She gasps when we enter, the lantern light inside giving the space a warm glow.
"When did you do all this?" she asks, looking at the table and the meal waiting for us.
"I had some help. Dr. Nance and Gloria took care of getting everything set up while we were with your uncle."
She drops into the chair and shakes her head in disbelief as I add a little bit of everything to her plate. It's a mix of the different meals we've shared since that first night, and I tried to make sure that everything I've noticed she likes is available for her. There's no protest when I set the plate in front of her and then help myself to a serving.
"There's dessert, too. Key lime tarts."
"I think you're trying to win me over." She says it like she's trying to tease me, but I hear the hesitation behind the words.
"I hope it's working." As we start eating, I relax into the comfortable connection between us and feel pure gratitude for this woman. She's changed my life in a short amount of time, and I need to find a way to let her know that.
Our conversation is easy as we eat and when we're done with the entrees, I plate two of the tarts and set them in front of her. It puts a smile on my face to watch her eyes flutter closed with pleasure as she takes a bite. It also makes me think other things.Like how she'd look if I was the one giving her that kind of pleasure.
"It's lovely here, Porter. Your home, the view. You've built a wonderful place."
"I'm glad you like it." You can stay here forever if you want. I want to say those exact words, but it's too soon and I don't want to scare her away.
She gives me a small smile. "I was dreading going home. It was going to feel too empty, too quiet. This was perfect. Thank you for sharing it with me."
"You're welcome to stay as long as you want. I like having you here."
She pauses, half of the second tart in her hand, and I don't miss the way her eyes dilate or how her gaze lingers on my lips.
Fear makes me want to avoid the conversation, but as I learned on the battlefield, you'll never gain any ground if you don't take a calculated risk.
"I've been here a long time, you know. Keeping to myself mostly. Civilian life was a tough adjustment. The Ridge Resort hired me to do some of their forestry, lumberjack work when they needed it. I respect their desire to help veterans like me find work when we transition to civilian life. I've even worked with one of the charities they sponsor, that trains rescue dogs to be service animals for veterans that need one. But I've never really let people get close." I look down, sudden nerves hitting hard, and take a deep breath. I need her to know the truth. There's silence and I make myself meet her eyes, so she has no doubt about what I'm telling her. "I didn't let anyone close. Until you."
Her cheeks go pink, and I want to reach for her. My fingers itch with the need to touch her, but I force myself to stay where I am. To give her time.
She watches me, then gives me a small smile. "I feel close to you as well. And I'm so grateful for everything you've done formy uncle. I'm going to miss having him at home, but I know this was the right move for him. And I can still see him every day."
"I'd like to go see him with you as well."
Her lips turn down and she looks away, nervously twisting a strand of hair. "It's all right, Porter. I don't expect you to keep pretending that we're together. But I hope that we can remain friends."
My heart sinks.
"If that's what you want, then we can be friends." Even though I desperately want more, she has to want that, too.
Quiet descends and we sit across from each other. I wish I hadn't spent so long hiding away from people when I finished my final deployment. Maybe if I'd done it differently, I'd know what to say when the woman I've fallen in love with doesn't feel the same way.
Reena's chair scrapes against the floor as she pushes back from the table and stands, crossing over to where I sit and takes my hand. "Porter, are you trying to tell me you want to be more than friends?"
I look up at her, and my chest goes tight at how beautiful she is. Hair curling around her shoulders, her hourglass form that I know fits so well against me when we kiss. Her sweet smile and kindness, her determination to do what's best for the people she cares about. She's everything I never thought I'd find.
"I'm telling you that I've fallen in love with you."
She freezes, her eyes searching mine, and I hold my breath. The words are out now and there's no taking them back.
"Well, that's a relief. Because I'd hate to be feeling this way all alone."
12
REENA
Porter sits there, a stunned look on his face, and then comprehension dawns. He stands, a wide smile spreading across his face as he towers over me.
