No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: While it makes a VERY tempting side story for when I'm finished with this one, I'm not going be focusing on how Larry and Parker deal with losing their son in this story. That doesn't mean you've heard the last of them, but they aren't the principal characters of the story. I can, however, guarantee at least one personal appearance by one of them. After all, what was the baby's middle name?
`
Chapter 23
For What the Rings Tell
`
When Mrs. Sanchez came for Miranda, they gathered in the living room. Once they were seated, she was informed of what happened, up to the note from Parker and Larry, but Sam leaving out his speculation about Matt. When they finished, she just shook her head. "It seems you were right about them, Sam." She looked at her daughter. "I'm not happy you ended up in his arms again, but considering the night you two had." She shivered. "The whole point of this arrangement was so you could pull each other through these nights. It seems to have worked. I just wish you could find another way."
"Yesterday changed things, though." Matt pointed out. "We know what I'm capable of, and that's fueling the nightmares for both of us."
"Matt, darling, please don't . . . wait," Miranda just realized what he said, "did you say both of us?"
Matt realized he had said too much. "Please don't ask the next question. I can't tell you. I just can't." He couldn't look at her.
She suddenly put it together from what he had said and done. She took his hands. "I think I know what it is you saw. Matt, please look at me." His tear-streaked face came into view. "You once told me I should share my nightmares with you, so I wouldn't carry them alone. Please, let me help you like that. You don't have to say it yourself this time, just tell me if I'm right." She drew a breath. "You saw yourself kill me, didn't you?"
That startled everyone. Matt nodded, then started to break into sobs. He fought the break the whole way, so Miranda saw it coming, and had him in her embrace before he finally lost the fight. "It was an accident." He could barely speak. "An accident." If he had anything else he wanted to say, it was lost in his sobs.
"Shhh, it's all right. I'm right here. It never happened." As she rocked him gently, she turned her head to her mother. "As much as I like the comfort of his arms at night, I look forward to the day when we can sleep alone again, because that will mean he's better. But not now. Neither of us is ready for that yet."
"I can see that." She looked at Sam and Jo. "I take it we're still going to do this as we agreed yesterday."
"A week to a house. Tonight's my turn with them. I'm not sure I'm ready the see how they express their relief, but I think I'll manage."
Looking at her brother, Lizzie had an idea. "Mom, I know it wasn't what you had in mind, but I think there might be a way to make so they don't have the worst of their nightmares. At this point," she motioned to her brother, "it may be worth a shot."
"What do you . . . are you serious?!? Lizzie, you can't be suggesting we let them . . . lay together all night?"
"In full night clothes, like last night, and under your watchful eye. It's not like they'd do anything with you right there."
Miranda looked amazed. "Lizzie, are you sure you'd be okay with that?"
"I told you last night, I trust you with him. I also believe what you said about . . . well, when we were changing. Besides, I think you two getting well is what's important here."
"I'm worried about them too, Lizzie," Jo began, "but what you're suggesting. . ."
"I think we," Sam used his hand to indicate himself and the mothers, "should go and discuss this. And get Dr. Gordon's opinion."
"Agreed." Mrs. Sanchez said.
"Do you kids think you can stay out of the kitchen for a while?"
"If we can get some water first."
~~~~~~~~
When the parents went to the kitchen, the kids were left in the living room. Lizzie decided it was time to ask about something from earlier. "Guys, I want to ask you something, but it may be personal. Is that alright?"
"All right," Matt said slowly, "but if it's too personal, we might not answer."
"I guess that's fair." She drew a breath. "When we learned about Jacob, I heard you say something about a talk with your mother." She indicated Miranda. "What would you want to talk about that his death would make more urgent?"
"Lizzie . . ." Matt was going to say that was too personal, but he was cut off by Miranda's hand on his shoulder. He turned to her. "Do you want her to know? I thought . . ."
"Before Jacob, I didn't. Now, I think maybe she should have the same talk with your mom."
