41 Chapter 21.1

The next day, Tina spent it putting the finishing touches on Jeff's home. It looked perfect. Since they started dating, the project changed from Jeff's project to their project. Although it was a tad unprofessional, all his talks on marriage and family and Jeff's indulgences reflected on the choices of designs they chose.

The home reflected both of their tastes, with more of Tina's than Jeff's. Every time she came on site, she couldn't help but always take a stroll around the gorgeous house. It was a three-story. The third level had the swimming pool, gymnasium and the game room.

There were 5 rooms and 5 baths on the second level. There was also a little sitting area that had skylights installed. Jeff randomly told her one day that he wanted so many children, that was why he purchased a big house.

The ground level was where the major sitting room and dining room were located. There were also 3 beds and baths on that level. Jeff's study room and a library were positioned there also. The basement was the garage.

It was a fairly big home, but Tina could feel the warmth radiating from it. Probably because it was her lover's and the house held some of her considerations too.

Since she didn't have any more work for that day, she made her way over to Lina's workshop. They both had been so busy, so they didn't really have much time to hangout these days.

"Hey sis," Lina called out as Tina's car was pulling over. As soon as she got her sister's text, she'd been waiting outside for her arrival.

"Why did you come out?" Tina asked, alighting from the car to meet up with her little sister.

"Just to stretch my legs. Let's go in."

Everyone at the workshop was familiar with Tina and they all greeted her with much gusto. Once the sisters were seated, the guys rushed out to offer her snacks and drinks. Tina politely received them and thanked them. Lina shooed them away with equal enthusiasm.

"What's up sis? You look like you've got a lot on your mind these days," Lina said, taking a sip from one of the juice boxes on the table.

"What do you think about mom and dad's relationship?" She wanted to know if her sister was as conflicted as she was.

"They still hold some sort of hope towards the marriage. Mom's just tired of the whole situation, and it's understandable," she answered casually.

"Have you thought about marriage?"

Lina looked up at her big sister with shock.

"Sis, you're getting married?!"

Tina smacked her head, "what are you talking about? I'm asking about you."

She rubbed her head in a silly way before responding.

"My boyfriend and I haven't spoken about marriage yet. If you get married, that'd give me the courage to dive into it also. I fear that I'd turn out too much like dad and protect mom over my marriage."

Tina shook her head, "that's not going to happen. Mom doesn't discriminate between sexes. I've been doing a lot of thinking about marriage these days. I'm scared Jeff and I would end up like mom and dad."

She filled Lina in on her conversation with Jerry and Jeff's head-on approach towards the topic.

"Big sis, you could also end up like Jeff's parents, being a loving couple in your old age. You don't always have to think negatively. Plus, I'm sure our parents will figure things out."

Unlike Tina, Lina held some hope towards her parents' marriage. It would tear her apart if her parents ever separated, but she could tell that their mother was hanging on tight. If she didn't love their dad, she wouldn't get angry anymore at Martha's antics.

Her anger meant that she cared.

"Also, Jeff isn't like dad. I can tell that he's the type to admit the wrong even when you're the wrong party. His family loves you. You just need to stop worrying about all of the maybes and settle your heart down."

Tina thought earnestly about what her sister said. Indeed, Jeff was the type to always give in. He cared deeply for her. At the sight of any discomfort, he tried his best to make her comfortable.

All of the scenarios in her head hadn't happened yet and there was no guarantee that they would ever happen.

She looked at her silly sister.

"When did you get all mature?" she tousled Lina's bangs.

The sisters spent a much-needed time together, and Tina finally set her mind right.

There was no need to worry about things that hadn't happened. She'd just learn to take them as they came. The good thing was she would not be doing so alone. Now, she had Jeff.

After talking with her sister, Tina left for home first, so she could have some time to polish her thoughts and tell them to Jeff later. He'd be very happy.

As they did every day, she called Jeff right on time with a huge smile plastered across her face. He could tell she had some good news to share.

"Hi baby," she greeted him with a little wave before noticing something weird.

"You're not home? Are you just leaving work?" He was still in his car.

"I'm in your driveway," his voice came through the phone.

"No way. You didn't tell me you were coming over." She stood up from the bed and put on her robe before heading down with her phone in hand.

"Well, I missed you. Element of surprise is great in a relationship," he flashed her a smile.

She smiled back and soon arrived inside his car.

"I missed you too," she jumped into his embrace and they enjoyed an intimate moment together.

Being in his embrace brought her peace and made her heart flutter. After returning from Lina's workshop, she tried to imagine life without Jeff, and it made her heart ache. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and she was definitely sure about that.

"I want to tell you some things, alright?" He said seriously as he raised her to face him.