A LITTLE LOVE STORY: OPI AND JAMES
Lilly was standing between the Cheez-its and the Always Depends in Kyro’s Market. She wondered how incontinence and crackers were related enough to be in the same aisle. She laughed to herself before she finally found what she was looking for. She tightly clutched the XL floral Depends to her chest as she walked out of the aisle. Boom!
“DAMN!” Lilly said as she rolled onto her back.
“You said a bad word.” A small voice said behind the cart. “Daddy said you can’t say bad words.”
“Your daddy said you can’t say bad words.” Lilly retorted. “I can say what I want.”
“Damn isn’t a nice word.”
“Smacking people with carts isn’t very nice either.”
“I’ll say sorry if you say sorry.”
“Fine. Sorry I said damn.”
“Sorry I smacked you with my cart.”
His small cheeto stained hands reached for Lilly. She softened, smiling at him for a second, and then she was distracted by a man running towards them from the other side of the grocery store.
“Orion!” the voice boomed. “What did I tell you about running with this cart?”
“It’s fine, we already hashed it out” Lilly said brushing her jeans off.
“It’s not fine. You could have really hurt somebody.” The man said to Orion. “Look, I’m really sorry for my son.”
“Again, it’s fine. Me and Orion already had it handled before you showed up.” Lilly replied as she winked at Orion.
She turned to walk away, but the sound of little feet running towards her slowed her down. When she turned she saw Orion running with her Depends.
“You forgot your diapers” Orion said with a smile. “I have to wear pull ups too, you know?”
“These aren’t mine,” Lilly blushed. “I mean, they are mine because I had them in my hand, but they are for my Opi.”
“What’s Opi?” He inquired.
“My grandma.” Lilly smiled. “She’s probably looking for me now. So I have to go.”
“Ok bye lady” Orion said waving.
“It’s Lilly, my name is Lilly.”
Lilly rushed off, scanning the aisles looking for Opi. When she reached the ice cream aisle she finally saw her. As Lilly was approaching her, she noticed a man that almost stretched the entire length of the freezer gliding toward Opi. He was a slender man, colored a warm milk chocolate, with full pillowy lips. Confused and a little bit irritated Lilly sped up to get closer to her.
“Opi” Lilly called. “Come on let’s finish up.”
“Don’t come over here rushing me girl.” Opi sighed as she swung the freezer shut. “I said you could come with me to the store. I didn’t ask you to. So wait in the car if you ready to go that bad.”
Lilly turned her head for a second to hide her smile. She grabbed the cart from Opi’s hand and motioned for them to walk towards the coffee aisle.
“It’s been a long time since I have seen anyone as beautiful as you.” The older man stated in a richly deep voice.
“I’m not interested.” Lilly said as she continued to move forward.
“I’m not interested in you either. I was speaking to your sister here.”
“Sister?” Opi laughed as she held out her hand for him to hold. “Thank you.”
“So can I take you on a date?” He said as he brought her hand to his lips to kiss.
“A date?” Lilly echoed leaning into the cart.
Opi snapped her finger at Lilly behind her back. Lilly quieted.
“A date?” Opi parroted as she gently slid her hand from his grasp. “Where would we go?”
“Bike riding and lunch.” He smiled exposing his perfect smile decorated with one gold tooth. “And then I’d like to take you to dinner.”
“Bike riding?” Lilly questioned. “How old are you?
“65” He responded while keeping his eyes on Opi.
“I’m sorry for my granddaughter,” Opi scolded at Lilly. “She’s usually not this rude.”
“You are aware that you both could fall off these bikes right?” Lilly questioned.
“I could fall in this store or getting into my car.” He sighed. “Look, Lilly, I’m not interested in spending the rest of my days like I’m already dead.”
“My grandmother hasn’t ridden a bike in years.” Lilly explained. “She’s 70, had 2 knee replacements, and I’m pretty sure she has arthritis.”
“Lilly Reed!” Opi exclaimed. “First of all she doesn’t know how old I am, secondly, I’m all for a little adventure.”
“Opi! Listen you not bout to relive your glory days with Mr. bike rider.”
“My name is James.” He said as held out his hand for Lilly to shake.
Lilly reached to shake his hand. She could feel her Opi’s eyes against her cheek. She was surprised Opi hadn’t smacked her to the ground, but she wasn’t about to let James or anybody land her Opi in the hospital.
“I think we can find some middle ground here.” Lilly said smiling. “Opi obviously wants to go on this date, but I need to be sure she’s gonna be safe.”