His eyes got big. "She WHAT?!?" He stopped, then shook his head. "Oh, man, I hadn't thought about that. But I see your point. I think I'm going to go up to my room. This is one conversation I do NOT want to be a part of." Matt got up, kissed Miranda, and began to leave the room.
"MATT," Jo called him from the kitchen, "telephone."
"Can I take it on your phone, sis?"
"Sure."
"Thanks. Mom, I'll get it in Lizzie's room. She said okay." He headed upstairs.
"Now, what were you two talking about?" Lizzie had an idea of the general subject, but was curious for details.
"Lizzie, I don't know an easy way the say this, but, one of the things Matt and I have talked about is want could happen, if our willpower isn't enough, and we . . ."
"PLEASE don't finish that sentence. I get it."
"Yes, well, we've decided that I should talk to mom about something I mentioned Friday, but I haven't been able to work up the courage. After this morning, I'm not going to wait any more. The risk is too much."
"Are you going to tell me what you're talking about?"
"Sorry. I'm talking about . . ." This was harder for her than she thought it would be. Lowering her voice, she leaned in. "my taking birth control."
"WHAT!?!"
"Lizzie, keep it down!"
"Sorry. But birth control, wow. Are you sure that's necessary?"
"There have already been moments when it was VERY difficult not to . . . go farther than we have. I never thought I'd feel like this for him, but I do. We know we shouldn't, for a lot of reasons. But I also know how tough it is for me not to, and he's admitted the same to me."
"The way you two kiss, a person could think you already have."
"The point is, it could happen, despite our best efforts to the contrary. If it does, we don't want to risk having a baby. We're nowhere close to being able to raise a child, and we don't want to that to an innocent little baby. And now . . . Lizzie, I'm scared. I know it could have been anyone, but we've both been through the classes. Babies of teen mothers are so much more likely to have problems, or die."
"But there are other ways . . ."
"Do you remember what Parker told us? They were only without one once, and she still got pregnant. I don't want to take that chance. Do you?"
"Well, not really, no." Suddenly, a light dawned. "Wait a minute, you think Gordo and I would . . ."
"Of course you could," Miranda interrupted, "and don't act offended. Gordo admitted to hiding his feelings for you for at least three years. And while you've only just admitted you had them, I knew in fourth grade that what you had was more than a crush." Lizzie's jaw dropped on that remark. "Now, if I can feel like this for Matt after less then a week, what do you think it's going to be like for you two, with years of suppressed feelings to fuel your fires."
Lizzie was speechless.
~~~~~~~~
When Matt got to Lizzie's room, he headed straight to the phone. "I've got it, Mom, thanks."
"Sure. Just don't be long. We want to call Dr. Gordon." She hung up.
"Hello?"
"Matt, it's Reggie."
"Reggie! I though you weren't getting back until . . . oh, right, that was yesterday. Sorry."
"It's okay, man, I heard already about the crash. How's Lizzie doing?"
"She seems okay, other than sporting a couple of casts. She had us scared for a while though."
"Matt, I don't know how to say this. I was at Melina's yesterday afternoon, to say hello."
"Oh. I guess you know about yesterday."
"I know a little, but neither were saying much."
"Neither? Lanny was with her?"
"Yeah, man, he acted like he thought I'd pounce at any moment. Can you explain what happened? I don't think I've ever seen her crying like that. I didn't think it was possible."
Matt was turning pale. "Oh, man. You have no idea what you're asking. To call it a nightmare isn't strong enough. For you to understand, I'd have to tell you about everything since the crash."
"Now this should be good. I have the time."
"I'll tell you, but not on the phone. Can you come by tomorrow, around noon? Today's going to be busy."
"Sure, I can do that. I take it this is something major, huh."
"THAT is an understatement."
"Sounds interesting. I'll see you then. Bye."
"Bye."
