Maybe some I haven’t even tried yet.
“For someonewho didn’t think they could sleep in a tent, you’ve managed pretty well.”
Ethan fell asleep, his head on my chest, and coiled so tight around me it was a struggle to breathe at one point.
“Iz mornin’?” he mumbles, but doesn’t move off me.
“It is. Come watch the sunrise,” I whisper.
Other campers have exited their tents, and I know Gunner already got the fire going for breakfast. The coffee is likely almost ready by now, too.
“You didn’t tell me it would be a sunrise thing,” he mumbles without opening his eyes.
“There’s coffee on.”
Ethan lifts his head a little. “Black?”
“We brought powdered cream and sugar.”
He pushes himself up and stares down at me with sleepy eyes and bed-mussed hair. I can’t help brushing my knuckles over his cheek and sear this all into my memory. This man came on a trip, even though he was scared, because he wanted to see stars and trusted me with his safety. I’m incredibly fortunate and unbearably attached.
“What?”
Ethan might be sleepy, but he’s clearly picked up on my…whatever this moment is.
“Nothing.”I pat his back. “Let’s get pants on and get out there. Don’t forget your camera.”
After some rustling around, we both have pants on and make our way out to the fire.
“Good morning,” Gunner greets us and nods to the coffee supplies sitting on the nearby stump. “Just in time. Grab a mug and get comfy.”
Ethan moves toward it, but I grab his arm. “Go get your camera set up, and I’ll bring you a mug. The best spot is over there.” I point to the opening in the trees where a few others have brought over blankets and are cozy with their coffee.
“Oh, thanks, babe.”
His eyes widen, and my heart leaps against my ribs. Both of us remain frozen, shocked at the endearment, and it’s me who finally gets us moving.
“You’re welcome.”
With a nod, he walks to the clearing, and I close my eyes to settle everything that one word just disturbed.
When I turn back toward the fire, mugs in hand prefilled with the powdered additives, Gunner removes the pot from the fire and fills the mugs.
“You’re in love with him,” he says quietly. My gaze meets his before searching out the back of Ethan.
“Probably. I haven’t given myself time to really figure it out, but…I know it already hurts thinking about him not being here in a few months.”
“What are you going to do?”
Holding the mugs in my hands, I look toward Ethan, setting up his tripod and chatting with the nearby campers.
“Right now, I’m going to watch the sunrise with him and enjoy cowboy coffee. After that?” I sigh. “I don’t know.”
“Then get over there. You don’t need the answers today. You’ve still got time.”
Time. It both stands still and races by every time I’m with him. The nights seem too short and the days feel suspended.
With a nod, I walk toward Ethan and think about that single word. Sometimes, time feels infinite until you face something that can change your life forever.
