“Willow, I'm so sorry.”
She wraps her arms around me from behind in an embrace, like she’s trying to comfort me after all that I have done. That is my Willow, my girl. The one with a heart so big you can break hers, and she will still be more worried about you. I wonder how I will ever move on from this guilt. It’s soul-crushing. But I don’t want to carry that with us. We’re getting to try again, and I want to make it last.
“I forgive you. And you know what, I actually think this needed to happen. I think both of us needed to see that life was really better together, and if we had never been apart, we wouldn’t have ever really known we’ve grown a lot since then.”
I can appreciate the sentiment, but we didn’t need time apart to know that maybe she’s just telling herself that, or maybe she’s saying it to make me feel better, which I love her for. But I don’t think either one of us would’ve ever taken each other for granted.
“My turn for a question,” she says, clearly trying to shift the conversation. “What do you see your life like in five years?”
“Would it scare you if I said I saw you and me?” That’s all I see now that she’s in my sights again. A full life with her. I don’t just see the next five years. I see our whole life. Kids, careers, rocking chairs on the front porch when we’re eighty. The rest of my life will be spent devoted to her.
“It would scare me more if you didn’t.”
My heart soars at her admission. “Good, then I see you and me. And hopefully, a little girl with your spunky attitude and kind heart. You know the world means more sunshine, like you.”
“I love you, West.” She leans her head against my back and for the first time in years everything feels perfect. The oceans have settled, and I can finally take a deep breath. A fresh breath of her is all I needed to ground myself.
“I love you most, Sunshine.”
We continue our game of questions. Our hearts at the core are the same as they were years ago, more mature now, more settled, but that spark that brought us together is shining just like it always has. Things have happened that have changed us into who we are now, and it’sgood to know that about each other. We’ve got a lot to catch up on. How lucky am I to meet the love of my life twice?
The sun beats down on me as we come to a corner with a clear view of the river, and I get an idea. I guide the horse toward the water. There’s a little patch of short grass and tree coverage to stop at. It makes the perfect beach spot.
“What are we stopping for?” She looks around at our surroundings. It’s nothing but the trail, a thick covering of pines and aspens out here. Wild grass and flowers grow in sporadic patches. There’s not another soul for miles.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but it’s hot as hell, so I think I’m gonna go cool off.” I slide off the horse and tie it to a low-lying branch.
“I didn’t bring my swimsuit, West.” She looks a little panicked, but after our little chat, I know that country-loving girl is still in there. So I’m going to coax her all the way out.
“Wouldn’t be the first time we skinny dipped in this river.”
“But we were teenagers then. I’m not trying to catch an indecent exposure charge.”
I look around for dramatic effect. “Sunshine, this land is ours, nobody’s going to come and give us a ticket for being naked on our own land.”
“You're serious?” She still sits atop the horse, staring down at me. Both figuratively and physically.
I don’t answer. I drop my drawers and strip my shirt over my head. “Are you too chicken to get in, baby?”
There’s one thing about her that hasn’t changed. It’s her love to prove a point.
“I know you didn’t just call me a chicken.” She kicks her leg over the horse and drops to the dirt like she’s been doing it for years, and goddamit if it doesn’t turn this sad sap on.
“I’m kind of surprised I haven’t heard you bock from all your chickeness.” I wink at her, knowing good and well I’m playing with fire now.
“First of all, you’re dumb. Second of all, fine. I will get naked and swim with you.”
“Let’s not pretend like it’s such a chore. You love to see me naked. It was you who watched me shower and stroke my cock to the thought of you, wasn’t it?”
If I thought her face was pink from the sun, it turns a whole new shade of red at that.
“No need to be embarrassed. I like seeing you naked too, baby. Now strip for me.”
“You know, I’m so tired from work. I think I might need a hand.”
I don’t need a second to think about what I’m going to do. I strut up to her. And grab the hem of her T-shirt and pull it over her head. My fingers glide down her silhouette, roaming over her curves. Her breath hitches as my fingers move to the button of her pants, unbuttoning them. I pull them down until she stands for me in nothing but her bra and her sexy little lace thong. Good God, this woman was made for me.
My hands skate across her ribs as I move to the latch of her bra. “Have I told you lately how sexy you are?”
