Pulling the box closer, she tore the tissue paper away and gasped. “Walt, my dear, sweet Walt.” Blurry eyed, Lil ran her hands across the yellow fabric with white flowers, the worn pastel flour sack as familiar to her as her own embroidered lilac quilt.
She lifted the Lily of the Field quilt and buried her face in it. How in the world did Walt get Caroline to part with it?
There was only one way to find out. She pulled the pickup into gear. Checking both ways, she turned to go over the overpass and get back onto the interstate going north.
That man! That wonderful, wonderful man. Why on earth was she running from him? Thankful the posted speed limit was seventy-five miles an hour, she realized that the fifteen minutes she’d been away from his side was fifteen minutes too long.
Tapping her fingers against the steering wheel, time seemed to stand still. Just when her patience was running out, she saw the hotel and RV campsite sign standing high on iron poles.
Lil braked at the stop sign, sending a silent prayer for a clear path as she pulled onto the blacktop and made the half-mile trip to Walt’s driveway.
She saw him slowly walking around the outer drive of the RV park. His back was to her. She thought about honking the horn but didn’t want to startle him or cause him to stumble.
Forgetting about the bumpy ruts, Lil bounced through the driveway at the same speed she’d entered on Walt’s first day home. The fifth wheel lurched and jerked. Lil took her foot from the gas and checked her side mirrors. The camper straightened. When Lil looked out the windshield, Walt cut catty-corner across the camper site, hurrying toward her.
Stopping the pickup in the middle of the driveway, Lil slid from the driver’s seat and ran to Walt’s wide-open arms.
“How on earth did you get Caroline to part with that quilt?” She threw her arms around Walt’s neck.
“I can be very persuasive.” He hugged her back. “I guess this means you’re pleased with your gift.”
Lil tilted her head back so she could see Walt’s handsome face. “Very pleased. But you know I’ll return it to Lily.”
“That was the plan. Caroline and Rodney felt it should go back to its rightful owner.” Walt dipped his head and kissed her cheek.
“I need to thank them.”
“I hope not in the same way you’re thanking me.” Mischief danced in Walt’s hazel eyes.
Lil raised her brow at him.
“Well, they’ll be at the parade this morning. If you think you can stay…”
“I’m not going to Texas. I don’t need any time to figure this out. I love you, Walt.”
Walt’s deep kiss took her breath away.
“Let’s get your camper set up and then get into town for the parade.”
Arms wrapped around each other, they headed for Lil’s pickup.
“I think I’m going to have to get some bigger speed limit signs, now you’re sticking around, Speedy.”
Lil laughed out loud.
Once her camper was set up in the best camp spot in Walt’s lot, he changed into his uniform.
Sitting beside Mark, Sarah, Rodney, and Caroline, waiting for the parade to begin, Lil didn’t feel like a fifth wheel at all. As the color guard led the parade, Lil stood and placed her hand over her heart.
Her solider carried the American flag with a step as spry as that of the young man who’d proudly served his country.
Dakota Love Page 45
