Rhett sat with Link on the couch. I looked at them as I walked in the door, beaming.
"Come sit, babe, we need to talk." Rhett said. He and Link moved apart so that I could sit between them. As I snuggled into them, I noticed Link gripping his knee tightly, and Rhett was bouncing his leg.
Uh oh. Why are they nervous?
The tension in the room was palpable. Something was off. Of course, the worst scenarios jumped into my mind first. My pulse began to race.
Oh God. This is it. They have finally had enough of me. Brace yourself, Des.
Link began, "These past months have been more than we expected. It's been a roller coaster." His thumb rubbed his knee, and I found myself staring at it, fully prepared to hear the worst.
Rhett added, "We can never thank you enough for everything."
"But?" I asked softly. Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks at any moment. I trembled.
"We need something more." Link said.
That did it. A tear fell. Rhett leaned back in surprise and moved to wipe it away. "Why are you crying, baby?"
My voice broke. "I was afraid that this was going to happen. This isn't going to affect work, will it? I don't want to lose my job!" More tears fell.
Link tilted my chin up. "Des- we are asking you to move in with us."
Wait- WHAT?
I looked into his eyes. They twinkled with amusement. I felt embarrassed.
"You were acting all serious like you were about to break up with me!" I exclaimed, wiping my eyes and playfully slapping his knee.
Rhett grabbed my shoulder, "Desi, look at me." I turned to face him and he continued, "We love you. We aren't going anywhere. Or sending you anywhere. In fact, we want you CLOSER. Move in with us."
Link chimed in, "Of course we'll have to be careful to not all arrive at work at the same time or anything, and keep it secret. But we want you here."
My tears were no match for the elation that filled me at that moment. I threw my arms around Rhett, then Link. "Of course! Of course I will!" I giggled at my foolishness.
The two of them joined in, chuckling and squeezing me tightly. As I kissed each of them, I knew that I could never get in too deep with these two. This is where I belonged.