She’d been so excited about getting her own, about being able to skate to the bus stop and back again like the other kids. But when she’d opened her present on the morning of her birthday, she found a pair of regular tennis shoes instead.
Now, as her gaze homed in on the logo, her heart swelled two sizes. She pushed back the emotions and forced herself to tear away the rest of the paper. She’d relayed the story to Jonah—she’d never told anyone else—and he’d bought her the shoes.
She didn’t even know Heelys still existed, much less in adult sizes. But he’d hunted them down for her. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath or tear her stinging eyes from the package.
“Lauren?”
He was being so nice to her after she’d given him the silent treatment for weeks. What was wrong with her? Why did she push away everyone who cared about her? Her throat ached with unshed tears.
The bed sank as he sat. “I hope I didn’t—I hope you don’t mind me giving them to you. I got them back in August and figured you might as well have them.”
She swallowed the boulder in her throat. “It was very thoughtful. Thank you.” It wasn’t the shoes. The Heelys craze had come and gone. The disappointment had faded. But these shoes represented everything she’d never received as a child: real parents, family, stability. And maybe Jonah wasn’t perfect, but she knew in her gut, if he could give her all those things, he would.
“Really, Jonah. This was very sweet.”
“You should’ve gotten them when you were seven. You were as deserving as anyone else.”
That was true. Every child was deserving of love and consideration. She was still working on believing that she was too. Jonah made her believe it when he gazed at her like this—like he adored her. When he made her feel safe. He seemed to be an expert at that.
She zeroed in on the picture of the little girl on the box, her face lit with a smile as she skated in her Heelys. Lauren’s own lips lifted as she popped off the lid, grabbed a shoe, and put it on.
Chapter 31
August 5
The sun setting over Loon Lake was the prettiest thing Lauren had ever seen. Luminous shades of pink streaked boldly across the sky as the fluorescent globe melted into the horizon. She didn’t understand why, but sunsets seemed more glorious in Pinehaven.
The boat bobbed gently in the water where Jonah had anchored it for their onboard picnic. The food she’d prepared was long gone, the remnants packed away. Conversation had flowed easily, but now, almost in reverence, they watched the sun set in silence.
They hadn’t had much time alone lately as Sydney had come up for the weekend, staying in Lauren’s cabin. She’d taken one look at Graham and fallen head over heels. And by the end of the weekend, she seemed to think Jonah hung the moon. The man did have his charms.
Lauren leaned back onto Jonah’s chest, head resting on his shoulder. Graham curled up at their side. He’d gained weight in the month since he’d become hers. Whenever he saw her, his eyes sparkled with joy and his tail wagged gleefully. It was a wonderful feeling to be so desired. Soneeded.
Lauren curled her fingers around Jonah’s hand as they watched the last of the sun slip away. A wonderful feeling, indeed. Who knew she could be so compatible with a country boy? Though she’d seldom dated, she always fancied the city slickers with their styled hair, freshly shaved faces, and designer suits—Starbucks in hand as they dashed to their next meeting.
Jonah was nothing like that—though he had begun shaving daily, much to her delight. She loved running her fingers over the sharp turn of his jaw. So sexy.
She did so now because he was rightthereand lately she couldn’t seem to get enough of him. She drew in the scent of his soap that had become as familiar as her own reflection in the mirror.
He stared at her now, affection in his eyes as they roved over her face. “You’re more beautiful than the sunset.”
“You say the nicest things.”
“I haven’t even begun.”
“Do tell.”
He dragged a finger down her nose. “You have the cutest nose I’ve ever seen. I noticed it right away, the way it flares gently and ends in a cute little button.”
“Mynose? That’s what you like about me?”
“Patience, I’m just getting started.” His attention shifted to her eyes. “When you smile and your eyes curve, it just about makes me crazy. And your grin... Those luscious lips of yours just about do me in.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere.”
He leaned down and brushed her mouth, making her insides go warm. “But your laugh... That’s my favorite. I can’t hear you laugh and not smile.”
“Is that why you tickle me so much?”
