Remember Laughter

by Ginny Sterling

  This was easy… almost too easy. Jason had a way of making her feel like she was the only one in the world, precious beyond compare. She also realized that while she loved Chandler, it was the fact that she loved being in love. Leia recognized the signs in her soul and knew she was falling for Jason.

  The two men were complete opposites, but wonderful in their own ways. Her fears that she was betraying her husband’s memory had haunted her for weeks before the trip, keeping her up at night. She had almost hoped that Jason would be awful in person, that there would be no chemistry between them… but then he hugged her.

  The big guy just seemed to understand she was still wounded and giving her time. Her fears of guilt seemed to fade into the background as she discovered that she could treasure both men for who they were.

  Suddenly a hand touched hers and she glanced up to see Jason’s dark eyes watching her. He looked concerned and his hand was cradling hers as she held the fork, the bite of food untouched, his thumb caressing her wrist bone.

  “Princess? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she said smiling, nodding and shrugging. “Just daydreaming, I guess and thinking.”

  “About me?” Jason quipped, perking up.

  “Maybe,” she answered honestly, blushing as she dropped her gaze to their hands. Leia released the fork and turned her hand to lace her fingers with his. She loved the differences between them. His hand was rough and warm, encapsulating hers.

  “I was thinking that we were going to have a great time together murdering fish,” she blurted out and ignored Mari’s faint gasp of disgust.

  “Do you two have to describe it that way?” Mari said vehemently.

  “It’s gonna be a massacre, princess,” Jason confirmed, teasing both women with a pointed grin at Leia. Mari looked away and put her napkin on her plate, indicating she was now finished with her meal. Leia noticed that Ben did the same thing and got to his feet quietly, holding out his hand to Marigold.

  The woman stood up immediately.

  “We’ll see you all later this afternoon,” Mari announced. Leia watched the two people, and the large dog, leave the diner quietly. Ben may be a man of few words, but there was something between the two of them. She glanced back at Jason, who was sitting back in his seat, watching her.

  “I’m not cleaning the fish, though,” Leia warned.

  “Nope. You catch them. I’ll cook and clean our haul.”

  “Ahhh, a modern man?” she taunted with a broad smile. “I like it.”

  “I believe I hear the fish trembling in fear,” Jason quipped, getting to his feet and bowing lightly towards Leia with his arm extended. “Milady?”

  “You goof,” Leia laughed, linking her arm with his and hugging it against her side. She saw the surprise and rush of pleasure roll over his expression, making her realize that he didn’t expect the display of affection before everyone. She’d boldly claimed his company before his friends and it was important to him. He obviously felt that she was going to keep him at arm’s length and he was giving her space.

  “Are you ready?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “Lead the way.”

  Thinking of what Jason would have said at their exit, something brash and unexpected to throw you off kilter, Leia glanced over her shoulder at the group that had grown quiet, watching the two of them. She smiled up at him proudly.

  “Smell ya later,” Leia announced boldly and saw him throw back his head to laugh aloud. She treasured that deep laugh almost as much as she’d enjoyed their time together yesterday. It made her feel good to be a part of his world – and she needed that.

  The two of them walked, hand in hand, past several souvenir stores and boutiques towards the river. Jason had given the rental car keys to John at some point so Lily wouldn’t have to walk. He was such a caring, thoughtful man and was always impressing her with how he operated.

  Leia had her phone out the entire time, taking pictures of everything around them. She was going to get a photo book made when they got back and mail one to him. The thought of him leaving gave her a pang of sadness that she quickly shook off. She was not going to focus on the negative, but take a page out of Marigold’s book and focus on the positive.

  Jason was here, now.

  Stopping in one store, she insisted on picking up a hand-knit heavy Aleutian scarf. She was stunned by the simple beauty of it and the story that the clerk shared with her. The pattern was an old one passed down by knitters in the area. It had several little circles in a row that were supposed to represent the clusters of sea urchins that were common here. Jason picked up a hat with the same matching pattern and put it back.