~~~~~~~~
When the parents were finished, they called Matt to the living room. When everyone was seated, Sam began. "Lizzie, we understand why you made your suggestion. But Dr. Gordon believes, and we agree, that the sleeping arrangements should stay as they are. This is so that we can know when the nightmares fade to the point that you," he nodded to the couple on the sofa, "aren't so badly affected."
"I guess that makes sense." Matt sounded doubtful. "Did he say anything against us ending up together after bad ones?"
"Actually, he agreed with us. You've shown reasonable judgement. As long as you make a real effort in your sessions with the doctors, and start out separate, we'll let you judge if you can't handle things on a given night. But," Sam had a mischievous grin, "he did suggest that whoever wakes you should wear armored gloves."
"Hey! You scared me!"
~~~~~~~~
When Miranda and her mother left for home, Matt turned to his parents, who were standing behind him at the door. "Can I speak to you two, in my room."
Both had been waiting for this. Jo answered. "Sure." She turned to Lizzie. "Are you going to be okay if you're alone for awhile?"
"Unless these crutches break."
"We'll be in Matt's room if you need us."
~~
When they got settled in his room, Matt began. "How much did dad tell you, mom?"
"I knew we were meeting. He told me what you said last night. The rest was a guess. Please, tell us what's on your mind."
"First, I'll warn you that some of this may upset you. I know that you thought, maybe still think, that I might harm or kill myself. Well, you had good reason to worry. For about a minute. I'll admit, I thought about it. I was thinking that I was so dangerous what you'd all be safer without me."
Jo was shocked by this. "Matt, how could you think that!"
"After Melina, it was very easy. I know you don't think so, but I'm sure I could have killed her if not for Miranda. The point is, I didn't do it, and I won't. I realized how much you all would hurt if I did that, because I know what losing you would do to me. And Miranda . . . the way she been carrying guilt lately, I'm really afraid that if I did that, she might do the same. The only thing that hurts more than the thought that I could hurt her is the thought that she might hurt herself. I can't let that happen."
"Matt, I can't think of words to express how upset I am that you'd even think it was an answer." Jo stopped herself, regained her composer, and continued. "But, I'm so happy you decided against it. Still, promise me you'll tell Dr. Gordon about this. If he's going to help you, he should know."
"I will, I promise." He went over and hugged her. As he sat back down, he changed the subject. "Mom, I wanted to talk to you about something else. Do you still have the jewelry from great-grandma?"
She was surprised by that question. "Yes, I do. But, you've never been interested in her things before. May I ask your reason for asking?"
"I was remembering something you tried to tell us, but I didn't pay close attention." He looked embarrassed. "Sorry. But what I wanted to know about was this. I remember you said that, when he was courting her, great-grandpa gave her something before he gave her the engagement ring, because her dad wouldn't let him propose yet. Do you know what I'm trying to think of?"
Her eyes widened. "Yes. When he first asked her father for permission, which you had to do back then, he said no, saying that they were too young. He found a way around that by following his family's version of the tradition for promise rings." Matt looked puzzled by that. "In general, a promise ring is given as a promise of an engagement ring in the future. However, in the version he followed, he had two identical rings made. The one he gave her was worn until he could give her an engagement ring. The other he wore to symbolize his devotion to her until it was replaced by his wedding ring." She was beaming with anticipation, but wanted to here him ask, just in case she was wrong.
She wasn't. "Do we have those rings?" He tried, and failed, to hide his eagerness. He knew he'd failed, and blushed.
"Yes, we do. But I think we'll have to get them resized if . . . Matt, are you planning what I think you're planning?"
"Mom, may I use those rings for Miranda and I?"
"Oh, baby, of course!" She grabbed him in a thigh hug.
Too tight. "Hon, I think you should let go. He's turning blue."
She released him. "Sorry. Are you okay?"
"Now that I can breathe!" He gasped. When he regained his breath, he asked. "Are you really okay with this? I mean, we've only been a couple a few days. I'm a little surprised you're not lecturing me about moving too fast."
