At least Jess had looked as tired as Lena was this morning when she’d joined her for tai chi. But after ten minutes, Ella’s crying through the baby monitor had shattered the serene atmosphere, and Jess had left to take care of her. She had promised to make breakfast for them and was probably already waiting on Maggie’s patio.
Lena showered as quick as possible. As it was shaping up to be another warm October day, Lena dressed in layers. The tank top closest to her skin was silk, and even with a loose shirt over it, she felt sexy. How would it feel if Jess sank her hands underneath the shirt and caressed her skin through the silk? Lena groaned. Why had they decided to go their separate ways last evening? She couldn’t come up with one good reason.
She slipped on her sandals and flew up the path to the main house.
As promised, Jess waited on the patio with breakfast for two. Ella’s stroller stood to the side, but no sound came from it.
With a big smile, Jess stood and opened her arms.
Lena hugged her and sighed against her shoulder. So much better than how they’d interacted last week. She tilted her head for a kiss.
Jess’s lips were as soft and tender as last night, but instead of rich wine, she tasted of peppers, tomatoes, and new beginnings.
After a while, they separated, and Lena looked in Ella’s direction. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. She was hungry. Speaking of hungry… Are you up for an omelet?”
“I’m starving.”
“Take a seat and have some tea. I’ll be right back.”
Instead of sitting, Lena wandered over to Ella and peered inside the stroller. She was sleeping, so Lena resisted the urge to cuddle and enjoyed the view from a distance. Ella’s hands opened and closed, and her eyes moved behind closed lids. Maybe she was dreaming. Different emotions flickered over her expression, none recognizable.
Jess returned and placed a covered pan on the table. As she opened it, the aroma of vegetables, cheese, and herbs wafted over.
Her grumbling stomach told Lena to hurry to the table and sit. “That smells amazing.”
“I got everything from the garden except the eggs and cheese, of course. I’d never have thought fresh vegetables could make such a difference.” Jess cut the omelet and placed a generous portion on Lena’s plate. “Do you need anything else?”
“Mmh, no. Thanks. Where’s Maggie?”
“It’s a friend’s birthday, and she invited a big group for breakfast. Mom went early to help her prepare.”
They both dug in, and Lena moaned. The texture and seasoning were perfect. “You’re a good cook.”
“Um, no. Only weekend breakfast. I learned that from my dad.” Jess glanced over her shoulder at Ella. “But I guess I’ll have to learn the rest soon.”
“Are you planning on cooking everything yourself?” Lena couldn’t imagine Jess spending hours in the kitchen every day.
“God, no. I grew up with my share of takeout and precooked meals and didn’t turn out too bad. When I was little, my mom didn’t have time to cook everything from scratch every day, and Dad always came home late. But I think it’s all about the balance.”
“True. Grandma insisted on homemade cooking, and I always tried to find excuses to go to my best friend’s house when they had pizza or Chinese. I think you’ve still got a little time to see what’ll work for you. At the moment, she’s only interested in one kind of food.”
Jess laughed. “My luck. Was she awake just now?”
“No, dreaming. I love how her face twitches.” Lena had to smile. “I wonder what she dreams about.”
“Milk?” Jess shrugged. “That’s the most important part of the day for her.”
“Or maybe she’s dreaming about you? You’re very important too.”
Jess’s expression softened, and she blushed. “Maybe.”
That blush went right to Lena’s heart. “What are you dreaming about?”
“You mean at night?” Jess waggled her eyebrows. “Is this a kind of trick question to find out if I dreamed of you? Did you dream of me?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know…?” As much as Lena liked the banter between them, she wanted to use the chance to deepen their relationship. “My question was more in general. What are your dreams about your future?”
“Mmh.” Jess cut a piece of omelet and chewed. Her gaze was on the plate, but Lena would bet her pencil roll she wasn’t really seeing her food. “My plans are changing all the time. They aren’t the same as last year or even last month. I’m not sure what my future will hold.”
“But what would you want for your future? What are your big dreams?”
“I already have most of what I wanted: my dream job, a big condo in the city, a healthy kid. That’s how I envisioned my future when I was a senior in high school, and I planned my life accordingly.”
“And is it enough?” Lena smiled and lightly squeezed Jess’s arm when she tensed. “I don’t want to be contrary. But you’re not the same person you were when you made those plans.”
Jess tilted her head to one side. She opened and closed her mouth twice before she spoke. “You’re right. I have never considered that. I was a teenager.” She frowned. “I had pretty detailed plans about some things, complete with timelines, but only vague ideas about other aspects.”
“And what about those vague ideas? Are those dreams for your future?”
“Maybe. It’s silly, but I thought I would have a wife at my side who supported me and my plans. Before I had Ella, I was lonely and didn’t know how to change that. I wanted to give love and share my life… I never envisioned details. I just knew I didn’t want to be alone. It was as if I saw through thick windowpanes into a landscape shrouded in mist. I didn’t know where to go to get where I wanted, so I
