“No, I’ll save my intake for later, plus it’s a little too warm out for wine.”
“You’re warm?” I stand up and offer my hand. “Come on, let’s go for a swim.”
Brielle’s fingers carefully walk into my palm, but I grab hold of her wrist and yank her up, causing her hat to fall. Quickly, I hook my arm under her knees to carry her.
“Don’t you dare throw me in,” she giggles.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I grin.
She clings to my neck. “Liar.”
And she’s right, I drop her in the deep end and dive in after.
We both submerge under the water before swimming to each other. With water swooshing around us, I love the way Brielle brings her arms around my neck before wrapping her legs around me. She knows I’m her anchor both in the pool and life.
Our bodies are close, and it feels so damn right, yet tantalizing. This will be a struggle not to play with the tie behind her neck, but it will make tonight even better.
“Hi,” she says shyly.
“Hey.” I dip my head down to kiss her neck. “Look at us.”
“Crazy.”
“Nah, crazy is waiting this long.”
She gives me knowing eyes. “Maybe.”
I can’t read what is hinted in that word, but I don’t get too worried as she kisses me with intention.
For the next hour, we just wade in the pool, splashing around and chatting about the Bar exam, Lake Spark, and the training facility that I’m running. It’s easy and relaxing. In a way, no different from the way we’ve been the last ten years, except for the fact I get to touch her, hold her, and kiss her. It’s a change but welcome.
We were in a good mood when we both went our separate ways to shower and change. I threw on a fresh t-shirt and jeans before I worked my magic in the kitchen and outside. I’ve dated, sure, but I’ve never romanced someone the way I am for Brielle.
By the time I have everything set up, Brielle arrives down the stairs barefoot but in a black cotton dress that clings to her and stops mid-thigh.
Her mouth parts open with a gasp when she walks outside to the edge of the patio where I’m lighting a few candles on the table to keep the mosquitos away. This is the perfect spot to overlook the lake and sunset. My Bluetooth plays music; I’m really on a Hovvdy kick lately, and it fits us for this moment.
“You did this?” She walks to the table. “It’s beautiful, romantic, and a little surprising. But unexpected is easy to do, as no part of today is how I was planning my week to go.” She notices the warm lasagna, salad, and bread. “You cooked?”
“I might have had April’s help so I won’t poison you.” I bring her chair out to help her in.
“I’m slightly relieved with that news,” she admits and slides onto the chair. “Thank you.”
We have white wine in a bucket. Olive Owl, her favorite, and I get an abundance of wine supply since Hudson’s son married into the family that owns the brand. I’m quick to pick up the bottle and get busy with the cork.
“A toast,” I suggest.
“Depends on what we’re toasting,” she playfully challenges as she picks up the wine glasses on the table and holds them out for me.
I think for a second. This isn’t a new beginning because I don’t want us to erase what was, especially since it includes our son. I pop the cork and begin to pour. “To timing.” It’s the best I can do.
“Maybe. Or to waiting. Maybe we’ll figure out if we’re worth it,” she counters with hope in her tone.
Optimism is something we share, which is why we clink our glasses to celebrate the night ahead.
10
FORD
