“I love you too. I don’t want to be apart from you anymore either…wait, does that mean you’re going to move in with me?”
“I said I was going to marry you—so yes, I assumed we’d be living together,” Summer said, amused.
“Definitely.” It came to Lauren’s mind that there was something she’d still have to share, but she assumed that could wait until after dinner. Speaking of which… “I think before anything else, I need something to eat now. I swear there’s no double entendre in this. I haven’t had the best appetite lately, but I think it’s all coming back to me.”
“I think you’re right,” Summer agreed, barely able to keep a straight face.
* * * *
Too wired to sleep, they’d stayed downstairs in the living area after dinner, with a music channel on TV and a fire in the hearth. When Lauren returned from the bathroom, she found Summer studying the open sketchbook she’d left on the dinner table, in awe.
“I’m sorry,” Summer said. “Given what happened last time, I should not be snooping around.”
“It’s not snooping when it’s right there. So was the note about calling the president, by the way, but don’t worry.” Lauren ran her hand along Summer’s shoulder as she passed her by to sit on the other side of the table. “I promise this is no bad surprise. Do you like it?”
“I might not be the best judge, but I think it’s beautiful. Is it a new project of yours?”
“You could say that.” Lauren got up again, took Summer’s hand and tugged. “Let’s go upstairs. I think it’s time I showed you something.”
Summer followed her, obviously intrigued. When Lauren opened the door of her home office to her, her eyes widened.
“This is so…awesome! Wow. You know I love your place, but I’m a little jealous of the people who are going to live in this house.” She walked around the table, regarding the model of the two-story-house from all angles. “It’s so light and welcoming. Someone’s going to be very happy in it.”
“That could be you and me,” Lauren said, holding her breath for a heartbeat, but the fact that Summer was in her arms a moment later told her without a doubt things were going well. “We can make any changes you want, well, what is doable anyway, and I’d like Jennie on this job, simply because she is the best, and she will give us what we want. What do you say?”
Summer’s answer was to hold her tighter.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For waiting as long as I needed.”
“I’m not always patient, but I can be when it’s worth it. Let’s do this. Let’s make this our home.”
* * * *
Waking up was like going from a nightmare to a wonderful dream, only that this one was real. Summer smiled at the sight of Lauren sleeping next to her, her face obscured by locks of dark hair. The sheet had slipped down from her body, exposing her naked back. She wanted to wake up with her every day. Given the fact that she had agreed to marry this kind and beautiful woman, there was a good chance they could make it happen.
Marriage wasn’t anything Summer had dreamed of in many years, not even after her home state made it possible. She’d never thought she’d meet someone who would understand her obligations and the commitments she’d made. Lauren had made all the difference, introducing her to those open spaces, the door opening you could only find after others had closed—and Summer could finally say yes, to building a home in that space, to trusting that love had found its way into her life.
“Good morning,” she whispered to Lauren who was smiling at her sleepily. It would be the first of many to come.
Books by Barbara Winkes
www.amazon.com/author/barbarawinkes
Suspense
Secrets
The Carpenter/Harding thrillers:
1. Indiscretions
2. Insinuations
3. Incisions
4. Intrusions
5. Initiations
Jayce & Emma (romantic suspense):
Halfway Home
Familiar Places
New Rooms
Close Quarters
Paranormal/Suspense
Rise
Romance
The Interpretation of Love and the Truth
The Design of Everything Perfect
Callie & Rebecca:
Autumn Leaves
Winter Storm
Spring Fever
Summer Wine
All of these titles are available for Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you for reading!
Open Spaces Page 10