Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
I looked in the mirror and frowned. The dark circles under my eyes showed where I hadn’t slept the night before. I felt happier than ever, yet something was nagging at the back of my mind, and I wasn’t sure what it was. I left the bag sitting toward the back of the counter, but didn’t take anything out.
Making my way back into the bedroom, I pulled out a pair of sweats and a long-sleeve T-shirt from Glacier Park. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail, and last but not least, took off my shoes and put on my favorite warm and fuzzy socks.
After making my way back to the kitchen, I found it empty. “Nate?”
The rolls were in the oven, the beef stew simmering, and no Nate.
I decided to get everything out for the stew. Bowl, spoon, and butter for the rolls. It smelled so good I decided to have a small bowl myself, even though I had already eaten at my mother’s. The sound of the front door shutting caused me to look over my shoulder.
“Were you outside?” I asked.
Nate looked at me. “Yeah, I wanted to check on something outside.”
I nodded. “Is the temperature dropping?”
He walked up and let his eyes roam over me. “Yes, it’s for sure colder outside. You look adorable.”
Glancing down at what I was wearing, I screwed up my face. “I do?”
Nate nodded, took my hand, and pulled me to him. Dropping my hand, he cupped my face and stared into my eyes.
“I’m sorry I pushed you away for so long. I was a stupid idiot.”
My heart started to beat faster. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters is now.”
He dropped his forehead to mine and let out a soft breath.
“Nate? Is everything okay?”
When he said nothing, I drew back and looked up at him. “Nate?”
He smiled. “Yeah, everything is fine.” He saw the two bowls. “Are you still hungry?”
Smiling, I replied, “It smelled so good I decided to try it!”
“I’ll get the rolls and drinks, and you dish out the stew.”
We worked silently as I ladled some stew while Nate buttered some of the rolls and put them on a small plate. As I brought our bowls to the kitchen island, Nate placed two glasses of water down.
“Do you want another drink besides water?”
I shook my head as I slid onto a stool. “Water is perfect, thank you.”
Nate followed my lead and sat down.
“This smells so good, Nate.”
“Let’s just hope it tastes good. I’ve made it a dozen or so times, but it never seems to be as good as my mother’s. I follow the recipe, but something seems missing.”
I laughed as I blew on my stew and then tasted it. Closing my eyes, I let out a moan. “This is heavenly!”
Nate tasted it and shook his head. “It’s missing something.”
“A mother’s touch?” I asked with a smile.
He chuckled. “Maybe that’s what it is.”
“It’s like when someone else makes a sandwich like a BLT or something. It is the best sandwich you’ve ever had, even if it is just a BLT.”
Pointing to me, he said, “Yes! That is exactly like that.”
“I think it is amazing. Warms me up as well.”
He took another bite. “It is pretty damn good.”
We ate in silence for a few minutes before Nate broke it.
“How are things coming along with the dog park? I know Doug just came on board, but do you have a start date?”
I leaned back in my chair, full of the stew and the roll I ate. “I think everything is finally set. The bank has all of Doug’s information now, and I think we’ll be ready to go in a couple of weeks. I’m just not sure how much we can get done with winter coming.”
“You’d be surprised by what they can do, even in the winter.”
“I hope everything goes okay. I have to admit, I’m nervous.”
Nate reached for my hand. “It’s okay to be nervous. I’d be worried if you weren’t.”
“Thank you, for everything you have done. You’ll never know what it means to me.”
Looking down at our clasped hands, Nate softly said, “The feelings that I feel for you, Haven, is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. When you’re not with me, I can’t stop thinking about you. I never again want to ever bring you pain or sadness. Ever.”
“You won’t.”
Nate closed his eyes as he spoke. “When you’re with me, I feel like I can…breathe. I don’t know if that makes sense.”
I could feel tears burning at the back of my eyes.
“Life just seems to make sense now, and the only thing I can think about when we’re apart is you. What are you doing? Are you safe walking the dogs all alone? What can I do to make your dreams come true?”
A sob slipped free as I slid off the stool, bringing Nate with me. “You have no idea what you’ve done for me, Nate.”