Page 27 of Pride

“When you two get done, you should come around back. I’ll introduce you to a few of the fellas.”

Fisher gave a nod. “Sounds good.”

Crip nodded in return, and then turned away. We walked back into the house, only to find the realtor pacing the floor in the kitchen.

“That’s become a problem” she said. “It’s driven most of the prospective buyers away. I’m sorry.”

Fisher let out a sigh. “I’m a man of my word. If you get them to accept my offer, I’ll learn to live with the noise and the commotion. If they don’t accept it, I’ll find another place. Somewhere quiet.”

She grinned a guilty smile. “Considering all things, I think they might accept it. I can call them right now if you’d like to wait.”

“Thank you,” Fisher said.

We walked to the back of the house and stood side by side at row of windows that faced the beach. As the foamy waves washed ashore, I crossed my fingers in hope of the bank accepting Fisher’s offer.

It was a superstitious habit that I used to do each time I met a new foster family, but it never seemed to work in my favor. Nonetheless, I kept them crossed and hoped for the best.

After a long silent view of the beach, I heard the realtor’s footsteps coming down the hallway. Suspecting her news was going to be bad, I fixed my eyes on the horizon, certain it would be the last time I viewed it from that vantage point.

“You said cash, is that right?” she asked.

Fisher turned around. “That is correct.”

“Congratulations, Mister Fisher. They accepted your offer. On a cash deal we can forgo some of the steps that prolong the closing process. You should be able to move in two weeks from now.”

“Thank you,” Fisher said. “Can you give us a moment?”

“Certainly.”

She turned around and walked to the kitchen.

Fisher looked at me and smiled.

Then, he kissed me.

The kiss wasn’t simple, and it took me by surprise.

I closed my eyes and kissed him in return. I’d been kissed more times than I could count, but I’d never been kissed like that. My knees went wobbly, and my body tingled from head to toe. It seemed to last forever, and with each passing second, my legs grew weaker.

Just before I was sure to collapse, our lips parted.

I opened my eyes.

Holy crap.

“Two more weeks,” he said.

I took another look at the ocean. The sun was starting to set, and the sky had changed from light blue to a colorful array of pinks, blues, and oranges. I looked at Fisher. “We can kiss for those two weeks, though, right?”

“We sure can.”

I closed my eyes, cocked my head to the side, and waited.

As the sun set over the ocean, he kissed me again. My life had gone from a disaster to a fairytale in a matter of weeks.

In two more weeks, I’d discover what Fisher was capable of when his feet were planted firmly on the ground.

But, for the time being, I’d settle for the kiss.