give up on me. Our love is forever. And I’ll never do anything that would cut our forever short.”
I love you with all my heart, Penny.
-James