  “Why are you putting it back?”

  “I’ll never have a chance to use this in Afghanistan.”

  “I won’t use this much in Texas, but I’m getting it because it will remind me of our trip here together.”

  “I don’t have much room in my footlocker; besides someone else can use it more than I could. There’s only a few of this pattern here.”

  “Jason, I could hold it for you until you could come visit me again,” Leia said softly, laying her hand on his where it held the hat.

  “Then let’s get them both.”

  His hand reached up to cup her chin as his eyes raked over her face. She could see the unspoken hope and longing in the dark orbs that held hers. He swallowed hard and she knew he was touched by her words.

  Did he really doubt that someone would want to see him again?

  Her eyes burned at the realization that he’d been hurt emotionally at some point like she had. She reached up to touch his face; her hand trembled as she realized this was the first time she was really reaching for him. She hesitated for a moment before making contact. She caressed his warm cheek and touched the beard that ran along his chin. She saw him turn into her palm just moments before she felt his lips kiss the tender skin there.

  “You promised me a mass fish-extinction event,” she teased thickly, lightening the mood. His cheek pressed against her palm as he smiled down at her.

  “My princess gets whatever she wants.”

  “We’ll get both and hunt down those slippery creatures,” Leia decreed, heading towards the counter where the cashier stood.

  “I will always bait your hook,” he promised, chuckling and following closely behind her. She liked that he let her take the lead instead of having her behind him.

  “That’s just cause you are always flaunting your prowess with tiny worms.”

  Jason’s surprised expression only came moments before his boisterous laugh. Leia knew the lewd statement was outlandish and her face turned red hot with embarrassment, but the fact that she shocked him and made him laugh made it all worthwhile. He shook his head and wiped the tears of mirth from his eyes before glancing at her sideways, slapping the hat and the scarf onto the counter by the register.

  “You have no idea, princess.”

  Chapter 15

  They rented fishing poles, taking their spot among others fishing on the banks of Ship Creek. Some men wore waders and were standing in the dark water. Jason was patient with her, explaining what some of the men were doing and the different methods of fishing. This was far different from when she was a little girl using a red bobber. He cast the line, stepping around behind her. His arms wrapped around her, almost in the same manner that he’d hugged her yesterday.

  “Hold it like this with one hand and keep your finger on the line, here,” he breathed in her ear. “Fishing is something you feel and sense. Do you feel that? You’ve got something already nibbling at the hook.”

  Leia felt his breath against her ear only seconds before he kissed the shell of it softly. Her breath caught and she tried to turn in his arms towards him, only to hear him laugh softly.

  “Focus, princess. You’re getting a nibble.”

  “That’s precisely why I can’t focus,” she countered, holding the line again. Sure enough, she felt the line vibrate under her fingertips bef
ore it gave a mighty jerk. The motion nearly pulled the rod from her hands.

  “Oh!”

  “You got one! Yank it back, princess, and reel it in,” Jason instructed proudly. Leia cranked the reel and felt the fish yank powerfully on the line. “You’ve got it. Keep going.”

  Leia bit her lip and managed to wrangle the fish upwards, finally catching it. Jason picked it up and removed the hook from its mouth.

  “You caught a trout! Great job!”

  “Oh wow. He’s a big one!”

  “Actually, he’s about three pounds.”

  “He looks big to me.”

  “Let’s keep him. Trout is delicious cooked. You should take a photo with your first catch. Do you want to hold him?”

  Jason carefully put the fish in her hands and immediately picked up the phone that was sticking out of her pocket without asking. Leia managed to hold the slippery fish proudly in front of her as he took the photo. He took another with the two of them grinning - and the fish’s face.

  “Now it’s my turn to catch one,” Jason bragged confidently, putting the fish into the container they’d rented to keep it fresh until they left for the house. “I’ll bait your hook and cast it again, before tossing mine out.”