"Do you think you're moving too fast?"
"Maybe. It's not an engagement ring, but it means the same to me. On the other hand, part of me still wants to give her an engagement ring, but accepts this as a compromise. Is this a bad thing?"
"Matt, I think you're just fine. Yes, you're taking a big step. But you're taking this very seriously, yet considering what others may think. I take it the reason for the compromise is what Miranda said Saturday about it being too soon to think about marriage."
Matt realized she didn't know about Miranda's new position on that. "Yes, among other things." Matt suddenly realized a problem. "You said we need to get the ring resized? How do we going to get her ring size?"
"Well, we could try it after she's asleep tonight."
Matt shook his head in a NO. "Not the way she has nightmares. She could strike out at a dream and hit you."
"That sounds familiar." Sam reminded him.
"Yes, well, you'll remember she didn't react to you. I think that our best bet is to wait until the next time we end up together, and I have no doubt we'll have more nights like last night. I'll try to stay awake until she drops off, then whichever of you is with us should be able to get it. But please don't try if I can't stay awake. I don't know if I'll remember in my sleep."
"You think she'll be okay then?"
"She seems calm with me. Both times we've been together, I awoke to find her sleeping in the exact position she fell asleep in. Considering how wildly she moves when she has a nightmare, I think it's safe to assume she's free of them when she's there."
"Not lacking in confidence, are you son?"
Matt rolled his eyes. "Dad, I'm just guessing based on what I've seen and what she's said. I don't think I can do that to just any woman. Nor would I."
"I'm kidding!"
Matt shook his head, then turned to his mother. "What are you going to use to get her ring size?"
"Also among your great-grandma's things is an old cloth tape measure. Very soft. If she sleeps as soundly as you believe, she'll never notice."
~~~~~~~~
A/N: How will Miranda react to a promise ring? How will her dad react? How will Gordo react to the news about the baby? That, and more, still to come.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: While it makes a VERY tempting side story for when I'm finished with this one, I'm not going be focusing on how Larry and Parker deal with losing their son in this story. That doesn't mean you've heard the last of them, but they aren't the principal characters of the story. I can, however, guarantee at least one personal appearance by one of them. After all, what was the baby's middle name?
`
Chapter 23
For What the Rings Tell
`
When Mrs. Sanchez came for Miranda, they gathered in the living room. Once they were seated, she was informed of what happened, up to the note from Parker and Larry, but Sam leaving out his speculation about Matt. When they finished, she just shook her head. "It seems you were right about them, Sam." She looked at her daughter. "I'm not happy you ended up in his arms again, but considering the night you two had." She shivered. "The whole point of this arrangement was so you could pull each other through these nights. It seems to have worked. I just wish you could find another way."
"Yesterday changed things, though." Matt pointed out. "We know what I'm capable of, and that's fueling the nightmares for both of us."
"Matt, darling, please don't . . . wait," Miranda just realized what he said, "did you say both of us?"
Matt realized he had said too much. "Please don't ask the next question. I can't tell you. I just can't." He couldn't look at her.
She suddenly put it together from what he had said and done. She took his hands. "I think I know what it is you saw. Matt, please look at me." His tear-streaked face came into view. "You once told me I should share my nightmares with you, so I wouldn't carry them alone. Please, let me help you like that. You don't have to say it yourself this time, just tell me if I'm right." She drew a breath. "You saw yourself kill me, didn't you?"
That startled everyone. Matt nodded, then started to break into sobs. He fought the break the whole way, so Miranda saw it coming, and had him in her embrace before he finally lost the fight. "It was an accident." He could barely speak. "An accident." If he had anything else he wanted to say, it was lost in his sobs.
"Shhh, it's all right. I'm right here. It never happened." As she rocked him gently, she turned her head to her mother. "As much as I like the comfort of his arms at night, I look forward to the day when we can sleep alone again, because that will mean he's better. But not now. Neither of us is ready for that yet."
