When they were done, Georgia lay across Landon’s chest, her naked legs entwined with his. Landon’s arm was draped heavily across her back, and the fireflies danced in the tall grass beside them, encircling them in a golden orb of soft light.
The sounds of night filled the air. Crickets chirped. Frogs croaked. And the gentle sound of water running could be heard as the river flowed by—mere steps away from where they lay. It was a magical night, and Georgia, completely sated with pleasure, sighed contentedly.
Lifting her head up so she could see Landon better, she gazed at his face. His eyes were closed as he lightly dozed. She admired his peaceful, innocent expression as he slept. Georgia’s eyes traveled downward, looking at his tattoo again.
Feeling her eyes upon him, Landon opened his eyes slowly, blinking away his sleepiness. He smiled and tightened his arm around her.
Georgia smiled back at him. She traced her fingers around the tattoo on his chest. “What’s this?”
Landon lifted his head slightly to look at his chest. “Oh, that? I got it a couple months after joining the Marines.”
“Oh,” she said softly, tracing the outline of the American flag. “What does it mean?”
Landon lifted his right hand and pointed to the eagle. “That’s the symbol of the United States. And this,” he said, moving his finger to the banner that the eagle held in its beak. “This is the motto of the Marine Corps.”
Georgia traced the banner with her finger. She read the words aloud, “Semper Fidelis…What does that mean?” She squinted at the inscription.
“It means, ‘always faithful,’” Landon answered, a note of pride in his voice as he looked down at it.
Georgia nodded in understanding.
“The globe represents the worldwide commitment of the Marine Corps,” he went on.
Georgia tapped the anchor with her index finger.
“And the anchor symbolizes the relationship between the Marine Corps and the Navy.”
Georgia gazed down at the anchor. “Your dad was in the Navy, wasn’t he?” she asked, her eyes flicking back up to Landon’s.
Landon nodded. “He was.”
Georgia ran her hand across the tattoo, thinking of Dr. Young. She knew what it was like to lose a parent, to cling to the threadbare memories of them. No matter how many memories she had of her mother, no matter how many times she replayed them in her mind, they were pitifully inadequate substitutes for what once was.
“Do you like it?” Landon asked shyly, his eyes moving back down to his tattoo.
Georgia gave a slight nod, smiling faintly. “I do. I think it’s…poetic.” She admired the design.
Landon laughed as he propped himself up on his elbows to look at her. His expression was amused as he took in her mussed hair and flushed cheeks. “Poetic?” He grinned.
“Oh, is that not macho enough for you, Landon Young?” Georgia giggled.
Landon’s smile softened. “No, I agree. It is poetic in a way….” His voice trailed off.
Georgia watched him, her blue eyes drinking him in.
“Like Georgia Summer. Now that’s a name you never forget.” He scanned her face with his grey blue eyes, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled.
Georgia sighed happily. “I like it when you say my name.” She lay her head down on his chest, her face resting inches away from his.
Landon rested his head back and looked up at the starry night sky through the trees. “So tell me,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “How is it that you were named Georgia Summer?”
Georgia chuckled. “That’s your burning question? How I got my name?”
Landon nodded, his eyes bright with curiosity.
Georgia adjusted her head on his chest and pushed a rogue strand of hair away from her cheek. “My family moved around a lot when I was younger—before I was even born. My dad was a police officer at the time, and my mom a teacher,” Georgia explained. “They had been living in Virginia where my dad was training...where Virginia was born.”
“Oh,” Landon said, slowly understanding. “That’s why she was named Virginia?”
“Yes,” Georgia answered. Her voice sounded distant. “My dad would always say, ‘Virginia is for lovers.’” She smiled as she thought of her mom and dad together with little Virginia.
“I never heard that before,” Landon said.
“My mom got a teaching job in Georgia when Virginia was just a couple years old. Savannah, Georgia,” she added. “And another year later, I came along.” Georgia paused, thinking of her mother. “My mom loved Georgia. She said it was one of the most beautiful places she ever lived in.”
“And that’s why they named you Georgia,” Landon said, awe in his voice.
“Yes. That’s how I got my name.” She looked up at Landon’s face, pleased that he liked her name so much.