“Okay what works with you Ms. Lilly?“
“How about a salsa class or a zumba class and then lunch? I’ll pick her back up after lunch is over and then she’ll be ready for dinner.”
“I’m not much of a dancer,” James smiled.
“I a—-“ Opi was cut off by the sound of Lilly’s voice.
“Opi is a great dancer. She’ll keep you on your toes.” Lilly smiled as she pulled Opi in for a side hug. “Put your number in her phone.”
Lilly could feel Opi’s irritation bubbling so she used that as invitation to leave them alone. Lilly took the grocery list from Opi’s hand before excusing herself from their presence.
James loaded up Opi’s car with her groceries before waving her and Lilly off. He wiped his hands on his perfectly creased toffee colored slacks before heading to his car. He steadied himself for a moment when he was finally alone. A deep smile painted over his lips as he rubbed over the cross that hung from his neck. Yes he whispered. He turned the radio all the way up as he let his top down.
His home sat behind a long driveway. Most people didn’t even know his house was there, until the mailbox gave it away. James pulled into his two car garage and headed inside to change into something more suitable for yard work. Mow the lawn, plant new flowers, and make sure the tomatoes and the strawberries don’t die Jimmy. The words echoed in his head like a song as he pulled his tattered overalls up over his shoulders. His right hand grazed over the missing back pocket and his heart warmed with memory. Before leaving his room he grabbed the picture of his wife, Aldora, before placing it back on top of his dresser.
“The flowers are just like you left them,” James whispered aloud.
Just as he was on his way out of the door he saw his phone ringing. It was Opi.
“You called,” James said with a grin.
“I want to see you again today.” Opi requested. “Assuming you aren’t already busy.”
“I’ll clear my entire day.”
“What are you doing now?”
“I was going to work in the yard. Do you garden?”
“I do. Lilly is rinsing off my some of my peppers right now.”
“Huh,” James said as he walked towards his garage. “I have some strawberries and tomatoes that need some love.”
“I think I have enough for them.” Opi smiled.
“Write down my address.”
“Let me get a pen and paper,” Opi replied as she moved around the room looking for stuff to write on.
“1627 Sunlow Drive” James slowly said. “Say it back for me.”
“1627 Sunlow Drive. I’ll be there in a few.”
Opi searched around her room looking for her shoes and her keys. When she finally found them she made her way to the living room to get ready to leave. The sound of Lilly’s footsteps coming down the hall caused Opi to roll her eyes in frustration, she forgot Lilly was in the kitchen. Her feelings soon melted when she saw Lilly carrying two plates of food towards her. Honey glazed salmon, mango, white rice, and thinly sliced orange and red bell peppers. Lilly laid Opi’s plate down at the table first, and when she noticed Opi’s keys in hand and her shoes on her feet, she was confused. Lilly prodded for minutes before Opi finally told her where she was going.
“He could be a murderer Opi,” Lilly sighed. “Who are you tryna be right now?”
“Who am I tryna be?” Opi scoffed. “Who are you trying to be? I don’t need a babysitter.”
“Fine what’s the address.”
“1627 Sunlow Drive.”
“That’s the same street as my—“ Lilly was cut off by Opi’s sweet voice.
“Old house. I know”
“That’s only a 10 minute walk.”
“I know.”
Opi watched Lilly’s shoulders lower and her jaw loosen. Lilly let out a breath that sounded like she’d been holding it her whole life and slumped down in her chair. Opi walked over towards her and placed her hand on her back. Opi pushed the hair from Lilly’s face before turning her head to look at her in her eyes.
“I am going to be fine.” Opi smiled. “Do you want walk with me to be sure?”
Lilly nodded her head softly, like she was ashamed for worrying so much. After picking up some of the fruit off her plate she slid on her sandals and led Opi out of the house.
The air was thick with heat. There was no wind or clouds to offer coolness, just the sun beating down on their bodies. It was mostly silent outside on their way to James and so were they. Opi thought of how many times they’ve walked this route. Lilly’s first steps were right along this street, her first bus ride, and even her first bike ride. Opi looked adoringly towards Lilly before bringing her closer to her. When they reached the corner of Pennet and Carson they both laughed. It was the same spot Opi found Lilly’s swollen lips and sore teeth when she had her first kiss.
“Do you remember when you and that little Corey were right here bumping teeth?”
“Opi please,” Lilly smacked her lips.
