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“But we do. You're important to me, and I want you to know this.”
He nodded and wrapped my hand in both of his.
“So, I get why he felt like he did. I was so focused on everything being perfect right down to how we loaded the dishwasher and organized DVDs.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. “There was a lot of time in therapy after we ended it. I learned… still learning really, how to recognize when I’m getting too caught up in my vision of how things should be.”
“I’ve seen that a time or two these past few days,” Ethan admitted gently.
“I know.” I wiped at my eyes again. Tears were near the surface and while I didn’t mind being emotional, I didn’t want to lose my focus on the conversation. “And I hate that. Not just that I did it to you, but that I did it all. It happens less, but it still can.”
His kind expression didn’t waver.
“It’s not like I don’t have things I work on too. You do the work, that’s what matters. I saw how you listened and adjusted and apologized.”
“That’s the work paying off.” I focused on his thoughtful blue eyes. “I’m better at recognizing when perfect isn’t as necessary as being present. And I want to apologize again for how I was in school. I know…”
“Please stop.” Ethan shook his head. “You’ve already apologized for that. It’s in the past, and we both understand each other so much better now.” He was quiet for a moment. “My turn. I should tell you about Marcus.”
“Oooh. Is that the guy from the lake?”
He had a confused look before he grinned and chuckled. “Um, no. You’re not getting that out of me.” He playfully slapped at my hand. “Marcus is my longest relationship. We met when I was playing in Nashville. He moved with me to Boston and later got an amazing job offer in Texas. We tried long distance, but…”
He sighed, and a look of regret crossed his face. It was my turn to take his hand in mine.
“It’s hard when you’re both building careers in different places. The time zones, the travel schedules. Just shy of our fourth anniversary, and a year of living in different cities, we broke it off.”
“That can’t have been easy.”
“It wasn’t.” He looked out at the woods for a moment. “And that decision is looming for us.”
I hesitated before asking, “Do you think long distance is even possible?”
“It is,” Ethan replied thoughtfully. “I’ve seen it work. Caleb and Aaron. Dixon and Oscar are only a few months into their relationship, but they’re going for it. Miles and Cole too.” His eyes met mine. “Though they all had the advantage of strong friendships. But I believe it’s possible for the right people.”
I considered that for a moment before changing direction. “Have you dated much since Marcus?”
“I’ve gone on dates here and there, but I haven’t found the right person,” he admitted. “What about you?”
“It’s only been in the past few months that I’ve felt ready to try,” I said. “It sounds like we’ve had the same kind of luck.” I met his eyes with a small smile.
Ethan brought my hand up and planted kisses on my knuckles.
A moan escaped as his lips sent tingles up my arm. “I suppose we don’t need to figure it all out right now.”
“Nah. Plenty of time.” He smiled. “Let’s talk about something less intense but just as important. What would be your perfect date night here in Maplewood?”
I laughed, relaxing back into the cushions. “Really? That’s your important question?”
“Hey, this is crucial information,” he said with a grin. “I need to know what works for you.”
“Okay, let me think.” I took a long drink and looked up into the gorgeous night sky. “Dinner at Giuseppe’s because their homemade pasta is incredible. Dessert and coffee somewhere with maple pie. Your choice for which diner we’d show up at. Catch some music at The Striped Maple.” I turned to face him. “What about you? What’s your ideal date look like?”
“Mine would start at the farmer’s market on Saturday morning.” I raised my eyebrows. “Hear me out. We’d pick up some fresh snacks, head somewhere for a picnic. I’d have to decide where that would be. Maybe go for a hike in the afternoon. Back to town, we finish up with an evening at the theater.” He smiled softly. “Simple but perfect.”
“I like it.” My mind filled with images of us doing exactly that, our hands linked as we explored together.
He leaned in, and this kiss was different—slower, deeper. My free hand found its way to his neck, pulling him closer as his tongue traced my bottom lip.
When we broke apart, Ethan pressed his forehead to mine, the gesture becoming wonderfully familiar. His fingers traced patterns on my cheek. His heart raced against my palm where it rested on his chest.