  “Why don’t you teach me how to cast so you can fish with me?”

  “Have I told you how wonderful you are?”

  “No, but feel free to start anytime,” she quipped lightly, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes as he stepped behind her once again, instructing her how to throw the line into the water. His proud smile made her feel like she could do anything.

  They stayed out there for hours on end, laughing, talking, and catching fish. She just enjoyed spending time with Jason and he was so easy to get along with. By the time her stomach gave a loud growl, the bridge of her nose was sunburnt and even Jason had a little pink on his nose underneath the tan.

  “I should have thought to have you wear a hat,” he said remorsefully.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Let’s head back and savor all our hard labor.”

  “I’m looking forward to this,” she admitted.

  “Another something new for you today?”

  “I just had an amazing day,” she corrected, smiling at him as he walked over to her. Putting the last fish into the container, he straightened up and looked at her. Her breath caught at that moment.

  Jason had this gorgeous appeal that seemed to grow exponentially every time she saw him. He was beautiful both inside and out. Out here, on the banks of the river in his element, he was ruggedly handsome and so relaxed. His dark eyes were warm, gazing at her with an intimate joy that touched her heart.

  “Jason…” Leia breathed softly, taking a step towards him.

  “I’m covered in worm guts, fish goo, and sweat,” he whispered, standing there, looking at her with an intense gaze.

  “Are you sweet talkin’ me?” Leia flirted softly, stepping over her pole on the ground, getting closer to where Jason stood, unmoving. Didn’t he want to kiss her or was she being too forward and driving him away?

  His stance was firm and she realized that Jason was not going to cross the line with her. Instead, he would let her make the first move. He was giving her every chance to back out of this before things would go too far between them. He was such a good man deep down inside and knew she’d been through so much.

  “When I kiss you, I want there to be flowers and romance,” Jason said tightly, his jaw clenching. Leia took another step towards him, laying her hand on his t-shirt and feeling his body jump at the simple touch. Her own gut clenched with anticipation as she realized she was going to kiss him. There was an intense attraction between them that started deeper than just looks. There was an affection that was growing by leaps and bounds.

  “I don’t need all that,” Leia admitted, looking up at him in wonder and awe as she realized it was the simple truth, finally spoken aloud. She didn’t need any of that; just to feel special and be treasured by someone that knew her.

  Feeling brave, her hand slid up the fabric of his shirt on his chest, travelling slowly to curl around the back of his neck. Her fingers slid into his silky hair like a knife into hot butter just at the nape of his neck, his skin warm under her touch. Leia was subconsciously pulling Jason towards her, moving as if out of control and driven by instinct. She needed to know what it was like to kiss him.

  “Just you,” she confessed quietly.

  His lips touched hers tentatively, just before he groaned softly, wrapping his arms around her, deepening the kiss. She was fascinated by the way her body felt being held by him. There was such a difference between what she remembered kissing Chandler was like, before he died, versus what kissing Jason felt like.

  Jason broke the kiss, dragging several deep ragged breaths into his lungs, as Leia did the same. His arms still held her close and she had no intention of moving away just yet. Wordlessly, as if he couldn’t fight it, Jason leaned down and kissed her several more times, each more tender than the last as if he was savoring the sensation and experience between them.

  “I still smell like fish,” he breathed reluctantly. His lips hovered just above hers, a soft smile teasing the corners of his mouth, revealing that precious dimple on his cheek.

  “I should have done this yesterday,” Leia admitted absently and realized what she’d uttered aloud, suddenly feeling painfully shy. His smile widened at her words as he nodded emphatically.

  “Don’t retreat back into that shell,” he urged, caressing her hair off her forehead. “Be my brave girl that sang with me last night on stage. Let’s step forward together and see where this goes. I’m okay with being just friends, if it means I can hold you and kiss you just like this.”

