Page 65 of Tides and Tidings

“I can walk.” I laughed as Charlie lifted me up and carried me bridal-style to the room, gently placing me down on the bed.

“I know, but that was fun for me.” He hovered over me. I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulled him down for our lips to meet.

At this hour of the night—almost morning—the room took on a romantic moonlit glow from the river. As Charlie climbed into the bed next to me and snuggled up, I felt my body relax and I drifted to sleep.

Charlie

“Why is it so bright?” Blythe asked as she covered her head with the blankets.

I pulled one of the pillows from under my head and put it over my face. “I think we forgot to close the curtains before we went to sleep.”

What was a romantic moonlit night has turned into my retinas being seared.

“I hate us.” Blythe rolled over and laid her head on my chest.

Keeping the pillow firmly against my eyes, I outstretched my arm and wrapped it around her small frame.

“What time is it?” Her voice was hoarse from all the singing and yelling over the music she did last night.

Blythe removed her head from under the covers and put it back onto her pillow.

I reluctantly rolled over and checked my phone. “Looks like it’s just after eight.”

There was a text from Rose from a half hour ago.

Rose: Why does Blythe have a paper ring on her finger and not the one we picked out?

Confusion ran through me because last night was a blur. I remember bits and pieces, but that’s it. I typed back a quick response.

Charlie: What are you talking about?

“What time do you want to head home?”

“I figured we could get up soon to pick up the Barbie Jeep for Wrenny and get home before noon so my parents could have some semblance of a weekend.”

A small smile spread across Blythe’s face, “Can we give Wren her present today? I can’t keep this from her.” She paused, “I don’t think we have the space to hide a massive toy car.”

My gaze met hers, “Of course we can. She’s going to want to ride around the property all afternoon. Are you ready for that?”

She gave me a lazy salute, “Born ready.”

My phone vibrated on the nightstand. I figured it was Rose. I had no idea what she was talking about—what paper ring?

Blythe slapped her hand against her nightstand. “Do you know where my phone is?” There was a slight panic in her voice.

I scanned the room and spotted it over on the desk. I pointed to it, “Desk.”

She placed a sleepy kiss on my lips before getting up, “Thanks.”

There was a slight wobble in her step—was her foot hurt?

“Are you okay?” I sat in bed, my back against the headboard as I grabbed my phone.

She nodded, “I think we had good sex last night because my area,” she motioned towards her lady region, “is a little bit sore.”

“I’m sorry.”

Blythe plugged her phone in to charge while I responded to Rose.