“It’s a beautiful name, Georgia Summer,” he said with a sigh. “It’s a name you can’t forget, and a girl you’d never want to lose.”
Georgia lifted her head, propping herself up on his chest so she could study Landon’s face. “What do you mean?”
Landon bent his arm behind his head and adjusted himself, elevating his head more so that he could see her better. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t want to lose you, Georgia.”
“You won’t,” Georgia said, trying to smile. Landon’s voice sounded sad, and she didn’t like it.
Landon lifted his hand and ran his fingers through her hair, combing it away from her face. He then placed his hand on her cheek, caressing the supple skin there.
Georgia rested her cheek in his palm and closed her eyes, not wanting this night to ever end. She opened her eyes again to look at Landon. She could never tire of gazing at his face.
“I love you, Georgia Summer,” Landon said softly.
Georgia felt her heart bursting as she heard those words. She pulled herself up closer to Landon’s face and leaned in to his lips as she placed her hand on the side of his face. She kissed him, her hand resting just above his temple. Pulling back from his face, she stroked the skin on his forehead with her thumb. “I love you too, Landon Young,” she whispered.
Landon lifted his head and kissed her again as he circled his hands around her waist, holding her tightly against his chest. Then, putting his hand behind her head, he rolled her over onto her back so he was on top of her. Georgia felt the comforting weight of his body against her own, and closed her eyes as she surrendered her body to him once more.
Their lovemaking was tender and less fervent this time, and they fell asleep shortly afterwards, their limbs entangled like vines wrapped around a tree.
Hours later they awoke again—close to dawn. It was the darkest time of night when the stars were at their brightest. On the horizon, the black sky was slowly turning to amethyst, lightening with every passing moment in the morning twilight.
Georgia stirred, remembering where she was. She felt the slow, soothing rise and fall of Landon’s chest beneath her, and heard a splash of water as some small creature, perhaps a frog, plopped into the river nearby. She turned to look up at the night sky through the trees, admiring the bright stars. They shone brilliantly above in the sky. Georgia sighed as she looked up at them, her mind reeling with questions as she listened to Landon’s peaceful breathing. What did the future hold for Landon? For herself? For them? Could she and Landon ever really be together?
She took a deep breath as she gazed up at the starry heavens. As she listened to Landon's breathing, Georgia relaxed and closed her eyes. Things would be all right. Somehow or another, she and Landon would find a way to be together.
Georgia felt Landon’s chest expand as he yawned, waking up slowly. She turned to face him, glad that he was awake. “Good morning,” she said softly.
Landon opened his eyes and gave her a sleepy smile. He didn’t answer right away, his eyes blurry as he focused on Georgia. “Man, if only I could wake up to you every morning like this." His voice was husky from slee
ping.
Georgia smiled briefly, realizing how much she wished for the same. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” she asked wistfully. She ran her fingers over his chest and traced the tattoo again. She closed her eyes, wishing they could stay in this moment forever.
“What’s wrong?” Landon asked, his voice clearer now.
Georgia opened her eyes and snuggled closer to Landon, desperately trying to commit every detail of that very moment and that night to her memory. “I just…well,” she said, trying to collect her thoughts. “Last night, this week, ever since I’ve met you…it’s been the best thing to ever happen to me.” Georgia looked up at him. Words suddenly seemed terribly insufficient to describe how she felt towards him.
Landon smiled. “You’ve been the best thing that has ever happened to me, Georgia Summer.”
Georgia smiled at him. He had taken the words right out of her mouth. “You too, Landon Young.”
Landon rolled over on his side to face her.
Georgia mirrored his posture, their naked bodies facing each other. “Last night was...” She searched for the right word.
“Mind-blowing?” Landon jested, grinning boyishly.
Georgia laughed. “Well, I was going to say incredible, but mind-blowing, as well.” She looked down at her body and was surprised to feel unashamed at her nakedness. Rather, she was in awe as to how her body could express her love for Landon.
Landon smiled and reached over to her. He ran his hand along her face and down to the soft skin on her neck just below her ear. “I meant what I said last night.”
Georgia’s eyes met his.
“I love you,” he said softly, not taking his eyes away from hers.
