Page 34 of Taking What Was His

“No, really, it’s okay. I got over that a long time ago.”

“Well, expect me there a lot. I know nothing about the horses, but I’d like to learn.”

He watched her smile, but her eyes started to glisten as tears filled them.

“Don’t you dare cry,” he warned.

She chuckled. “It is very nice to know you want to support me. I just had a thought, what a nice guy you were, and then you just ruined it.”

He chuckled. “I don’t like seeing tears in your eyes.”

“Well, you better get used to it. I cry at commercials sometimes.”

“Oh, Lord. Tell me other things you like to do?”

She thought about it for a moment. “I like hiking, reading, and I like driving to towns I’ve never been to before and finding little stores. I’m not a big collector, but I do like antiques.”

“What are you bad at?”

“I can’t dance, and my cooking could improve—a lot. I’m trying to garden in back, but it’s not going well. I’ve tried to have houseplants, and they always die on me. Jayden finally told me to quit buying them just to kill them,” she told him and laughed. “I know for a fact I’m good at three things. Horses, languages, and being a mom. Now, tell me about you?” she asked.

“I’m good at bossing people around.”

She laughed out loud.

“I like running.” He laughed when she scrunched up her nose. “I like doing physical stuff like playing basketball with friends. I also enjoy hiking, lifting weights, and cooking.”

Her eyes lit up. “Cooking? Really?”

He chuckled. “Really. So, you don’t have to worry about that anymore, and I’m pretty good with plants.”

“What the heck are you bad at?” she asked, a bit disgruntled, making him laugh.

“Dancing,” he said and smiled.

Her face lit up.

He continued. “I can fix most things, but when it comes to cars, I’m useless. I don’t like to do laundry or windows. I know there’s more. I’ll have to think about it.”

They both sat back as the waitress set their plates in front of them. “Would there be anything else?”

Roman shook his head. “Not right now. Thank you.”

“Okay, I’ll check back.”

The next several minutes were silent as they ate.

Beth sat back and sighed. “That was good.”

He finished his meal. “Do you want dessert, baby?”

“No, just a to-go box.”

He flagged down the waitress. “Could we get our check and a to-go box?”

“Yes, sir.”

They were driving away from the restaurant when he grabbed her hand again. “We thought about a movie. Which one?”