AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart swelled at his words. The journey had been daunting: convincing him to leave San Francisco, finding the right place in Baltimore, ensuring he’d receive the care he needed. But here we were, standing in a testament to that effort.
Blaze slid an arm around my waist, pulling me close as we watched Dad explore his new home. “You did good,” he whispered against my hair.
Turning to face him, I caught the pride in his expression—a reflection of my own feelings. “We did good,” I corrected him softly.
Blaze had become more than just a partner in logistics; he’d become part of our family fabric—a thread woven in with care and steadfastness. His presence was a balm to the chaos that change often brought.
As we unpacked the last few boxes together, laughter and light conversation filling the space between us, I couldn’t shake off the sense of contentment that settled deep within me. The upheaval that brought Blaze into my life—the canceled flights, the impromptu road trip—had led to something beautiful.
I paused amidst the clutter of half-unpacked belongings and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Life was unpredictable; it could twist and turn in ways that left you dizzy. But sometimes, those detours led you exactly where you needed to be.
Dad popped open a bottle of sparkling cider, insisting on saving champagne for when all boxes were unpacked, and poured three glasses. We clinked them together in a makeshift toast.
“To new beginnings,” Dad said with warmth.
“To family,” Blaze added, squeezing my hand gently under the table.
I watched as Blaze navigated the cluttered space with an ease that spoke of a familiarity that had blossomed quickly over the past weeks. His flame-red wavy hair was a stark contrast to the neutral tones of the apartment walls, catching the fading light as the day gave way to evening.
“Hey, Trisha,” Blaze called out, a certain lilt in his voice that snagged my attention. “What do you say we go out for dinner tonight? I’ve got something special I want to share with you.”
A curious flutter danced in my stomach at his words. Dinner invitations weren’t unusual between us, but there was an undercurrent of significance in his tone that wasn’t there before. “Sure,” I replied, trying to keep my voice even. “That sounds lovely.”
Blaze flashed me a grin that reached all the way to his blue-violet eyes and left without another word, the promise of ‘something special’ hanging in the air like a secret waiting to be told.
As the door closed behind him, I found myself alone with a jumble of thoughts. My mind spun wildly with possibilities—could he be talking about a new job offer? A sudden insight into one of his many research projects? Or maybe something more personal?
I sank into one of the dining chairs we had just assembled, my fingers drumming against the wood. Blaze was not one for grand gestures or dramatic reveals; he was more of a steady presence, his actions always thoughtful and deliberate.
I pushed away from the table and wandered to the window, watching the Baltimore skyline transform under the dusky sky. The city was alive with possibilities, each light in the growing darkness a story unfolding. Just like ours.
With every minute that passed, my anticipation grew. I wasn’t sure what Blaze had planned for this evening, but I knew it would be another stitch in our shared experiences—a moment that would linger long after dinner.
Dad’s voice echoed from his room, snapping me out of my reverie. “You look miles away, kiddo,” he said with a chuckle.
“Just thinking about Blaze’s dinner invite,” I confessed, turning away from the window.
“Well,” Dad said as he joined me by the window, looking out at our new world, “Blaze hasn’t steered us wrong yet.”
“No,” I agreed, a smile tugging at my lips. “He hasn’t.”
I glanced at my reflection in the glass—medium chestnut curls framing my face and electric blue eyes reflecting a mixture of nerves and excitement. Whatever Blaze had to tell me tonight, it was clear it would mark another turn in our ever-evolving journey—a journey I found myself more than ready to continue.
* * *
The chimeof the restaurant door signaled our entry into a world of culinary delights, the soft lighting and ambient music wrapping around us like a comforting embrace. Blaze’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me to our table with an ease that spoke of our growing intimacy.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Blaze said with a playful glint in his eyes as we settled into our seats. “I’ve heard the chef here doesn’t take kindly to uneaten plates.”
I chuckled, scanning the menu. “Well, he hasn’t met my appetite. It’s practically legendary.”
Our waiter arrived, and Blaze ordered for us both, a bold move that earned him an arched eyebrow from me. “Confident, aren’t we?” I teased.
“Just wait, you’ll be impressed,” he assured me, his confidence infectious.
As the evening unfolded, our conversation meandered from lighthearted banter to deeper, more meaningful topics. We laughed over shared stories, our connection deepening with each shared anecdote and insight.
It was during dessert, as we indulged in a decadent chocolate creation, that Blaze’s demeanor shifted to something more serious. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small object, and slid it across the table toward me. It was a key.
