Down Payment on the Future

Johnny Ryan had his first paycheck in his pocket and if felt good. He was finally able to stand on two feet and earn some money which he intended to give to Amanda as a down payment on all he owed her.

He stopped by the Greenery and bought a small bouquet of flowers and drove home to Amanda. He let himself in the door and found her in the kitchen puzzling over a cookbook with various ingredients on the counter.

“Hey Amanda.”

“Johnny,” She smiled up at him, “I think I’m going to try and make this chicken casserole.”

He pulled the flowers from behind his back and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh, what’s this they’re lovely Johnny thanks.”

“And…this,” he pulled out a roll of money.

“No…no you put that back in your pocket Johnny.”

“No I won’t it’s time I started paying my way here, this is just a down payment Amanda, I don’t expect you to keep me.”

“Johnny I…”

“I’m serious…I want to you’ve done so much for me.”

“I did it because I wanted to not because I expected you to pay me for it.”

“Just take it.”

“I’ll spend it on you every cent of it.”

“Amanda…” He wanted to so many times it had been so hard for him to keep her at arm’s length she’s shown him in so many ways how she felt about him. He hadn’t felt he was worthy of her, he couldn’t contribute…until now.

She went into his arms willingly and the soft slow kiss took away any thoughts of casseroles or anything else. “Johnny, I love you.”

“I love you too Amanda,” He kissed her again a little more urgently this time.