“I know, man, I know.” Logan slaps me on the back. “Let’s grab a drink.”
We walk over to the house and grab drinks from the garage fridge. Dane comes up behind with his arms around both of us. “Thanks for helping us out tonight.”
You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if you tried. His love for Kendall is fierce, as evident every time he looks or talks to her.
“It's going to be epic,” Dane says. “You two look serious. What’s going on?”
Logan tries to deflect. “Nah, just enjoying ourselves, grabbing a drink…”
“Come on, man. Don’t blow smoke up my ass.” Dane squeezes us a bit harder and shakes us.
Kai chimes in. “Just navigating relationships.”
He laughs deeply. “That’s a lifetime challenge. Ava?”
“Yeah, it’s challenging, alright. I don’t know, man, she’s everything for me, but how do I make her see it?”
“That’s where you’re going about this the wrong way. You won’t make her see or do anything.” Logan takes a sip of his drink and then says, “You need to show her.”
“Man, I have. What else can I do?” I run my hand down my face with a heavy sigh.
Dane squeezes me harder. “Be there. Be consistent. Show her every chance you get that you belong together. It worked with Kendall.Man, she’s an independent woman…and I love her ‘til death do us part.”
“Thanks. She’s over with the others…we agreed to talk later. I’m not going to lose her.”
“That’s the spirit. When you’ve found the one…you know. She probably knows too, but is struggling to come to terms with it. I know how that feels. My gram has lots of words of wisdom, and she says all the time that our soulmate finds us and that love finds us. I thought it was a bunch of BS, but when Kendall came crashing into my life, it was hard to ignore how I felt about her.”
“Wow…Gram’s words of wisdom. Well, guess I’m on a mission to show her we belong together.”
“That’s my man. You get your girl.” Logan turns his head towards the girls walking towards the house.
“Ah, looks like an emergency girl’s night meetup…or whatever they call it.” Dane shakes his head and waves his hand in the air.
“Guess I’m stuck with you two…” I mumble.
“You should feel lucky to have such great friends giving top-notch advice.” Logan eyes me as he shifts his body towards the water. “Wow, the sky is beautiful tonight.”
I look over my shoulder and see the streaks of pink and blue faintly painting the sky. In less than an hour, it will become these bright, vibrant colors. Just the way Ava likes her sunsets. I glance up at the house just as the door shuts behind them.
Eyeing Dane with a stare, I say, “Can we talk about that bench in the woods?”
“Ah, yeah, what about it?”
“I need it in my yard,” I say deadpan, and get my wallet out. “I’ll pay you whatever.”
“Slow your roll,” he says as he shoves my hand away that’s holding my wallet. “Back up a few steps. Why do you need my precious bench?”
“During the summer firm cookout, Ava and I went for a walk and sat there. It’s where we first shared a moment, and I’d like to set it up at my Lakehouse and surprise her with it.” I glance away; it seems like a big favor.
“Wow, you’re a romantic gesture guy. I can relate to that! Of course, come get it anytime…”
“I’ll replace it,” I quickly say to him.
“Sounds perfect. That spot has always had a bench. A replacement is a great trade.”
I’m shaking a bit; this is it. This is another way I can show her how much she means to me. Our bench at my lakehouse, just for us. The memories alone are worth moving it. I’m already imagining Ava’s reaction.But when am I going to have the time to do this?I will make the time. Maybe my brother can swing by with a replacement and take this one.
It’s just a bench to anyone else, but to me it’s the beginning of something truly exceptional. I can’t let another minute go by. I text my brother to give him a heads-up. He has the perfect replacement and can come by Dane’s tomorrow morning.
