“Left or right preference?” Dale asked.
I had to think for a moment. At home, I slept in the middle of my bed. “Left, I guess?”
“Perfect.”
I lifted back the covers at the same time he did. We were already in unison, like we were in synchronous orbit around each other, easy and without any over-thinking.
I moved some of the pillows out of the way.
“You can put those between us,” Dale suggested.
I hadn’t thought about that, but it was a good idea. Accidental touching was not on the menu.
I slid under the covers, propping pillows comfortably at my back. I felt Dale’s weight shift the mattress. It had been a long time since I’d shared a bed, and the memory returned that it had been a rather nice feeling.
The fire made soothing crackle sounds. Dale’s breathing was soft. Our room became a haven, a retreat.
From the peaceful surroundings, I heard my own voice speak a little too loudly. “The snowman building contest sounds fun.”
“Yeah,” came the gentle reply. “I hadn’t planned it because I didn’t want do it by myself.”
“I’ll help if you want.”
“That sounds a great.”
The last thing I remembered before waking the next day was smiling in the dark at his words.
6
Dale
Iwoke feeling warm and cozy. I didn’t want to open my eyes. Then I remembered. I was on vacation. I didn’t have to. I could roll over and go right back to sleep.
Which was exactly what I started to do until I found myself bumping into a heap of pillows. Then I remembered that Aspen was on the other side of those pillows.
I hoped I hadn’t disturbed him. I held my breath and listened. His breaths sounded even and quiet. He was still asleep.
I closed my eyes and let my body relax, my mind floating into a pre-dream state. What a wonderful start to a great vacation.
I woke a second time to the scent of fresh coffee. It smelled like paradise. I rolled onto my back and slowly sat up, rubbing at my eyes.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” said a voice.
“Morning. Wow, this be is comfortable.” My own voice sounded scratchy.
Aspen was on the couch. He held up his Santa mug. “I agree. There’s fresh coffee.”
“Thanks.” I got up, grabbing my robe from the closet, and headed straight for the bathroom.
When I came out still in my robe, I sat on the end of the bed to put on my slippers.
“Room’s warm but the floor is cold,” I observed.
Aspen laughed. I looked up to see he was watching TV, the volume turned low and captions on. It was polite of him not to want to wake me.
I grabbed myself some coffee and came to sit beside him.
“How’d you sleep?” he asked.