Duneberry street was next. Opi pointed to what used to be the prettiest house in the neighborhood. The wrap around porch was worn, like if you leaned on the railing you’d fall to the ground. The burnt red brick was peaking through the chipped white paint on top of it. The grass was so fried from the sun it looked a lot like hay. What a shame Opi thought to herself. Lilly stopped unexpectedly and Opi looked up to see that they were coming up on Sunlow Drive.
On the corner, there was a mighty oak tree that guarded his home like a force field.The small mailbox was the only invitation to follow the driveway. It read, Aldora and Jimmy with a heart. Taking in a full breath, Opi dusted the sides of her pants and fidgeted with her shirt for a moment before she started to walk toward the front door. Opi’s eyes stretched and her grip on Lilly’s arm tightened as his entire home came into view. The cobblestone driveway was colored cream and a warm grey. Yellow lillies decorated the edges and tickled her ankle as she walked by. It took a moment before the entirety of his home sank in. Her eyes quickly skimmed over the color and the brick and the windows that seemed to occupy each room. All she seemed to care about was the wrap around porch, and the plants that were draped against every edge of it.
James strolled out of his shed and was greeted by Opi’s sweet eyes. The sun hung low behind him, causing him to glow as he walked towards them.
“You showed up,” James said as he took Opi’s hand into his.
“Who is Aldora?” Lilly said through crossed arms.
“I’m sorry?” James coughed.
“Your mailbox said James and Aldora with a heart.”
“My wife,” James kind of smiled before correcting himself. “Late wife.”
“Now that Lilly is finished,” Opi paused before cutting her eyes at Lilly. “I’d like to see the garden you were telling me about”
“Well, Ms. Lilly, If I may?” James held out his arm for Opi to take. “I will keep her safe and walk her home before dark.”
Lilly nodded before turning on her heels and leaving.
The earth softened under Opi’s feet. She could feel the soil sticking to her clammy toes as she burrowed them deeper and deeper. James was almost finished mowing the lawn and it was about time for them to water flowers. She stepped back, admiring her work, and his backyard. James lingered by the shed to take in Opi all at once. Sweat coated her like a fresh layer of skin. Still, he was captivated. The sun reflected off of her deep brown face, and it urged James to smile. When she saw James in her peripheral her lips turned upward, and when James grabbed her hand in his again her smile radiated. Her left tooth was lined with gold, and James smiled to show off his fully gold bottom right one. She lowered her eyes to his lips for a long moment before finally speaking.
“You put me to work out here,” Opi said leaning on him to pick up the water hose on the ground. “I’m drenched.”
James steadied Opi while she continued to lean on him for a little support. He took the towel hanging from his left pocket and patted the sweat from her forehead and neck. Opi shuddered a little before placing her hand on her heart to slow her breath.
“I can water these flowers, all you have to do is keep me company. Is that alright?” James said as he helped her onto the back porch. “Just sit down, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
Opi didn’t argue. The sun made her sweat, but so did James. Opi couldn’t tell if it was the southern drag in his deep voice or the way he asked Is that alright? at the end of his sentences. Either way he stole all the air around them when he looked at her. Touched her even.
James turned the water hose down to lower the pressure. He rinsed his hands with the water first before pulling Opi’s chair closer to the edge. She continued fanning herself as she laughed at the sudden movement.
“May I?” He asked as he looked to her feet and back toward the water hose.
Opi nodded. Sucking in a deep breath before the cold water touched her. James heard her and smiled to himself before continuing. He took his time, making sure to get as much dirt off as he could. When he pulled her toes apart to get some stubborn residue she filled the air with this laugh that gripped him. It was like she was inviting him to laugh, insisting for him to. He turned his head toward her slightly with his eyebrow raised.
“Is that alright?” He laughed.
“Perfect.” Opi smiled hard. “Could I trouble you for a towel?”
“You can have anything you want.” James winked. “No trouble.”
He disappeared toward the front of the house for a moment before returning with a dry towel for her feet, a bottle of water, and a cold rag for her forehead.
“Are you always this… nice?” Opi went to reach for the stuff, but he gently guided her to sit back.
“I take good care of everything around me if that’s what you mean.” James said as he placed the towel against her forehead.
“That’s what you call this?” Opi said as she lifted the towel to peak at him drying her feet.
“If there’s a way you want to be taken care of—“ James was cut off by her voice.
“Maybe you should ask if I need to be taken care of first,” Opi interrupted.
“I could ask that.” James smiled as he turned the water back up and began watering flowers. “I’m interested in what you want at the moment love.”
