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“Is this a good time to talk?”
“Yes.”
Grace lay on her bed with her back to the headboard. She had a doctor’s appointment on Monday, and they’d start her on medication which would hopefully help her feel better.
He took Elena’s hand and led her outside. He strode to the picnic table where he usually had his coffee and sat with his butt on the table, his feet on the seat. He patted the table next to him and she sat alongside him.
He pointed to the mountain. “I’d sit here in the morning with my cup of coffee and stare at the mountain and wonder what you were doing.”
She smiled. “I’d sit, right about there...” She pointed to a spot. “And wonder what you were doing down here.”
He chuckled. “If things work out with the Treaty today and we find common ground and a real truce, what do you want to do?”
“I don’t see that I have anything to do with it.”
“I mean.” He turned to face her. “Do you want to stay here if that’s the case?”
She laid her right hand on his cheek. “No, Aidyn. My mama’s going to work with Chase. Or at least see if there is something she can do with the elixir. She’ll be alone if I don’t go with her, and I thought you were coming with us.”
He softly brushed a stray lock of dark hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. “Elena, I want to be with you. But I want you to be sure. This, I’m sure... must be overwhelming. It’ll be a lot of change.”
“So will going back up there. And, honestly, if I did, it would be harder for them to change and old patterns would stick.”
He smiled. “You’re so wise.”
She giggled. “Not sure about that. But I want you to know, because you seem unsure. I want to be with you, Aidyn. If I closed my eyes right now and pictured my future, I see you.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “When I close my eyes, I see you. Always.”
He kissed her soft lips and pulled her head to his shoulder to hug her.
“So, this afternoon, Lara’s friend Shianne will be coming over to fit you and your mom for new clothes. Don’t worry about cost. Just tell her what you want. Shianne and Lara will get it for you. I’m sorry you have to wait for a while to go shopping yourself, but it isn’t safe right now and I have to be at the meeting.”
“It’s okay. But, Aidyn, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on me. I can make do. Mama too. We’re used to it.”
“I know you are. Look, I’ve worked all my life too. Helping my mom out on the gun range. Then the military. Then I came back and began working for GHOST. I’ve always lived in a GHOST house or on base. I’ve made money but not spent much. Just my shot up old truck in there, which I’ll need to replace. But I’m solid and it’s my way of helping you both with a fresh new start.”
“Thank you.”
“I do have to warn you though. Shianne—is a lot. I mean, she’s a handful.”
“Okay. Do you mean she won’t like us?”
“Oh honey, she’ll love you both just fine. She’s just a flurry of activity and talking.”
“Oh.”
He chuckled. “You’ll see. But if she overwhelms you, just know it’s temporary.”
“Okay.” She chuckled. She turned then and faced the mountain, and they sat in silence for a long while watching the varying colors of the trees. The sun felt good today, it was nearly sixty and they both sat out there without jackets. It was peaceful.
Aidyn yawned. “I need a nap.”
She giggled. “Me too.”
He stepped down and took her hand in his. They walked together into the HOG and to the bedroom. He lay on top of the bed and pulled her into his body.
“Spooning.” She giggled.
