10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

by Emmy Sanders

Step one in Brad’s Guide to Finding Himself and Falling in Love: Make a new friend. Nailed it.

Fuck. This man. I barely know him, and I’m already wondering what kind of fence he’d like around his backyard. White picket?

“Yeah, man. It’s been a while for me, you know? I miss, just, like…touching someone. Holding.” Fu-u-uck. How long would it take to custom-order a ring?

“Plus,” Brad goes on, utterly serious, “you make people happy, Joey. You’re calm and patient and genuinely kind. You’re flexible in your thinking, but not so much that you’d compromise your morals. And I’m not sure if you know this, but sometimes you smell like sawdust. Like those happy memories you mentioned from your childhood. I could see that becoming someone else’s happy memory, too, you know? You’re a catch. Inside and out. And someday, you’re going to make the right guy very happy.”

Family isn’t always given, you know? Sometimes it’s earned. And I think that makes it all the more important. Choosing to love? I don’t think there’s anything greater than that.”

I wonder if he’d prefer a spring or fall wedding.

I decide, despite the limitations of my body, I’m going to try very hard to have Joey’s babies.

“I will make you feel good. Only good, bub. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t give to you if it’s within my power to do so. Whatever you want. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”