I reached out and touched her as she continued in a rhythm, organizing things. All the food was set in covered containers, so I still couldn't tell what she was serving.
She leaned to give me a quick kiss and then started to uncover the food. Roast, mashed potatoes, and asparagus.
“Holy shit. I haven't had food like this since our last meal.”
“I’m glad you approve. I wanted to treat you. I know you have been working a lot.”
“I really have, hence, why I haven't been able to take you out.”
“I’ve been busy too. Oh, and here is some sweet tea.”
She pulled a jug out and two cups to pour into. She thought of everything.
“Thank you. This really means a lot. I haven't eaten all day.”
“Why?” she said, starting to serve everything.
“Rhonda wasn't answering me this morning and had me in a panic. We talk every morning for about five minutes and she didn't answer me. I basically threw on my clothes and got there as fast as I could.”
“Oh no, she’s okay, right?”
“Yeah, she left her cell phone in the kitchen last night. She’s fine. Of course she was irritated I was worried about her.”
“Well, we worry about those we love. I would have done the same thing if that happened with my Grammy.”
For a few minutes all I heard was chewing. The food was amazing and I didn't talk because I was too busy eating.
“Good?” she asked.
I shook my head, trying to finish what I had in my mouth.
“Do you mind if I ask what you and Kevin were talking about? He was smiling and that isn't something that happens often around here.”
“I don’t mind, I figured you’d ask. He was telling me that he approved of you.”
“What?” That was nice of him but I didn't ask him to do that. Nor did I care if he did. His opinion mattered but more for her than me. I knew what Breigh was, and I wasn't going to let her get away, no matter who might not approve. She was sent to me for a reason. She was THE reason as far as I could see.
“I don’t know what kind of conversations you guys have had, but apparently he told you at one point that no one was good enough for me. He thinks you may be…”
“May be…”
“He’s like a father to me. Probably cares more for me than my real father. He has seen a lot of things and the way my father treated me, discarded me more like it. I remember when I was pretty young, and Dad was brought in for drunk and disorderly. He pulled me to the side and told me people made mistakes and that it didn't define my father.” She paused and then weakly smiled. “Little did he know…”
I listened, letting her tell her story.
“He actually was a good male role model too, when I started to get into trouble. And boy did I. He just was there for me when I didn't have a lot.”
“I can see that.”
She smiled as if she was running a memory or memories through her mind. “I am thankful for him. And although he may have overstepped the line, telling you that you weren't good enough, he did it out of love.”
“He can be a nice guy when he wants to.”
“Anyway, to be honest, I couldn't careless who thinks either of us are good enough for the other. I know that’s rude to say, but what I feel for you is not something I need approval for.”
I scooted back and motioned for her to sit on my lap. “Come here, beautiful.”
She walked over to me and sat in my lap gently.
She sat so her face was right with mine.
“I love you,” I said. I had only said this a few times to women. But with Breigh, I didn't worry about timing. I didn't worry about anything except me wanting her to know how I felt about her. If she wasn't on the same page, then I knew she would get there.
She took my breath away as she placed her lips on mine and kissed me deeply. I moaned for a brief second, overtaken with emotion and her action.
She’s pulled back slightly, just enough to say that she loved me too.
I’ve heard a lot of things from people, and a few “I love yous,” but from Breigh my heart knew she was speaking the truth. That her words meant more than just something to say. She showed it in gestures, like reaching for my hand, the way her eyes met mine, and the times she gave me a look that almost hit me in the gut, clarifying she was one of a kind.
She sat on my lap and I held her until she pried herself away for us to finish lunch.
“Thank you for turning an otherwise horrible day into a day I’ll always carry with me.”
“Really?”
“It isn't every day the woman you love not only brings you lunch, but also says the words you’ve been hoping for.”
We both smiled at each other as we finished our food.
“For the record, you can bring me lunch anytime you want!” I joked, but meant every word.
23
BREIGH
Tonight, I was working in bed, attempting to finish what had to be done before I fell asleep. My focus was nil and my thoughts kept going back to Wyatt.
He said he loved me. And I returned the words I said I wouldn't ever say to anyone else.
Of course, time passed and a person’s heart healed. I just feared that with Wyatt it wasn't anything I would heal from. The intensity of feelings I had right now for this man was taking over me. I wouldn't dare utter the words that I think he’s the one I’m meant to spend the rest of my life