Opi removed the towel from her face so she could look at him. She rested her hand against her chest before answering.
“Hmm, I’ll let you know.” Opi smirked before placing the towel against her face again.
It didn’t take James long to water the flowers, and Opi certainly didn’t mind the view. The tshirt he wore under his overalls was torn, leaving the curve of his chest exposed each time he moved his arm. Opi started fanning herself again and that caught his attention.
“You still hot love?” James questioned as he went to turn off the water.
“No I’m not hot,” Opi laughed until she realized she was fanning herself. “Ohh am I hot? like heat hot. Sun hot. Yes i am. Haha.”
His eyebrows furrowed together as he watched her. James sat on the steps leading to the porch and took off his shoes. Opi watched him come in and out of the house a few times. Each time she noticed something different about him. First thing, his feet were the darkest part of his body. Second thing, he found any excuse to touch her. Last thing, he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. He pulled up a seat next to her. Making sure to split his view between her round face and the setting sun. Silence held them together for several minutes before James placed his hand on top of Opi’s knee.
“Love,” James smiled.
Opi turned her gaze from the sun towards him.
“I haven’t asked your name yet,” James laughed.
“Ophelia Rae Simmons,” Opi replied as she placed her hand on top of his.
“Ophelia Rae,” James nodded his head. “Beautiful.”
“I want you to call me love. Is that alright?” Opi mimicked his deep voice while bringing her face closer to his.
He softly glided the tips of his fingers around her jaw, cupping her face.
“Yes. That’s alright.” James whispered.
He didn’t move his hand from Opi’s face. He wanted to hold her in his gaze for as long as he could. Opi snaked her hand on top of his before leaning into his soft grip. He let out a low deep groan, like it was the first time he ever felt anything good. James pulled her chair closer to him so it wasn’t so hard for him to reach her. Opi lowered her head and laughed.
“You like throwing me around huh?” Opi asked as she draped one of her legs over his.
“Well, love, I like having you close to me,” James laughed.
“Well I love your house.”
“Thank you. I wish i could take the credit, but Aldora was the brains behind it.”
“Hmm,” Opi breathed. “She was a visionary.”
“A visionary is a beautiful word to describe her.”
“How did she pass?”
“Massive heart attack.”
“How old was she?”
“45”
“I am so sorry.” Opi softly enveloped the nape of his neck in her hands before moving towards the middle of his back.
“Thank you love.” James sighed before offering a weak smile.
“You never remarried?”
“I wasn’t interested in loving or learning to love another woman.”
“Hmm” Opi breathed before turning her eyes back towards the yard.
“What?”
“You said wasn’t”
“I’m aware.”
“How many women are you interested in loving now then?”
“One.”
Opi and James had seen each other every day since they met at the grocery store. Each morning, James walked to Opi's house for breakfast at 7 a.m. Whenever the strawberries were ripe, he brought them, and they would have strawberry pancakes with sunny side up eggs and bacon. After that, they would walk around the neighborhood or ride bikes if James could persuade Lilly to allow it. Eventually, they settled on James's porch, Opi's legs draped across his lap and his hands encircling her calf. He could tell she always looked forward to it. And as long as he was able to be part of it, he was happy. By nightfall, he'd drive her back home, making sure to call her when he was safely back inside his room. After waiting for Opi to fall asleep, he would hang up, and then they would do it all over again the next day. She became the sweetest part of his days, like a second sunrise after the morning, and he didn't hesitate to tell her so. With Aldora, James lost much of his mystery and elusiveness. As she would tell him, "Love muddied by pride is not love at all." So, he learned to lead from the heart. It was hard for him to grasp that his heart would lead him to the most captivating, skeptical, most guarded woman he has ever encountered, but it didn't stop him from trying to uncover everything.
“Love,” James brushed Opi’s thigh with his finger. “You haven’t said much since dinner.”
Her eyes brightened at the sound of his voice, but her face remained unchanged.
“Ophelia Rae,” James deeply called.
“What?” Ophelia scoffed.
“I want to know you,” James stated.
“You seem to know me just fine.” Opi sighed. “Bitter? That’s what you said at dinner right?”
James straightened in his seat before choosing what words to say to her next. Opi’s gaze was averted towards the front yard, and he sighed at her distance. James closed his eyes for a moment before bringing Opi’s hand to meet his lips. Once, no change. Twice, no change. Finally, her eyes met his after the third kiss. He cupped her hand in his like a warm cup of coffee, and she let out a low sigh.