"I can see that." She looked at Sam and Jo. "I take it we're still going to do this as we agreed yesterday."
"A week to a house. Tonight's my turn with them. I'm not sure I'm ready the see how they express their relief, but I think I'll manage."
Looking at her brother, Lizzie had an idea. "Mom, I know it wasn't what you had in mind, but I think there might be a way to make so they don't have the worst of their nightmares. At this point," she motioned to her brother, "it may be worth a shot."
"What do you . . . are you serious?!? Lizzie, you can't be suggesting we let them . . . lay together all night?"
"In full night clothes, like last night, and under your watchful eye. It's not like they'd do anything with you right there."
Miranda looked amazed. "Lizzie, are you sure you'd be okay with that?"
"I told you last night, I trust you with him. I also believe what you said about . . . well, when we were changing. Besides, I think you two getting well is what's important here."
"I'm worried about them too, Lizzie," Jo began, "but what you're suggesting. . ."
"I think we," Sam used his hand to indicate himself and the mothers, "should go and discuss this. And get Dr. Gordon's opinion."
"Agreed." Mrs. Sanchez said.
"Do you kids think you can stay out of the kitchen for a while?"
"If we can get some water first."
~~~~~~~~
When the parents went to the kitchen, the kids were left in the living room. Lizzie decided it was time to ask about something from earlier. "Guys, I want to ask you something, but it may be personal. Is that alright?"
"All right," Matt said slowly, "but if it's too personal, we might not answer."
"I guess that's fair." She drew a breath. "When we learned about Jacob, I heard you say something about a talk with your mother." She indicated Miranda. "What would you want to talk about that his death would make more urgent?"
"Lizzie . . ." Matt was going to say that was too personal, but he was cut off by Miranda's hand on his shoulder. He turned to her. "Do you want her to know? I thought . . ."
"Before Jacob, I didn't. Now, I think maybe she should have the same talk with your mom."
His eyes got big. "She WHAT?!?" He stopped, then shook his head. "Oh, man, I hadn't thought about that. But I see your point. I think I'm going to go up to my room. This is one conversation I do NOT want to be a part of." Matt got up, kissed Miranda, and began to leave the room.
"MATT," Jo called him from the kitchen, "telephone."
"Can I take it on your phone, sis?"
"Sure."
"Thanks. Mom, I'll get it in Lizzie's room. She said okay." He headed upstairs.
"Now, what were you two talking about?" Lizzie had an idea of the general subject, but was curious for details.
"Lizzie, I don't know an easy way the say this, but, one of the things Matt and I have talked about is want could happen, if our willpower isn't enough, and we . . ."
"PLEASE don't finish that sentence. I get it."
"Yes, well, we've decided that I should talk to mom about something I mentioned Friday, but I haven't been able to work up the courage. After this morning, I'm not going to wait any more. The risk is too much."
"Are you going to tell me what you're talking about?"
"Sorry. I'm talking about . . ." This was harder for her than she thought it would be. Lowering her voice, she leaned in. "my taking birth control."
"WHAT!?!"
"Lizzie, keep it down!"
"Sorry. But birth control, wow. Are you sure that's necessary?"
"There have already been moments when it was VERY difficult not to . . . go farther than we have. I never thought I'd feel like this for him, but I do. We know we shouldn't, for a lot of reasons. But I also know how tough it is for me not to, and he's admitted the same to me."
"The way you two kiss, a person could think you already have."
"The point is, it could happen, despite our best efforts to the contrary. If it does, we don't want to risk having a baby. We're nowhere close to being able to raise a child, and we don't want to that to an innocent little baby. And now . . . Lizzie, I'm scared. I know it could have been anyone, but we've both been through the classes. Babies of teen mothers are so much more likely to have problems, or die."
"But there are other ways . . ."
