Sarah considered the timing and nodded. That would give her enough time to come home from the library, shower, and change. “That’s perfect.”
Lance leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “And so are you.”
She wanted to respond with her usual self-effacing comment, but she was in the process of learning to accept not only help from others, but their praises too. And Lance, in particular, sure loved showering her with them.
Work at the library went slower than usual, but wasn’t that always the case when you had something to look forward to? It was a similar feeling to a child’s the night before Christmas. The juxtaposition between wanting to go to bed so morning would come sooner, and wishing to stay up, immersed in the excitement and anticipation.
This felt like a true first date, even though they’d already had an unofficial one that had masqueraded as a simple book club meeting. But tonight would be their first fancy dinner as an official couple, and something about that made Sarah’s stomach dance with butterflies.
What would she wear? How should she do her hair? It would be freezing up on the Summit, and the gondola ride was roughly ten minutes long without any sort of heating available in those small cabins. She couldn’t wait to snuggle into Lance’s side as they ascended the hill, the pristine mountain below and bright, twinkling stars shining overhead. Truth be told, it was something she’d always dreamed of when she imagined the perfect date night. She’d even suggested it to Darren once, but he wasn’t fond of the snow, less fond of heights. Evenlessfond of expensive dinners that included ingredients he couldn’t pronounce.
She finally clocked out and drove back to the cabin to get ready, all the while thinking how grateful she was that Lance was so adventurous in all areas of life. From winter activities to exploring different reading genres to trying out new restaurants with elaborate menus, he was always eager to take a risk. But what truly struck her was his willingness to take big risks when it came to matters of the heart, a risk for which she was deeply grateful.
That Lance was willing to take on a relationship as complex as theirs made Sarah feel something she hadn’t in years. Of course, her parents had always told her how worthy she was, how special and loveable. But it was different coming from a romantic partner. And while Darren had fed her the appropriate lines when they’d started dating, that dynamic quickly shifted. Phrases like, “there’s no one else like you,” switched to vague and dismissive comments, and the attention he’d once showered her with became less and less until she practically had to beg him for affection.
Sarah knew that even in a marriage, one shouldn’t find their value in someone else’s praise or lack thereof, but it still felt good to be appreciated every now and then. And Lance made her feel that tenfold.
As she dressed for her date, choosing her favorite maxi skirt dotted in daisies, paired with an oversized cream-colored cardigan and thick, knit tights, she felt an unfamiliar swoop of nerves dip in her belly. She rarely got nervous around Lance. Their history and closeness had a little to do with that, partnered with his laid back and easy-going nature. Being around him was reassuring and familiar.
But tonight, she had all the proper anxiety that accompanied a first date.
She took extra time styling her hair. Redid her makeup twice until she felt it looked natural and not overdone. Even vacillated between perfumes, wondering if he would prefer a floral or sugary scent.
But when Lance knocked on the door just five minutes after Sarah had said her goodbyes to her brother and Laney, all of that anticipation transitioned into nothing but sheer excitement. She didn’t even wait for him to cross the threshold before she had her arms around his neck and a kiss on his lips.
“You smell like a bakery,” he nuzzled against her, inhaling.
Sarah pulled a face. “Sorry. I should have gone with the plumeria scented perfume and not the vanilla. I couldn’t decide.”
“No.” He playfully nipped at her jaw. “I love it.”
This man was too much, but in all the best ways. Growing up, she’d always known Lance as the kid that was up for anything, always looking for adventure. And as an adult, he hadn’t changed much. That consistency was as endearing as it was comforting.
“Ready for our date?” He took her hand firmly into his own.
“Is it silly to say it’s all I’ve been able to think about all afternoon?”
“Nope. That’s exactly what I want to hear because it’s all I could think about, too. Ask your brother. I was completely worthless at the shop.” He chuckled.
The drive was short, the roads clear of both traffic and snow. When they pulled into the lot at the base of the gondola, Lance sat for a moment, leaving the truck idling. He looked across the cab, something alight in his crystal blue eyes.
“I’m sorry I haven’t told you how beautiful you look tonight yet.”
Sarah smiled. “You don’t need to apologize for that.”
“I do. I always want to tell you what I’m thinking. What I’m feeling.”
“Well, I appreciate that. It’s not often that a man is so forthcoming with his thoughts. Or in touch with his emotions, for that matter.”
He turned the key, finally powering down the truck. “Can’t say I’ve always been that way. In fact, I think maybe a little bit of this whole reading thing has something to do with it. It’s made me more in touch with my emotions, and given me the words to better articulate them.”
“I always say that opening up a book is like unlocking a door to your heart.”
“I think it’s fair to sayyou’rethe one who unlocked that door.” He stepped down from the truck, quickly walking around it to join Sarah on the other side, hand ready for her to take.
She was still trying to process the sweetness of his statement when she slid her hand over his palm and let Lance help her down from the vehicle.
The cold mountain air stung her cheeks and neck, the only portions of her body not covered. She figured she should have thrown a scarf in her bag, but at the last minute she’d decided against it.
