Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 44

"I know you're good, but is this really what you think is right?" Tim asked.

"I do. Everything fits right now," Billy offered.

"So, you aren't in love with her?" Tim countered.

"Not in a romantic sense, no," Billy confirmed. As he spoke, I felt his hand smooth over my hair.

"In love is only romance," Tim argued.

"I disagree. I'm in love with this human," Billy tenderly continued. "If that means I have to wash my hands of romance with her because that's what's best for us, then so be it. I love Sarah. I want Sarah in a more traditional sense. She fits. And Lil seems really happy with Sam."

As Billy spoke Sam's name, he plucked up the ring around my neck and inspected it.

"It just makes little sense to me," Tim announced.

"Look man, the problems Lil and I had... the answers aren't in our past. We tried, we wrecked each other, we tried again, and we wrecked each other. The path is forward, and this is the path we're on."

"How can you be so confident about that?" Tim skeptically asked.

"Because Lil is confident in it, and I'm confident in her," Billy murmured.

Instinctively, I curled further into his lap and whispered, "I love you, Billy Collins."

"Every day," he whispered back.

Hours later, Tim and I settled in the bed in the back of the RV, with Billy settling in Tim's old spot in the front. I knew it was my turn again.

"Timmy, can we not?" I pre-empted him. "We've already had this conversation."

"But Lil, this is it. You realize that, right? You both marry other people, and you can't change your minds. You'll have families," Tim countered.

"Tim, this is what's for the best," I restated.

"You are in love with each other; even Billy admits it. Do you really think you guys can have successful marriages with other people?"

"Yes!" I confidently said.

"How can you say that because, honestly, I'm pretty sure the only reason Billy is buying this is because he trusts you so much?"

"Timmy, Billy and I aren't dumb, and we know we love each other very deeply. We've come so far to get to this place and chosen our paths forwards. He trusts me because I trust him. Yes, we'll have our love all along the way, but there is room for others. There has to be." I struggled to keep my voice even.

"Is there anything you can say that will make me okay with this? I really want to be okay with this," Tim appealed.

"I think so," I murmured. "I don't want kids. Sam knows, and is onboard."

"What?" Tim sat up as the shock rolled through him.

"I don't want kids. It's just not something I'm interested in, and I feel like that's something you have to be all in on. Billy is going to be an amazing father. He wants kids; he wants that life."

"Does he know? Does Billy know you don't want kids?" Tim pressed.

"No, and you can't tell him," I demanded.

"What? Why? That's it. That's the proof that you guys are making the right choice. Don't you think he deserves that validation?"

"Timmy, do you think he needs it? I heard you talking earlier," I admitted.

"You did?"

"Yeah, he seems pretty confident." I acknowledged.

"You would be a great mom," Tim noted.

"Probably, but if I don't want to be a great mom, would it matter?" I countered.

Silence fell between us for a moment.

"I love you, Lil. I just want you to be happy. And I am happy for you and Sam." Tim stretched his hands out and pulled me to his chest.

"Thanks." I smiled as I melted into him. "Wait," I said as I struggled to shoot up. "How did you know Sam and I are engaged?"

"Lil, you've been playing with the ring all day," Tim teased.

"I just didn't want to take anything away from you and Tess," I explained.

"I get it and appreciate it, but I can handle being happy for you and me."

"I love you, Timmy. I am so excited for you and Tess," I agreed.

"We should get some sleep. There's lots of Slushies on our horizon," Tim yawned as he sunk further into the pillows.