"Do you remember what Parker told us? They were only without one once, and she still got pregnant. I don't want to take that chance. Do you?"
"Well, not really, no." Suddenly, a light dawned. "Wait a minute, you think Gordo and I would . . ."
"Of course you could," Miranda interrupted, "and don't act offended. Gordo admitted to hiding his feelings for you for at least three years. And while you've only just admitted you had them, I knew in fourth grade that what you had was more than a crush." Lizzie's jaw dropped on that remark. "Now, if I can feel like this for Matt after less then a week, what do you think it's going to be like for you two, with years of suppressed feelings to fuel your fires."
Lizzie was speechless.
~~~~~~~~
When Matt got to Lizzie's room, he headed straight to the phone. "I've got it, Mom, thanks."
"Sure. Just don't be long. We want to call Dr. Gordon." She hung up.
"Hello?"
"Matt, it's Reggie."
"Reggie! I though you weren't getting back until . . . oh, right, that was yesterday. Sorry."
"It's okay, man, I heard already about the crash. How's Lizzie doing?"
"She seems okay, other than sporting a couple of casts. She had us scared for a while though."
"Matt, I don't know how to say this. I was at Melina's yesterday afternoon, to say hello."
"Oh. I guess you know about yesterday."
"I know a little, but neither were saying much."
"Neither? Lanny was with her?"
"Yeah, man, he acted like he thought I'd pounce at any moment. Can you explain what happened? I don't think I've ever seen her crying like that. I didn't think it was possible."
Matt was turning pale. "Oh, man. You have no idea what you're asking. To call it a nightmare isn't strong enough. For you to understand, I'd have to tell you about everything since the crash."
"Now this should be good. I have the time."
"I'll tell you, but not on the phone. Can you come by tomorrow, around noon? Today's going to be busy."
"Sure, I can do that. I take it this is something major, huh."
"THAT is an understatement."
"Sounds interesting. I'll see you then. Bye."
"Bye."
~~~~~~~~
When the parents were finished, they called Matt to the living room. When everyone was seated, Sam began. "Lizzie, we understand why you made your suggestion. But Dr. Gordon believes, and we agree, that the sleeping arrangements should stay as they are. This is so that we can know when the nightmares fade to the point that you," he nodded to the couple on the sofa, "aren't so badly affected."
"I guess that makes sense." Matt sounded doubtful. "Did he say anything against us ending up together after bad ones?"
"Actually, he agreed with us. You've shown reasonable judgement. As long as you make a real effort in your sessions with the doctors, and start out separate, we'll let you judge if you can't handle things on a given night. But," Sam had a mischievous grin, "he did suggest that whoever wakes you should wear armored gloves."
"Hey! You scared me!"
~~~~~~~~
When Miranda and her mother left for home, Matt turned to his parents, who were standing behind him at the door. "Can I speak to you two, in my room."
Both had been waiting for this. Jo answered. "Sure." She turned to Lizzie. "Are you going to be okay if you're alone for awhile?"
"Unless these crutches break."
"We'll be in Matt's room if you need us."
~~
When they got settled in his room, Matt began. "How much did dad tell you, mom?"
"I knew we were meeting. He told me what you said last night. The rest was a guess. Please, tell us what's on your mind."
"First, I'll warn you that some of this may upset you. I know that you thought, maybe still think, that I might harm or kill myself. Well, you had good reason to worry. For about a minute. I'll admit, I thought about it. I was thinking that I was so dangerous what you'd all be safer without me."
Jo was shocked by this. "Matt, how could you think that!"
"After Melina, it was very easy. I know you don't think so, but I'm sure I could have killed her if not for Miranda. The point is, I didn't do it, and I won't. I realized how much you all would hurt if I did that, because I know what losing you would do to me. And Miranda . . . the way she been carrying guilt lately, I'm really afraid that if I did that, she might do the same. The only thing that hurts more than the thought that I could hurt her is the thought that she might hurt herself. I can't let that happen."
