“Keep your eyes on the road. First and most important rule for driving,” Journey reminded him.
“Yes. Sorry.” He looked straight ahead. “Now, tell me what you were saying.”
“I don’t know any specifics. Strange as it may seem, I’ve never personally studied or been interested in time travel. When I thought about you and me, it was more fairy tale stuff than science fiction. You know – poof!” Despite his worry, Journey noticed he was smiling. She hated to give him false hope, but what she was about to say was true. “Many people think mankind is on the verge of some big breakthroughs – like the discovery of alien life from other planets, or robots that can learn and be virtually indistinguishable from people. There are groups and individuals who study this stuff, who research what lies beyond death, and yes…even time travel.”
“Can we research this? On the computer?”
“Sure. We can do that.” Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. She knew someone who just might be able to give them some insight, or at least tell them where to go for help. Not wanting to get his hopes up, she quickly sent off a text to Lou. Journey knew she was planning a visit, she just asked her to make that visit as quickly as she could.
When she looked up, Journey was glad to see they were nearing home. “I’ll fix us some dinner, then we’ll get on the internet and see what we can find. Okay?”
He didn’t answer for a moment. When he did, Journey was surprised by his answer. “Tomorrow will be soon enough.”
“Oh?” She didn’t understand, but that was okay. “Whatever you say.” A few seconds passed and Journey couldn’t help but ask, “What do you want to do instead?”
The glance he gave her took her breath away. There was enough heat in his eyes to set the grass on fire. “You and I need to have a serious conversation.”
If he meant what she thought he meant, she couldn’t wait.
* * *
Once he parked beneath the big oak where Journey normally kept her car, he told her to keep her seat. “I’ll be around to help you out in just a moment.”
When he opened the door and offered her his hand, she shivered with excitement. “Thank you, Reno. I always knew you were chivalrous. Saul wrote how you protected Tess from the mud puddles.”
“You’re so welcome. That Tess, she loved to play in the mud like a little pig. Keeping her clean was no easy task.” Escorting Journey to the back step, he took the key from her to open the door. “Now, you go do whatever it is that beautiful women do. I’ll be in shortly.”
Journey was mystified, but she didn’t argue. In a daze, she took a pan of chicken and dressing out of the freezer and popped it in the oven, giving thanks to the foresight and culinary skills of her aunt. Once that was done, she hurried to the bathroom to freshen up. Whatever Reno had in mind, she wanted to be ready for it.
When she returned to the living room, she found Reno waiting with one hand behind his back. “Hey.”
Instead of speaking, he clasped his bottom lip in his teeth, and let his eyes sweep her from head to toe. “You look beautiful. That dress is lovely, but you need no embellishment to be absolutely perfect.”
“Thank you.” She touched the skirt of the simple yellow sundress she wore. “I only packed casual things.”
“You’re familiar with my wardrobe limitations, but that’s all right. What I have planned doesn’t require fancy clothes.”
Or any clothes. Maybe. “Sounds good to me. I’ve always enjoyed a cozy evening at home. In front of the fireplace, if it was cool enough for a fire – which it really isn’t.” Good gracious, she was so nervous she was prattling. “What are you hiding behind your back?”
“Something I picked for you from the garden.” When he drew his hand around, she could see Reno was holding a bouquet of pink roses. “I thought these flowers would brighten your evening.”
“Oh, yes. They certainly do.” She hurried to get a vase and fill it with water. He met her at the sink and watched as she hurriedly arranged them. “I love Myra’s antique roses. Thank you for thinking of me.”
“Antique roses from an antique man,” he quipped, still standing in one place – as if he were waiting for something.
“Despite your advanced age, I assure you that you don’t look a day over twenty-six. Besides, I love antiques. One day soon I’ll take you to my apartment in the city.” She fanned her hand around, indicating the décor surrounding them. “Aunt Myra’s place looks ultra-modern compared to my choice of furnishings.”
“You’re nervous. Don’t be.”
Journey let out a long sigh. “You can tell?”
Reno took her by the hand and led her to the couch. “All we’re going to do is have a talk.”
“Oh. Is that all?” Yes, she was disappointed. This wasn’t playing out like she’d hoped it would.
“Yes, a frank discussion.”
Even more exciting. She sighed again. “I thought all of our discussions were frank.”
“They have been on your part.” He sat on the sofa and tugged her down beside him. “I know there are feelings between us.”
“I agree.” She’d never tried to hide that fact. On the contrary, she’d probably been too up front with him about her feelings. “Have I frightened you with my affection?”
“No. Absolutely not.” He lifted his hand to caress her cheek softly. “I am in awe of how much you care and how you accept me unconditionally. To be the recipient of such trust is humbling.”
“But…?” There had to be a catch somewhere or
