Carol returned as promised, wearing a short, silky black robe that was secured by a tie in the front. She stopped and admired the man in her bed. He appeared to be nude, covered only by the sheet, wearing a big grin on his face. "I approve. Come here and let me see what's underneath that sexy little number."
She did, and when she reached his side, he deftly untied the belt, letting the robe slide open.
Chet let out a deep breath. "You are more beautiful than I could ever have imagined, my love."
Carol let the robe slide off her body into a pool at her feet before raising a knee up on the bed. "I'm so glad you approve, Chief."
He reached around and gently smacked her bare bottom. "Cheeky," he teased. Then he reached out and she went willingly into his arms.
The kisses and caresses became heated and serious after that, both of them eager to explore the other's body. Carol marveled at his muscles, his tight abs and the generous gray hair on his chest. She'd never understood women who preferred their men to be virtually hairless. Her hand lovingly grazed the furriness of his chest. He felt wonderful.
All the fears she'd had vanished as they finally came together, finding solace and love all rolled into one. They were two lost souls finding each other for the first time, forging the path to a new life together. And the best thing of all was that he was now hers and she belonged to him. She was going to marry her best friend, again. Greg had been the love of her life, her childhood sweetheart, best friend, lover, husband and father of her child. Greg had been her world, just as Angie had been Chet's. But now, time had moved forward, and they had found each other, discovered something rare—a second chance at love.
She couldn't wait to become Mrs. Chet Henderson.
Later, as they lay together, he twirled a strand of her hair in his hand and said, "That was wonderful, Carol. Are you all right?"
She turned and gave him a sexy smile. "I am better than all right, my sweet man. I expected that we'd remember the basics after years without practice, but wow!"
"I like the sound of that." He turned her so that they were spooning and held her close, dropping little butterfly kisses on her head until they both fell into a deep and contented sleep.
The next morning, they made a big breakfast together and talked about how they would spend their day. They decided to start making some plans and over a second cup of coffee after the dishes were done, they started making a list.
"What do you think about selling both of our homes and starting out fresh with a new place that we can call our own?" he asked.
"A new place for memories? I love it. It'll be a place our newly blended family can call home and spend holidays and birthdays and good times with us," she replied.
They spent some time talking about the two sales and made plans to speak with a local realtor. Next on the list was the wedding. Carol decided she would like something small, with just their families in attendance. Chet agreed with her and they spent another hour making plans for that.
In the midst of the happy conversation, Carol suddenly frowned. "When should we tell the kids? Jessica already knows I'm crazy about you. I couldn't have hidden my feelings if I had tried. But what about yours? It's been so long since I've even seen them. I mean, I know they'll remember who I am, but will they be terribly shocked at…this?"
"They're aware I've dated off and on," he said, "but they also know I've never been serious about anyone since their mother. But shocked? I don't think so. Maybe we could set up a Zoom meeting or Skype or something, where we can see their faces when we drop the bomb!" Chet chuckled. "I can ask them to come for a visit, but we'll work something out." He was suddenly serious. "Even if they don't like the idea—and they will, trust me—I'm marrying you. It's as simple as that."
"I know Jessica will approve."
"My kids will too, believe me. They've been after me for a while to move on with my life." He stood up and carried his coffee cup to the sink then turned to her. "I hate to leave you, hon, but I have to go by my place and change for my shift. Only a few more months of this and my days will be free to spend with you."
Carol stood and raised up on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Have a good evening. Call me if you get a break."
Chet walked to his car whistling, a smile on his face. He drove home and showered then dressed in his uniform and went to the station to begin his evening shift.
He was a few hours in, sitting at the station with his men, when his cell phone rang. He saw that it was Jessica and immediately answered.
Chapter 12
Flying High
"This is a first, in more ways than one," Jessica said as she laughed softly and fastened the belt across her lap. Worth's eyebrows raised in question, but he said nothing. "My first time sitting in first class," she explained. "My first trip with you." Soon, my first time with you.
Worth leaned back in the comfortably wide seat and signaled a nearby flight attendant, who walked immediately to him. "May we get two champagnes, Rebecca?"
"Of course, Mr. Vincent. I'll be right back with those."
Jessica watched as the petite redhead walked to the galley. She was quite attractive. "You two seem to know each other pretty well."
"I've made this flight a lot and Rebecca works it often," he agreed. "I've always enjoyed chatting with her." Now it was Jessica's turn to raise her eyebrows. "Just chatting, thank you very much. Rebecca is married
