Picture Perfect
Part 4
By LNJ
Michelle and Danny finished dressing in silence. He was about to leave the bedroom when Michelle called his name.
"Danny."
He turned around and was again mesmerized by her beauty.
"Danny, I enjoyed it very much. It was never like that with Bill. This may sound crazy, but I feel like I belong with you. And that's what scares me. I don't look for relationships or companionship. I spend all my time at work and with Taylor. Sometimes I hang out at my brother's house with his wife and kids. This is what I thought I wanted. This is the way it's been for a long time. But then I saw you…or Taylor saw you. You were looking at me as if I was the most beautiful woman in the world. No one has every looked at me like that. And the attention you paid me those two days was all a woman could ask for. I started wondering, too, what it would be like to have you and Lauren in our lives."
"Michelle, I know exactly how you feel. I didn't go to Disney World expecting to find…love. But that's what happened. I started falling in love with you from go. What are the odds of us both being connected to Springfield like that?"
"I'd say very slim."
"And I'd have to agree. But there you were. As far as I'm concerned, this is fate." He walked to her and pulled her into a gentle hug. "Please don't be scared. I promise to take it slow. We can spend as much time as you need learning one another."
Michelle stood on her toes and kissed him chin. "You're perfect. So far, a man that every woman dreams about. I know it's too soon, but I think I'm falling in love with you, too."
"We're both in our thirties. We both have battle scars from previous marriages. But that doesn't mean we wouldn't recognize love. Sometimes love blindsides you. Sometimes it takes months, even years to evolve between two people. Just go with it. Okay?"
She laid her head on his chest and hugged him with all her might. "Okay. I have another confession."
He set her back from him. "Yes?"
"I took off work this week and got Taylor excused from school so we could help you unpack and get settled in."
"But I only just talked to you last night about our flight plans…oh wait, the girls."
"Yes, they've been communicating everyday. Anyway, is that alright?"
"Are you sure you won't marry me right away? We could either move into my house or yours or even get a bigger one built. I'll do anything for you if you keep going at this rate."
Michelle had to smile at his proposal. She knew he was "seriously" kidding. "I told you we'd make you welcome here in Springfield. So let's go tell the girls."
They found the girls back downstairs in the family room. Taylor was showing Lauren her newest Sony Playstation game.
"Ladies, once we finish cleaning up the dinner dishes, we're all going to my house to unpack. How does that sound?"
"The kitchen and dining room are done. We've been waiting for you two. I told Taylor it would probably be awhile. Anyway, we're ready. Michelle and Taylor's overnight bags are already in the truck."
Michelle and Danny just stared at each other then back at the girls. Taylor was putting up her game.
"Yeah, Mom. I loaded the dishwasher and started it. Oh and I mopped the floor, too, so you can't go in there. I packed your bag this morning. So as soon as I'm done here, we can get going."
These were not girls. They were young ladies. They knew their parents were or were going to be involved. They've stayed out of the way to ensure Danny and Michelle privacy, she thought. She also felt her heart swell with love. When she turned into Danny's arms, the sob she released brought Taylor and Lauren running to them.
"What's wrong Mom? I'm sorry if I upset you. I just thought you liked Danny. Right Lauren?"
"That's right," Lauren said trying to take her share of the blame. "We wanted you guys together. My dad seemed really interested in you and I could tell it was more than sex."
The comment made Michelle's head snap around to look at Lauren and it made Danny wince. But, Lauren was unaffected, and continued, "And Taylor had said that you didn't date, but was a great mom. I told her I had a great dad. Please don't be upset."
Danny grabbed Taylor and Michelle grabbed Lauren into one huge group hug. When they parted, Michelle wiped her eyes.
"We're not upset. You guys are great." Danny spoke since Michelle couldn't find any words.
Taylor and Lauren beamed and shouted at the same time, "So you're getting married?"
"No."
"Not yet."
"We'll see."
The girls didn't really pay attention to Danny and Michelle's replies. They were already getting their coats and heading out the door.
As far as the girls were concerned, there would be a marriage by Christmas. They had already decided to plan a wedding in Disney World for their parents. Between the two of them, they had $2,000 saved. That would be the deposit if required. Taylor would get Uncle Rick and Aunt Abby to help out. Lauren said her Aunt Pilar would be thrilled to help. Of course their parents would have to pay for the wedding, but Taylor and Lauren had already vowed to pay back all expenses. One day.
Danny and Michelle got their coats, turned off the lights and Michelle set the alarm before locking up.
They listened to girls in the back seat talking about boys, television, movies and music.
Michelle took her right hand off the steering wheel and gently squeezed Danny's. It was her way of saying she wanted him and the girls to be a family. Danny looked down at their hands and then smiled. This was turning out to be one of the best years of his life.