The next day I woke first, about 7:30. Beth was sleeping so peacefully, there was no way I wanted to wake her up. But there were things I had to do. I had to go to my apartment, get some clothes and other things, and my mail must have been piling up. Like everyone, most of it was probably junk, but there were a couple of bills there, and I'm a little obsessive about paying my bills on time. I just couldn't wake her up, though. My heart wouldn't allow it. So I left her a note on the fridge like she had done for me previously and drove over to my old apartment.
I got what I needed, emptied my mailbox and was about to leave when I said to myself I'm not going to be living here any more. I knew in my heart that things with Beth were going to work out for the long run. So I went to the building managers office and gave my notice that I'd be breaking my lease and I'd be vacating the apartment on the first of the following month, so I'd have the apartment for 6 more weeks, plenty of time to get moved out. It was that easy. I was now committed to moving in fully with Beth. It was actually a relief to have made the decision, except I hadn't discussed it with Beth first. Impulsiveness was becoming a common trait with me since I met her.
I headed back to Beth's place (I had to start thinking of it as our place) when my phone rang. "Hi honey. Good morning."
"Good morning to you too, baby. I didn't like waking up to find you gone."
"I'm sorry. I needed some clothes and things from my place, had to get the mail. I figured I'd take care of it while you slept. Oh, I have to stop to get some half and half. I keep forgetting it."
"When will you be home?" Home. She also thought of it as my home.
"About 20 minutes, maybe a half hour. Do you need anything while I'm out?"
"I'm kind of hungry. Would you get some fresh bagels?"
"Certainly. Do you want some cream cheese? Maybe some lox?"
"A fancy breakfast. I love bagels and lox! Get some orange juice too, please?"
"No problem. Anything else?"
"Just you. And your hugs and kisses."
She just made me all mushy inside. "That's the first thing you'll get when I get there. Give me about an hour?"
"That's a long time without you. I'll be waiting, baby. I love you."
"I love you too. Bye for now."
I stopped at a bagel store, picked up the bagels, fish, cream cheese, orange juice and even some pastries. It was a very Jewish breakfast/brunch. Except I forgot the half and half, and had to make another stop.
I got home and called out "I'm here! I've got breakfast!" Beth was watching a morning news show, wearing a short lavender robe that showed off her fantastic legs, and having her coffee. She got up and came to me and hugged me tight in her arms.
"I missed you. Wake me next time, though I appreciate why you didn't. But wake me, please, baby. By the way, good morning and I love you" Beth said as we shared a long kiss.
"I'll think about it on a case by case basis. You looked so peaceful sleeping. I just couldn't wake you. And I love you too, honey."
She looked at all the bags in my hands and said "So, what did you get from home? Better yet, tell me while we eat. I'm starving! We worked up a huge appetite last night" she said giggling.
"Yes, we did. Come into the kitchen with me, I have some news to share with you."
"Good news, I hope?"
"I guess that depends. Let's sit and eat and I'll fill you in."
While I cut bagels and Beth spread cream cheese and I got the fish, I said "While I was at my apartment, I stopped by the management office." I paused as Beth looked at me. "Honey, I gave them notice I was breaking my lease. I'm officially out as of the first of the following month, in 6 weeks."
Beth was very quiet and still. I was terrified that I had fucked up royally. Beth stood up and she stepped over to me, brushing my hair from my head as she loved to do. She sat down across my lap, kissed me and said "That's the best news I'll hear all day. I don't want you to feel like you aren't a permanent part of this home, or that you need an 'out'. I want you here with me permanently. This is your home from now on, baby, until we decide we need or want to buy a home together."
That last part floored me. "Honey, it almost sounds like you're asking me to marry you. Were you?"
"I wasn't. Two people can buy a home together without being married. But would that be so bad? Getting engaged and eventually married?" She looked at me nervously.
"No, that would be wonderful, actually. When we're ready. Are we?"
"Eric, I never thought I'd be able to say that about someone I've been with for such a short time. I always figured it would take a year or two to get to that point with anyone. Even to get to the living together point would take six months, minimum. Yet here we are after a very short time, a matter of days and we're living together, and honestly, if you asked me to marry you, I'd say yes, and I'd be ecstatic. I love you, Eric. More than I ever imagined I'd love anyone."
"I love you too, honey. I never thought this would happen for me. But I'm not sure I'm ready for that final step just yet. Please don't be upset with me, Beth."
"I'm not upset, just a little disappointed." She got off my lap and sat back down in her chair.
"Beth, honey?"
"Yes?"
"I'm ready now." I got down on one knee and took her hand. "Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the world?"
"You bastard. Yes. I will marry you!" She jumped off the chair and we both fell to the kitchen floor, kissing and hugging, and she slapped my arm. "You have a cruel sense of humor!" she said laughing and crying at the same time. "I'll get even with you! After we eat already. Then you're taking me to bed to properly celebrate."
We sat and finally finished getting our food ready. "I have to buy you a ring, honey. Do you want to pick out one with me, or should I look on my own?"
"Eric, you don't have to get me a ring. I don't need it."
"Well, I need to buy one for you. So your choice. Come shop with me or take your chances."
She bit her lower lip, contemplating. "You've never bought jewelry for a woman before, have you."
"Obviously not. But I have an idea where to go. We can go this afternoon."
"Would you mind? Really, baby. We've been together a short time. I don't want to take advantage of you."
"You're not taking advantage. It's what engaged people do. Most of the time the men buy it first, before asking. But this is different. I just want to make you happy, honey."
"Baby, you've been making me happy since 5 minutes after we met."
We ate quietly, smiling at each other between bites. Even the simple things made me feel great with Beth. When we finished, we put things away, dishes in the sink, and then Beth took me by the hand to the bedroom.
"Were you serious, Eric? Do you really want to marry me?"
"Honey, I don't think I've ever wanted anything more. Even to repair my scars. I'd rather spend my life with you than anything. And I want to have children with you some day, when we're ready. I love you, honey."
Beth placed her head on my shoulder and held me around the middle of my back and my arms were around hers. We just stood there for a long time, maybe 10 minutes, before Beth said "Eric, are you going to make love to me or are we just going to stand here? I'm aching for you."
I lifted her chin and just stared into her big, beautiful eyes. I ran my fingers through her hair and I saw her lips part a little, a very inviting sight. I kissed my love and we moved to the bed together. I took off that little robe and kissed down her throat to her chest. I covered her perfect breasts with more kisses and Beth just sighed as she guided my mouth to her right nipple. I licked around that hard, thick nub and took it between my lips, sucking hungrily.
"Yes, baby" she hissed. "Suckle from my breast. That's really wonderful. You know just what I like." I teased the left nipple with my fingers and a short growl escaped Beth's lips. She held my head tight to her breast as she made more sensual sounds and her nails scratched my back. Our legs were rubbing on each other, my right thigh was between hers and I could feel the heat and moisture seeping from her pussy. Beth rubbed her knee along my cock and I was moaning around her breast.