Carol clinked her glass to his and agreed, "To new memories."
After paying the check, he stood and walked around to pull her chair out for her. Then, the two of them walked to the car, arm in arm. On the drive back to the home she'd shared with Greg, Carol thought to herself, Greg, Angie, I know you are both looking down at us and smiling that we've found each other.
Chet voiced the same thought when he pulled into her driveway. "I know they are happy for us."
"Yes, I know that too," she said.
He walked around to help her out of the car, and they made their way to her porch. He leaned in and grazed his lips over hers before she took out her key and unlocked the door, opening it to a new life.
Once inside, she kicked off her shoes and set her clutch on the foyer table. He took her jacket and hung it on a hook then removed his own.
"Let's go into the living room. I'll make a pot of coffee if you'd like," she offered, sensing that he was as nervous as she about the step they were about to take.
"Decaf for me if you have it," he replied as he took a seat on the couch.
"Sure, I'll just be a minute." Carol went into the kitchen to start the coffee, trying to keep herself busy. She got out a tray, placed two mugs, cream, sugar and spoons on it and waited for the brewing to finish. She filled the two mugs and carried the tray into the living room where Chet had removed his shoes and was flipping through the channels on the TV.
"Here we go. I brought the sugar because I know you like it in your coffee," she said as she set the tray on the coffee table and joined him on the couch. "Soooo. We're watching TV?"
"Not really, just thought I'd catch the news while I was waiting."
"Any more news on those fires?" she asked.
Chet frowned and shook his head, suddenly the chief again. "No, things seem calm for now. It's a mystery, though, how no one can figure out what's really going on. We've got our best investigators working around the clock."
"Jessica has been trying to find out more information." Carol edged a little closer to Chet and sighed as he put an arm around her. This feels so normal, being here with him like this. We fit together so well here. Will we fit together in bed too?
"Yes, and maybe she will. I know she's done a lot of research and interviewed some folks. But enough about that." Chet flipped off the remote and turned to her.
"Better have your coffee before it gets cold," she said. She gave a soft giggle as she turned her face to his, blushing. "I feel like a teenager on her first date again. You've made quite an impression on me, Chief Henderson."
"I feel the same way. I'll get to the coffee, but first, this," he said as he took her chin in one hand and tilted her face up to his. "Don't be nervous, love. It's going to be fine." Then he kissed her, starting out gently and gradually becoming more passionate.
When he finally released her, she sighed. "Much better than the kisses I remember as a teenager." She poured some creamer into her mug and stirred it.
He added sugar to his and they sat there together, drinking the hot brew while sneaking little touches. Things were heating up slowly, and for that, Carol was glad. It was a big step, making love to someone other than Greg after all these years. Would it be good? Would she please Chet? Would they compare each other to their late spouses?
She shook her head, trying to rid her mind of the questions that plagued her. She had to forget all that and just enjoy. She wanted to enjoy what she and Chet had together and embrace the new intimacy.
"Are you all right?" he asked softly. "I can go home if you need more time."
"No," she said. "I'm fine, really. This is new for both of us. I'm sure you have some questions running through your mind that are similar to mine."
"Yes, I would be lying if I said I didn't, but even though this is a big step, it's one I'm looking forward to, and I know that what we've found together is special, and it's different." Chet pulled back a little and tucked a strand of hair behind Carol's ear. "I love you, and I know it will be wonderful."
"I-I love you too, Chet, so very much." Carol set down her mug and turned to him, taking his face in her hands. "Make love to me, Chet. Take me to bed."
"Your wish is my command, sweet lady," he said as he set his mug on the tray and stood. He reached down and scooped her up into his arms, surprising her.
Carol giggled and pointed the way to her bedroom. She'd redecorated since Greg's passing, so it was essentially a different space, for which she was now glad.
When they entered her private sanctuary, Chet moved toward the king-sized bed and laid her gently in the center after turning down the covers with one hand and still holding on to her tightly in his arms.
Then he joined her and pulled her to him. "I love you," he murmured before planting a kiss on the end of her nose. Then he moved to her lips and gave her another passionate kiss like the one they'd shared earlier. From there, he moved to her earlobes and neck before carefully reaching around to unzip her simple purple dress. He kissed her shoulders and they shared another steamy, full mouthed kiss, their tongues dancing, before she excused herself and slipped into the bathroom.
"I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere," she said coyly.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he teased as he removed his shirt and placed it on a
