“Delicious,” he cooed. But not as delicious as you.”
Kissing me, his tongue tangling with mine kept me firmly grounded in the moment. Just like everything he did. “Mmm. You taste better.”
We finished our dessert, one bowl, two spoons and headed to bed. Lying down in the huge four-poster bed, I climbed across the mattress to his side.
“I had fun today, even if it didn’t seem like I did,” I explained.
Sam pulled me against his body, wrapping one arm around my waist. Purging the fears inside me via tears after an amazing release helped me feel lighter than I had in a while.
“I did too. Every day with you makes me happy.”
“Me too.” And I meant it, especially all the things that I couldn’t say yet.
“Good night, little wildflower.”
“Sweet dreams, Daddy.”
If only this could last forever.
Chapter Twelve
Mikayla
Out of all the events in our town, I’d missed the Hearthside Festival of Lights the most. I hadn’t been home long enough to enjoy the festivities in years and was excited to partake. The doctor’s office was near enough to the town hall that after my shift I walked. Sam promised to meet me as soon as he was done for the day.
Everyone seemed extra friendly on my jaunt through town and all the storefronts were decorated in anticipation.
Stopping at the base of the town hall stairs, I traced over the engraving and read out loud, “Every first full moon of the year, Brighton Creek comes alive for the Hearthside Festival of Lights. Since 1883, when the town’s founder’s wife, Mary Brighton, kept the hearth fires burning through harsh winters and endless nights, the tradition has endured. When snow thickened and fog settled, Mary lit lanterns along the creek’s edge to guide weary travelers safely home.” I sighed.
Mary bravely faced the elements, a nurturing soul doing her best to make sure her neighbors, friends and family came homesafe. I heard the story many times growing up and traced my fingers across the numbers of the year at the bottom of the plaque. “Today, the festival honors that legacy. Families craft delicate rice paper lanterns, each carrying wishes, hopes, and memories. They set them afloat on the frozen creek, lighting the way for new beginnings and the promise of warmth in the coldest months.”
“You could host our night with a voice like that,” Sam said walking to my side as he met me at the base of the steps. “Ever think of being the MC for the festival?"
“No! Of course not, Sam. That’s a really prestigious thing. I’ve always wanted to do it, but they select a high school senior who dedicates their future career to the town or one of the longstanding exemplary citizens to be nominated. I’m not any of those things,” I lamented.
“As long as you continue to show up, babygirl, I’m sure you’ll have a chance of securing a nomination. Besides, if that doesn’t convince you, I might know the committee.”
Laughing, I kissed Sam’s cheek. As a member of the founding family, he had been on the committee for as long as I could remember. “Oh, yeah? You think sleeping with the chairman will get me a nod?”
He nuzzled my nose. “Don’t brat right now. I think you’re concerned that I mean that you should come home for good. And it’s driving you a little crazy. Hm?”
Sam wasn’t the only one who thought that. My friends were happy to reconnect with me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have moved away from everyone I loved and who in return loved me, but I’d been fiery and foolish after college. Determined to get out of our small-ass town as fast as my beautiful rose-colored car could go. Maybe it had some deeper meaning, like I’d been wearing rose-colored glasses too; seeing everything as dreamy and exciting instead of reality. I’d put my foot to the pedal andblew kisses over my shoulder. Suddenly it hit me that I had no car to get home. I wasn’t an idiot but all the talk about staying and the stress of the accident and becoming Sam’s distracted me completely.
“Oh no! How am I going to get home?”
“You are home, Mickie,” Sam chuckled, not understanding what I was getting at.
“No, I mean, yes but back to the city? I can’t afford a car. I just covered expenses on Rosie and now she’s totaled! I can’t even–”
“Woah, woah.” He laid his hands on my shoulders. “Do you need a car to get around the city?”
“Well, no. Luckily there is plenty of public transportation. But sometimes I take a drive out of the city just to have some peace and quiet.”
“You should have considered driving here,” he said while gently kneading the tense muscles in my arms.
His hands on me helped ground me. “I know, hindsight and all. Having a car isn’t a huge need, but then I have no way to come back.”
“Silly girl. You can always take a cab to the train station or the bus depot. Someone will come and get you. Or I’ll take a drive, babygirl. We will work it out until you find a car within your budget.”