  “Just friends?” Leia questioned, feeling a sudden pang of loss.

  “Leia,” Jason breathed regretfully and she winced. He hardly ever called her that. He always referred to her as princess. “I have to fly back in a few days and I don’t know when I’ll see you again.”

  “I’m trying not to think about that.”

  “It’s all that is on my mind,” he admitted painfully, his eyes intense with unspoken emotion and honesty. “I don’t know how I’m going to leave you behind.”

  Chapter 16

  Leia was surrounded by people at Jamie Post’s small house on base. The tiny bungalow was bursting with friendship as they all crowded into the house and the fenced yard. She watched as Jamie grabbed the bag of cedar wood chips and began to add them to the fire that was already blazing hot in the grill, smiling at the surrounding conversation.

  “Jamie! Stop honey - or the fire will never go out tonight,” Lucy exclaimed happily, bringing her husband another cold can of soda. It was obvious the two loved each other very much. Lucy had risked life and limb to chase after the man she’d adored for so long. Leia had heard the stories about them getting stranded in the cave and how he protected her until they’d been rescued.

  “Have I told you how much I love you?” Jamie said aloud, putting his hand on Lucy’s stomach. Leia watched the two of them, wishing that life would fall into place and somehow make things easier for her. She couldn’t help the growing bitterness in her soul as every time she was near Jason, she was falling more and more in love with the man. Even today, amidst all his friends, he still only had eyes for her.

  “Not yet today,” Lucy taunted.

  “I think we both know better than that.”

  “Maybe I just wanted to hear it again?”

  “Maybe I just wanted to say it again,” Jamie kept flirting with Lucy, nuzzling his wife on the neck unabashedly, regardless of who was watching them.

  “Post! We want to grill the burgers, not make charcoal pucks of them,” Jason called out immediately. “Princess, it’s your turn to toss the beanbags.”

  Leia walked over and rejoined Jason. The two of them had partnered up to take on Colin and Ava while Lily watched little Aurora in the roll-around walker. One swollen foot w
as hooked underneath the roll-around to prevent the toddler from getting entirely too close to the overactive grill. Handing Jason another cold Pepsi, she nodded and tossed a bag haphazardly, not even hitting the board.

  “It’s all in the swing, princess,” Jason instructed, cuddling up against her and tossing the bag with her. This time, the beanbag landed on the board, slid, and bounced into the grass.

  “You need some help, boy?” John asked Jamie, clapping him on the back and winking at his pregnant wife, Lily.

  “Uh, oh,” Jason whispered, leaning towards Leia.

  “Watson, you think Griffin knows that Post started the nickname?”

  “Yeah, he does,” Watson said arrogantly. “Tobin and I told him.”

  “You whaaat?”

  “Snitches get stitches,” Leia quipped, winking at Jason, who burst out laughing. He quickly hugged her from behind, kissing the shell of her ear noisily.

  Sure enough, Jamie’s face was beet red and he actually looked apologetic.

  “Correction, sir—that’s my man,” Lucy quipped lightly, kissing Jamie on the nose. “Have fun with your friends and I’ll go pick Lily’s brain with all my baby questions. She’s two months farther along and I want to see what to expect.”

  “I didn’t realize you’d heard that was me,” Jamie admitted.

  “It’s ‘cause I didn’t care and thought it was funny.”

  “Is that why I had to run all the time?”

  “Nawww… that would be petty, wouldn’t it?” John grinned and Jamie laughed at his expression. Leia knew then that was exactly why Post had to do laps all the time when he was stationed in Afghanistan.

  “Did you have to run a lot, too?”

  “It’s how I keep this brawny, sexy body ready for you to hug on.”

  Leia burst out laughing, causing Jason’s smile to fall from his face in utter horror. She wrapped her arms around his waist in a bear hug, snickering as she pointed at John and Jamie. John’s eyebrow raised questioningly, smirking at the other man.