15-05-2021-052358It-Ends-with-Us

This time when he turns, he turns with purpose. His eyes meet
mine and there’s a three-second pause while we both stare at each
other. But then we both start walking toward each other,
determination in every step. Twenty steps separate us.
Ten.
Five.
One.
Neither of us takes that final step.
I’m out of breath, panting and nervous. “I forgot to tell you
Emerson’s middle name.” I put my hands on my hips and exhale. “It’s
Dory.”
He doesn’t immediately react, but then his eyes crinkle a little in
the corners. His mouth twitches like he’s forcing back a smile. “What
a perfect name for her.”
I nod, and smile, and then stop.
I’m not sure what to do now. I just needed him to know that, but
now that I’ve told him, I didn’t really think of what I’d do or say next.
I nod again, and then glance around me, throwing a thumb over
my shoulder. “Well... I guess I’ll.. .”
Atlas steps forward, grabs me, and pulls me hard against his chest. I
immediately close my eyes when he wraps his arms around me. His
hand goes up to the back of my head and he holds me still against
him as we stand, surrounded by busy streets, blasts of horns, people
brushing us as they pass in a hurry. He presses a gentle kiss into my
hair, and all of that fades away.
“Lily,” he says quietly. “I feel like my life is good enough for you
now. So whenever you’re ready.. .”
I clench his jacket in my hands and keep my face pressed tight
against his chest. I suddenly feel like I’m fifteen again. My neck and
cheeks flush from his words.
But I’m not fifteen.
I’m an adult with responsibilities and a child. I can’t just allow my
teenage feelings to take over. Not without a little reassurance, at least.
I pull back and look up at him. “Do you donate to charity?”
Atlas laughs with confusion. “Several. Why?”
“Do you want kids someday?”
He nods. “Of course I do.”