The meal was yummy, but I was more enamored that he’d shopped and prepared dinner. After we cleaned up, we sat next to each other sipping gin & tonics on the porch.
“Sitting out here with you, well . . . I feel relaxed and content in a way I don’t think I’ve experienced before,” I said.
“I’ve never felt this comfortable with another person, aside from my son. It’s more than our time in the bedroom. I like sitting out here with you, talking about everything and nothing. I never really had that.” He took my hand and kissed it.
“I want to thank you. I stood up to Jack, and you helped me do that.”
“The only thing I did was point out your strengths. It was all you, your gumption, facing Jack, saving Nate, taking over as head counselor. I was merely a witness.”
He was right. I had done all those things—by myself. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Reminding me that I am a competent person.”
“That’s an understatement.”
The evening turned cooler as we chatted. I reached for a blanket and draped it across my shoulders.
Teddy took my hand. “Are you cold, my love?”
“A little.”
“Let’s go inside. I’ll build us a fire.”
He helped me out of the deep Adirondack chair and kept my hand in his as we went inside. I admired his graceful movements as he skillfully stacked the logs in the hearth.
“Don’t forget to open the flue,” I said.
“Thanks for the reminder, already done.” He brushed his hands together as the flames began to dance. “There we go.”
Teddy took the blanket from my shoulders and laid it on the floor. His warm body was comforting as he hugged me into him, kissing me tenderly. I felt a tear slowly run down my cheek.
“Is that a teardrop?” He wiped it away with his thumb. “Have I upset you?”
“Being here with you, the fire, it’s all . . . it’s all perfect.”
He pulled me down to my knees, facing him. “I agree.” He laced his hands through my hair as we kissed.
We lay next to each other, feeling the warmth of the flames and each other.
He leaned on his forearms, hovering over me. The glow of the fire reflected in his eyes.
“I’ve never made love in front of a roaring fire,” I said.
“Brilliant. Something we can experience together.”
Teddy was propped up on pillows, the morning sun shining across his face as he read. He looked distinguished in his glasses. I was mostly awake, aware of him absently twisting my curls around his fingers while my head rested on his chest.
“Good morning, my love.” He kissed the top of my head.
“Good morning, my Teddy.”
He slid me off him, our faces inches apart. He smiled. “You smell a bit smoky this morning.”
I returned his smile. “So do you.” I stroked his cheek. “I was thinking, if it’s not too much to ask . . .”
“Anything for you.”