“I have been.. disappointed by men throughout my life,” Opi breathed. “I don’t mean to be difficult or sharp at times. I just..it’s just.. I have been disappointed.”
James nudged her closer to him and she scooted to the edge of her seat. His arms encapsulated her warm body with a sweet urgency to come deeper into him. Before she could protest, he had her firmly in his lap.
Moments passed before either of them said anything.
“I am not calling you bitter love,” James said as he stroked her arm. “I am saying your resistance to me is hurtful at times.”
“I am 70 years old James,” Opi turned to look at him.
“And”
“l’ve lived my life”
“You are aware you are not dead yet”
“But this part of me has been,” Opi rested her hand on her heart. “I’m not purposefully keeping parts of myself from you. I am being who I have always been.”
“I see.” James replied lowly.
“No baby I— ” Opi melted into him. “I guess Im just scared.”
“Of what?” James questioned.
“What happens next,” Opi shrugged.
“Love happens next,” James smiled. “Commitment happens next. Trust. happens. next.”
Laughter rumbled in the next room. It was nostalgic. The faint sound of whispering, the pitter patter of footsteps along the hallway, there was a joy that seeped through the rooms again. Youthfulness. Lightness. Lilly didn’t want to equate this change to James alone, but he reminded Lilly that Opi was a woman. That the creases along her eyes and the whiteness along her hairline didn’t disqualify her from butterflies or anticipation or the newness of desire and love.
When Lilly heard her door open, she smiled. It was finally D-Day. She rubbed her eyes before looking at her Opi sip coffee.
“It’s D-Day.” Lilly laughed. “I heard y’all on the phone last night.”
“I think I love him Lilly.” Opi blushed as she covered her face. “I feel like a kid again.”
“Are y’all gone do it?”
“What is it? I don’t do ‘it’”
“You know.. Sex”
“Have some decorum. And don’t ask me about my vagina.”
“Opi have you ever had sex on the first date?”
“I have. This isn’t our first date though. Now can you help me pick out my outfit. I picked some clothes out”
“We gone have to leave those sketchers and velcro pants at home. Y’all aren’t gardening today.” Lilly laughed as she motioned Opi towards a chair.
The first dress Lilly pulled out reminded Opi of the summers she spent in Raleigh in the 1950’s. Those days, a mixture of wind and sun, of love and hate, were now stitched into this fabric. The richness of the marigold yellow would effortlessly glow over her dark brown skin. The second dress was a cabernet sauvignon hue. Her pear shaped frame would rest perfectly underneath. She traced her fingers over her neck while she envisioned James clinging to her waist.
Lilly spun around with both dresses in her hand. Opi rubbed her chin, contemplating if she wanted to be airy and youthful or flirty and cinched. Lilly handed her the cabernet colored dress and the shoes to match before ushering her out of her room.
It didn’t take much time for Opi to get ready. Her slender lips were lined over to give the illusion of fullness. Her apple shaped cheeks were painted a deep red from all the blush. Lilly was too enthralled in her phone so she didn’t notice her Opi back in her room. After a few moments, Opi launched the book from Lilly’s desk at her head.
“Dang Opi,” Lilly said rubbing her head. “You could have just called my name.”
“How do I look?” Opi said as she spun around.
“Delicious.” Lilly smiled. “It’s giving sexy with a little mystery. You so fine.”
“Ain’t I?” Opi danced out of Lilly’s room into the hall. “This where you get it from.”
Lilly heard the sound of faint music. She peaked through the blinds to find James getting out of his ocean blue (insert old man car). Lilly jumped out of her bed. Quickly getting the crust from her eyes and wiping the slobber from her cheeks, she scurried to the front door. She let James knock twice before she finally opened. She hugged him tightly before inviting him to sit. They exchanged small talk while Opi was still pretending to get ready. As her footsteps got closer and closer, James tightened his grip on the Lillies that were in his hand. He took in a breath and held it like he was surprised, but once Opi offered her hand to help him off the couch he breathed again.
“You look amazing,” James smiled. “I brought you some flowers.”
“They are beautiful,” Opi grabbed the flowers from his hand, making sure to graze his fingers with hers before she walked back towards the kitchen.
When Opi returned, Lilly had her purse and jacket in hand.
“See you guys later!” Lilly waved them off.
Opi wrapped her arm in James’s naturally. He rested his hand on top of hers as they walked back to his car. He used his free hand to open her door and she smiled.
“Did you want to listen to music?” James said as he put his seat belt on.
“Play me something good.” Opi smirked with her eyes first and then her mouth followed.
