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Andrew: Busy. Better now that I’m talking to you.
Tyler: Good.
Andrew: Tyler, I really am sorry for freaking out and disappearing the way I did. I have kicked myself every day since then because I knew I had run away from the first good thing I’ve had in a long time. I just didn’t know how to fix it once I was gone, or if you would even want me to.
Andrew: I understand if you’re not ready to trust me yet with your heart, but I am prepared to spend every day for as long as it takes to show you how much you mean to me.
Tyler: I’m willing to try this again… cautiously. But, we have to set some ground rules. And the very first rule is that we have to communicate. If either of us has a problem, we have to talk about it. Not run from it. I can’t handle getting hurt again.
Andrew: Never again. I promise.
Andrew: Any chance I can take you out for lunch tomorrow?
Tyler: Sure! I didn’t realize you were still here.
Andrew: I was trying not to come on too strong. ?? But, I’d really like to see you. I’ll pick you up at 11:00.
Tyler: I’ll be ready.
* * *
I spend the morning going through the motions while I wait for Andrew to arrive. After a quick run and half a pot of coffee, I finally talk myself into sitting down and opening a new book from my TBR pile. Of course, it’s a lost cause because, after every paragraph, my eyes drift to the bird clock on the wall.
I smile dearly at the clock that I recently recovered from a box in the guest room. Every hour showcases a different type of bird, and when the clock strikes that hour, the clock chimes mimicking the bird in question. Finally, at eleven, the chirping sound of the White-breasted Nuthatch rings through the room, and Andrew knocks on the door.
I gently pull the door open and look up at him. It’s strange because every part of me wants to jump into his arms and kiss him. However, I remind myself that I’m being cautious, both with myself and with my heart, so I refrain. “Hi.” I say instead.
Andrew, however, must not feel as awkward as I do in the moment. He moves forward and closes the space between us by pulling me into a hug. As much as I know I should resist, I don’t. The feel of his arms around me is comforting and safe.
“I missed you.” He whispers into my hair.
I melt into him and breathe in the scent of his body wash. “I missed you, too.” I tell him, meaning it with my entire heart.
He steps back and smiles gently at me. “Are you hungry?”
My stomach growls in response, loudly enough for both of us to hear, causing him to chuckle.
He gently takes my hand. “Let’s get out of here.”
Once we are in the truck, I buckle my seat belt and turn to him. “Well, where are you taking me?”
He smirks. “Somewhere special.”
“Oh, Red Maple?” I tease, suggesting the downtown diner.
He snickers and shakes his head. “No, ma’am. I’m saving fancy places like that for our second or third date.” He motions his head to the backseat of his extended cab. “I packed us a picnic. I hope that’s okay.”
I grin and squeeze his hand on the center console to show my approval. “Sounds perfect.” I say.
Within minutes, we approach the old metal gate that we visited once before. The property he told me he was buying now has a SOLD sign at the driveway entrance. I marvel at the patches of wildflowers blooming on either side of the gate.
I turn to him with a smile. “So, you made an offer?”
He grins. “Actually, we closed last week. This is officially mine and my brother’s land.”
“That’s amazing. Congratulations.” I pause and continue to watch out the window. “Where are you staying?”
“I’ll show you.” He says, making his way up the driveway as the little white house comes into view. Now, however, there’s a camper parked next to it. “There’s my humble abode.” He boasts proudly, pointing to the recreational camping equipment.
