Molly didn’t know what to say. It was nice that he was asking. In her current mood, she’d be happy if he moved in for a while. But that wasn’t the program. There was a part of her that wanted to encourage him to stay another day, and another part that was thinking maybe two days at a time right now was best. He was letting her mull this. A long silence settled in, the fire flickering, the sun about to set on the western horizon, the cool night air dropping down.
“I’d like for you to do what works for you right now. I want you to know you’re welcome to stay here on your visits. And I’mreally hoping you can come for the birth of the pups. If you’d like to stay longer this time, you’re welcome. But, I understand how you are drawn to the mountains. I understand how that works for the PTSD and your therapy. I’m not going to discourage that.”
He didn’t say anything. Did he want her to urge him to stay longer? Did he want to stay longer but didn’t want to impose? She was having a hard time reading the situation.
“Do you think you can make it for the pups?”
“Yes, but I won’t plan to stay long. We’re talking about July 1 and, for what it’s worth, the Fourth of July and PTSD don’t mix very well.”
Molly chuckled. Loud, unexpected explosions going off steadily for three or four days. No, she’d seen that bad movie downtown today.
“I hadn’t thought of that, but of course. Let’s hope Shadow is on time so you and Bear can be here for the birth and get away before the fireworks.”
“That’s my plan.”
“How about the Stampede? Second week in August.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s going to work. I scheduled my next session with Gloria for those dates. If Kitty comes, I’ll plan to stay longer.”
Molly didn’t mention that Kitty had reserved three cabins and an RV site. That was Kitty’s business.
The fire was dying down and the Glenfiddich was empty. They were getting ready to turn in. He hadn’t confirmed he was leaving in the morning, but she assumed he was.
“You mentioned an idea for another photo for Kitty.”
“I thought they’d like to see the mountain man in full leather standing with Bear and Beryl just before he left on the trail.”
“We could do that. You could be in the photo too.”
“I’m superfluous for that photo. They want to see you.”
“The part they liked best in the last photo was you. I’m pretty sure that was fascinating for them.”
“Why is that?”
“I haven’t been with anyone since Megan. They will see it that maybe I’m finally moving on.”
“Interesting. It feels to me like you’re moving on. Or am I just a sexual adventure?”
Her eyes were twinkling. She hadn’t expected to go there. The subject just landed in her lap, she’d been drinking for three hours, and was getting ready to bonk his brains out.
“Well, you definitely are a sexual adventure.”
She reached over and slugged his shoulder.
“But it feels healthy to me. I’m not thinking about Megan. I’m thinking about you.”
“Oh, really? What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking what a great sexual adventure you are.”
She reached over and slugged him again.
He looked her straight in the eyes and said, “It feels good to me. It feels real. Like, maybe we’re starting something good. How does it feel to you?”
Molly paused, then said simply, “Yeah, that’s how it feels to me too.”
The lovemaking that night was slow, tender, and laden with emotion. Molly was moved by the day. Her body needed a break from the pounding, and she felt very close to him. They’d justexchanged words about a promising start to the relationship. The words meant something to her. They capped a strange but beautiful day. She’d really learned a lot about him this visit.