“I know just what you need,” James replied while keeping his eyes on the road.
They arrived at Shauna’s dance studio a few minutes early. Letting out a nervous sigh James got out the car and walked over to open Opi’s door. Her heart raced when his slightly aged hand covered hers. She loved the feel of him. When they reached the building Shauna was already waiting for them. She greeted them with a warm hello and they both offered one back.
As Shauna was shuffling through the music, James hadn’t let go of Opi’s hand, he gripped her tighter. Opi didn’t know if it was nerves or just apart of his charm. She glided her thumb gently across the top of his hand.
“You nervous?” Opi said as she stepped closer.
“I can’t dance a lick,” James hung his head. “I would say it was like I had 2 left feet, but sometimes it is like i don’t have any.”
“Don’t worry about that. Just feel me and I’ll feel you.” Opi smiled. “I’ll follow your lead.”
“I like the sound of that,” James laughed.
James stood erect with the rising and falling of his chest being his only movement. His tightly clenched jaw prompted Opi to lean into him more. They didn’t speak as Shauna continued to flip through songs, but when Opi placed her hand along his heart he whispered something to her.
“I love you” James whispered.
“Oh, James I l—“ Opi was interrupted by Shauna’s pronounced voice.
“I know this was supposed to be a salsa class, but I want to try something else if that’s okay?“ Shauna asked as she clasped her hands together.
“Whatever you want to teach us is great with us,” James said smiling.
“Okay great!” Shauna exclaimed. “My grandparents had a favorite song, and you guys remind me of them, so I wanna use it.”
Opi and James smiled, honored and tickled, they watched Shauna do the base steps. Opi melted(sank?sunk?) into each of her steps. With great purpose her hips shifted and winded through space. James enamored and intrigued relaxed from watching her. He messed up the steps and tripped over himself, but watching Opi made him forget about everything. After going over the steps several more times, Shauna instructed them to step towards each other.
James wrapped his long heavy arm around Opi and pulled her into himself. Opi’s traced each of his features with her gaze, she paused at his eyes, they were like nothing she’s ever seen. It wasn’t really the color or even the shape, although those aspects were beautiful too. His eyelashes were long and full, cutting through space each time he blinked, but that wasn’t it either. Opi hadn’t been looked at in a long time, at least not like this. She felt like James was trying to memorize each curve, wrinkle, and freckle along her face. Opi looked away as she dropped her forehead against his chest.
“Stop looking at me like that,” Opi whispered into him.
“I don’t know how else to look at you.” James said as he brought her face back up into view.
Shauna had stepped out of the room to take a call, and they had already forgot the steps. The music sounded like a whisper, but they didn’t mind. James spun Opi around until a laugh erupted in her. When Shauna returned she thanked them for a wonderful class before sending them on their way.
Lisa’s Cafe was next door, and Opi walked toward it instead of the car. James had a lunch place he wanted to take her to across town, but Opi loved this place. The seating outside reminded Opi of James’s porch, and he immediately knew they’d have to sit in the 90 degree weather.
“So last night you fell asleep before answering my question.” James smiled.
“I heard you last night,” Opi laughed. “ I am not shacking up with you James.”
“Marry me then.”
Ophelia swallowed hard, almost choking on her own saliva.
“James Gregory Thomas,” Ophelia stalled. “It has only been three months.”
“Ophelia Rae, I love you.”
“Hmm..” Ophelia reach for his hand. “Still it’s only been three months.”
“Love I don’t need a history lesson,” James sighed. “I would have married you in the first week if I thought you would have gone for it.”
Opi crossed her arms when she looked at James. He smiled as he met her skeptical gaze with his trusting one.
“Marry you, huh?” Ophelia finally smirked. “I’m not marrying you without a ring.” James tilted as he reached into his pocket and pulled out an emerald cut blue topaz 3 carat ring with a silver band.
“James Gregory!” Opi placed her hand on her hip. “Seriously?”
“Yes”
“James,” Ophelia said as he stood up and walked to her side of the table.
James tenderly placed his right hand on Opi’s cheek before inviting her to stand. He rested his left hand at the nape of her neck before inching closer. Her eyes searched his for a long moment until he softly covered her lips with his own before repeating himself.
“Ophelia Rae,” He whispered against her lips.
He drug his hands along the side of her body as he knelt down.
“Marry Me.” James declared as he held her left hand in his.
“James,” Opi breathed.
“Marry me love.” James whispered again as he glided the ring against her finger.
