I didn't get up the next morning. Rather, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering if this could work or if I should just resign.
Because I was seriously considering Aaron's offer.
No, more than that. I was actively wondering how in the world it could possibly work.
And for the first time in a while, I found myself getting aroused.
I heard a light knock on the door and looked at the clock. 10:23. Wow, I never stayed in bed this late.
"It's open," I called and watched Aaron come in.
"Are you all right?" he said, stopping at the bedroom door and looking at me.
I imagine I looked a mess. I was pretty careful to look at least presentable whenever I was with the guys but now, well, mascara raccoon eyes, and hair a mess aren't good looks on me.
"Yes sweety," I said with a light giggle, "just didn't sleep much last night."
He took a tentative step into the bedroom.
"Something I said?" he asked.
I managed a smile
"You know it was," I said.
He smiled then.
"Annddd?" he asked, "you're considering it?"
I smiled weakly.
"I can't see how it would work dear," I said and giggled when I realized I had called him "dear."
"That's the easy part," he said, allowing that Grin to pop up, "just change your job title from Fraternity House Mother to Fraternity Housewife."
I giggled.
"Oh," I said, "that simple?"
He came over and sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hands in his.
"Actually Becky," he said, his face very serious now, "yes. I have given this a LOT of thought. Hell, I haven't thought about much else since I laid eyes on you that first day. And yes, I think it would be that simple. I don't think the guys would get jealous of each other. And I know we're all at least a little in love with you."
"Oh Jesus," I said with a little laugh.
"I'm serious Becky," he said, a little snap in his voice now, "I get that you still have that barfly self-image, but there's not one of us who wouldn't jump at the chance to spend an hour with you and who wouldn't kick the ass of anyone who so much as insulted you."
And dammit, I was crying again.
"It's been a while," I managed, "since I received a real compliment like that."
He smiled.
"Let us and you'll get lots of them," he said.
"But, seriously," he went on, "we'll need to address some logistics."
"Huh?" I said, completely stumped by that one.
"Becky," he said with a little chuckle, "right now there are seven of us here and you're a healthy woman and could probably handle that but what happens when all 24 come back, or if we find some good prospects and get to full capacity of 33."
"Oh Jesus," I said, "I hadn't thought of that."
"I have," and there was the grin again, "and it's simple. We'll just need to recruit at least three co-wives."
That got my first real belly laugh of the day.
"You're serious?" I said.
"Already started," he said, "ready to get up and break the news to your new husbands, Fraternity Housewife?"
"Oh God," I said.
"Becky," he said, "I'm not going to try to force anything on you but, okay, I'm pretty frikkin' anxious, you know?"
Once again I stopped and looked at him, wondering if he was serious.