It's A Matter Of Words
"I'll start this broken heart
I'll fix it up so it will work again
Better than before
Then I'll star in a mystery
A tragic tale of all that's yet to come
Fingers crossed there will be love"
Broken Heart – Motion City Soundtrack
"I'm in this." I break the silence of the dinner. Not uncomfortable strained silence. Just relaxed silence, of us exchanging meaningful looks. I break it just like she did in the car. With words I can't hold in.
She screws up her face, with a glint in her eye telling me that inside she's laughing at me. "I know. You said that before."
I nod, embarrassed.
"I know. But. Meredith I'm really in."
"Me too."
"So because we're both so.."
" In?"
I nod again. "Yes. Well. We should. Make plans. And I. I am building a house." I jerk my thumb over my shoulder. "Out there. My land. There will be a house."
Her hand holding a forkful of food pauses and returns to her place which she gently pushes away.
"You're building a house. Okay."
"Yeah. I'm building a house. And I want you to know that.. I have every intention of living there with you. You and me. This is like. A forever deal here Meredith." I say, standing on the verge of rejection and acceptance.
Slowly she nods, her face a light with a smile "You want me to move in?"
"Yeah. Look, I know we said slow. But by the time the house is built it'll be six months at least. They're starting work tomorrow." I grin.
"When did you do this? Last night after I left. I went to the architects and told him what I wanted paid for it and voila! It's happening."
"That's good."
"I know."
"Derek" she says after a pause. "You know we said about time."
Not quite sure where she's heading with this I nod. "Yeah."
She looks down at the table avoiding my gaze and fidgeting with her napkin she put there. "Is nine months enough?"
Nine months.. what.. no… she means.. nine months.. and suddenly I..