Abigail
The morningafter our first date, I meet Dinah and Alona at CV Spoon for Sunday brunch.Barely sitting down, they pepper me with questions.
“Well, how did it go?”
“Did you two kiss again?”
“Was I right?”
“Stop staring at the menu, woman!”
Bursting into laughter at Alona’s desperation, I put down my menu.It’s not like I don’t always get the exact same thing here for brunch, anyway.
“It was amazing.He’s amazing.”I say, looking over at Alona’s pleading face, “Yes, Al, we kissed again.A lot.Happy?”
With perfect timing, the server at the next table pops a champagne cork.
* * *
I step out into the December night chill, but seeing Barrett in front of my door warms me from head to toe.He makes a silly bow and puts out his gloved hand.
“Madame, are you ready for your escort to the festival of trees?”
“Yes, you handsome goof,” I tease back.
Lights and food stands line most of the walk to Corvid Valley Park, which is about a half mile from my place.Barrett told me about this local tradition, but it’s even more beautiful than I had pictured.White lights twinkle down Main Street as we walk arm in arm.Couples and families enjoy the festivities all around us.I catch sight of Alona, Ford, Dinah, and Amos, but my friends only wave at me while shooting me knowing grins.
“Are you hungry?”Barrett says before we reach the park.
“There’s a taco stand right behind you, so yes, yes, I sure am hungry.”I joke.
He snorts at me, shaking his head, and says, “Damn, I love you.”
My breath catches.Staring up at him, I watch his face react to what he just said.He looks down at me, a slight look of horror coloring his expression.I step closer to him and slide my arms around his waist.
“Damn you love me?”
Barrett clears his throat and nods.
“Damn, I love you too, Bear.”
Surrounded by the delicious smells of tacos and the sounds of happy townsfolk, my boyfriend and I get lost in a kiss.
* * *
“That was seriously amazing.I’m blown away with how much work they must have put into all of that,” I say as we walk up to my office-slash-home.
“Tonight was the best one I’ve ever been to.”
Barrett pulls me close, wrapping my body in his warmth.I bury my face in his neck and smell his earthy scent.
“I guess this is goodnight,” he whispers into my wool beanie.
“It doesn’t have to be.”I breathe into his neck.
“You sure?”he asks.
“I’m amazed I have made it this long, to be honest.”