"Matt, I can't think of words to express how upset I am that you'd even think it was an answer." Jo stopped herself, regained her composer, and continued. "But, I'm so happy you decided against it. Still, promise me you'll tell Dr. Gordon about this. If he's going to help you, he should know."
"I will, I promise." He went over and hugged her. As he sat back down, he changed the subject. "Mom, I wanted to talk to you about something else. Do you still have the jewelry from great-grandma?"
She was surprised by that question. "Yes, I do. But, you've never been interested in her things before. May I ask your reason for asking?"
"I was remembering something you tried to tell us, but I didn't pay close attention." He looked embarrassed. "Sorry. But what I wanted to know about was this. I remember you said that, when he was courting her, great-grandpa gave her something before he gave her the engagement ring, because her dad wouldn't let him propose yet. Do you know what I'm trying to think of?"
Her eyes widened. "Yes. When he first asked her father for permission, which you had to do back then, he said no, saying that they were too young. He found a way around that by following his family's version of the tradition for promise rings." Matt looked puzzled by that. "In general, a promise ring is given as a promise of an engagement ring in the future. However, in the version he followed, he had two identical rings made. The one he gave her was worn until he could give her an engagement ring. The other he wore to symbolize his devotion to her until it was replaced by his wedding ring." She was beaming with anticipation, but wanted to here him ask, just in case she was wrong.
She wasn't. "Do we have those rings?" He tried, and failed, to hide his eagerness. He knew he'd failed, and blushed.
"Yes, we do. But I think we'll have to get them resized if . . . Matt, are you planning what I think you're planning?"
"Mom, may I use those rings for Miranda and I?"
"Oh, baby, of course!" She grabbed him in a thigh hug.
Too tight. "Hon, I think you should let go. He's turning blue."
She released him. "Sorry. Are you okay?"
"Now that I can breathe!" He gasped. When he regained his breath, he asked. "Are you really okay with this? I mean, we've only been a couple a few days. I'm a little surprised you're not lecturing me about moving too fast."
"Do you think you're moving too fast?"
"Maybe. It's not an engagement ring, but it means the same to me. On the other hand, part of me still wants to give her an engagement ring, but accepts this as a compromise. Is this a bad thing?"
"Matt, I think you're just fine. Yes, you're taking a big step. But you're taking this very seriously, yet considering what others may think. I take it the reason for the compromise is what Miranda said Saturday about it being too soon to think about marriage."
Matt realized she didn't know about Miranda's new position on that. "Yes, among other things." Matt suddenly realized a problem. "You said we need to get the ring resized? How do we going to get her ring size?"
"Well, we could try it after she's asleep tonight."
Matt shook his head in a NO. "Not the way she has nightmares. She could strike out at a dream and hit you."
"That sounds familiar." Sam reminded him.
"Yes, well, you'll remember she didn't react to you. I think that our best bet is to wait until the next time we end up together, and I have no doubt we'll have more nights like last night. I'll try to stay awake until she drops off, then whichever of you is with us should be able to get it. But please don't try if I can't stay awake. I don't know if I'll remember in my sleep."
"You think she'll be okay then?"
"She seems calm with me. Both times we've been together, I awoke to find her sleeping in the exact position she fell asleep in. Considering how wildly she moves when she has a nightmare, I think it's safe to assume she's free of them when she's there."
"Not lacking in confidence, are you son?"
Matt rolled his eyes. "Dad, I'm just guessing based on what I've seen and what she's said. I don't think I can do that to just any woman. Nor would I."
"I'm kidding!"
Matt shook his head, then turned to his mother. "What are you going to use to get her ring size?"
"Also among your great-grandma's things is an old cloth tape measure. Very soft. If she sleeps as soundly as you believe, she'll never notice."
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A/N: How will Miranda react to a promise ring? How will her dad react? How will Gordo react to the news about the baby? That, and more, still to come.