My Teddy

{40}

"Okay."

Gabby and Dante have a field day.

I walk away from the house feeling like I just won 30 million bucks.

But in reality, I've won something worth even more than that.
.

.

.
Brooklyn

"Ooh, you brought home snacks."
Jacob says as soon as I see him.

I roll my eyes, handing him the bags.

Dante pulls me to the couch, trying to calm down him overly excited son.

"So where did you guys go? Other than Walmart?"
He asks suspiciously, glancing up as Gabby and Liz walks in.

I lean back on the couch and twirl my ring around my finger, smiling stupidly.

I had so much fun.

"The Steven's movies under the stars."
I say quietly.

Dante shakes his head amusedly.

Gabby and Liz squeals like little school girls.

"Oh my God, remember when you took me that time?"
Gabby asks Jacob, who freezes at the door looking guilty with a cookie sticking out of his mouth.

I roll my eyes at him, still feeling a little giddy from the kiss.

"Baby sis, you look so fucking happy. I haven't seen that smile in so long."
Danny whispers, wrapping his arms around me.

I frown.

"What? I smile all the time."

He rolls his eyes.

"I mean the lovestruck smile. Your eyes are sparkling and everything."
He observes.

I furrow my eyebrows, thinking for a second.

"I don't love him."

The room falls quiet.

I look around.

"Not yet you mean. Right?"
Liz asks into the silence.

What?

Of course I meant that.

I'm willing to try again. I want to be happy again like I was tonight.

"Not yet."
I confirm.

Everybody lets out a relieved sigh.

I roll my eyes.

"You guys are so....."
I trail off amusedly.

"Amazing?"
Dante asks.

"Unbelievably lovable?"

"Perfect?"

"Supportive?"

I laugh as everyone starts throwing in suggestions.

"Dramatic."
I say, causing them to scowl.

"I love you guys."
I add.

"I love you guys so much."

"Whew. I was beginning to think that I wasn't going to get to hear from you at all."

I smile immediately, rolling onto my stomach.

"Is it okay that I called instead of texted? I wanted to hear your voice."
I say softly, setting my phone down beside my head.

I hear him shuffling around.

"Are you just saying that to make me feel good?"
Comes Teddy's comforting voice.