“I love you, too,” Georgia said back to him, feeling every word she spoke with her whole heart. She reached over and took his hand in her own, bringing it to her lips. Then, lifting his hand, she wrapped his arm around her and nestled onto his shoulder again as he lay on his back. Together, they watched the stars grow fainter as the morning light grew stronger.
“Do you work this morning?” Landon asked suddenly, breaking the silence after several minutes.
Georgia shook her head. “Duke gave me this weekend off, actually.”
“I’m glad,” Landon said.
“Me too.”
The day was breaking now as the sun came up over the horizon. The birds had begun their morning songs, and everything around them seemed to gleam with newness from the night’s rest.
“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?" Georgia admired the scenery, listening to the sound of running water close by.
“It is,” Landon agreed, looking around them. “This was one of my favorite places to come as a boy.” His voice sounded distant as he remembered his childhood, and how he used to explore the river and forest here. “I used to imagine being an Indian, or an explorer of some kind.”
Georgia smiled as she imagined Landon as a little boy.
“When I left Willow Creek, I never had any intention of coming back, but now that I have, I’m finally realizing just how much I missed this place,” he said thoughtfully.
Georgia nodded. She knew the feeling well after being away at college for the year. “Growing up in a small town may be the only way I know, but I sure feel lucky to have been raised that way.”
“It’s funny how you realize just how much you appreciate things after you’ve left them, huh?”
“Or after they’ve left you,” Georgia said poignantly, thinking of her mother.
“Yes,” Landon said softly, his thoughts drifting back to his father. “But I suppose it’s the only way we learn how to be thankful for what we already have.” He shifted under Georgia, lifting his head slightly so that he could kiss her hair. He kept his face close to her hair for a moment, inhaling the scent of her floral shampoo. He then lay his head back down on the soft earth. “I know you’re not going to like hearing this, but I think you ought to head home soon.”
Georgia lifted her head to look at Landon. “Why?” She gave him a perplexed look. The last place she wanted to go was home where her dad would undoubtedly be waiting, probably still seething with anger. “Besides, don’t you want me to stay?” Her voice sounded hurt. Georgia didn’t want to leave Landon. She never wanted this time to end with him.
“Of course I want you to stay.” Landon furrowed his dark brow. He lifted his hand and stroked her back. “I just think you need to go home and talk to your dad. He would have worried about you all night.”
Georgia shook her head. “I doubt it.” She rolled her eyes.
Landon gave her a knowing look. “Your dad really cares about you, Georgia.”
“Don’t mistake my father’s anger for love, Landon,” Georgia said exasperatedly.
“A father’s anger is often love,” he said quietly.
Georgia huffed loudly and turned away to look at the river. She didn't want to argue with Landon.
Landon smoothed her hair and she closed her eyes, calmed by his touch. “Your dad loves you, Georgia,” Landon said gently. “Don’t make the same mistake I did.”
Georgia turned to look at him again, her eyes questioning.
“Don’t push him away. He’s the only dad you’ve got.”
Georgia gazed at Landon, biting her lip as she let his words soak in. “When will I see you again?”
“Later today? How does that sound?” He rubbed her arm reassuringly.
“I’d like that. It’ll give me something to look forward to.” Georgia didn’t want to face her dad, but she could bear it if she knew she would see Landon soon afterwards.
“It’ll be fine. I promise,” he assured her.
Georgia nodded. She knew she had to ask Landon one more question, but she didn’t want to hear the answer. She took a deep breath. “When do you leave, Landon?” She attempted to sound nonchalant, but her trembling voice revealed otherwise.
Landon lifted his gaze, meeting her eyes. “Tomorrow night."
Georgia’s heart sank. “For how long?”
Landon paused, not knowing how to break the news more gently. “I have about eight months left on this assignment.”
Georgia looked down quickly as she tried to hide the tears that were rapidly filling her eyes.
Landon wrapped his arms around her, comforting her. “I’m sorry,” he said, unsure as to what else he should say. Georgia’s shoulders shook as she cried, and Landon held her tightly. Though his pain wasn’t as visible as Georgia’s, he could feel his heart breaking inside.
He had never imagined that this would happen, that he would fall in love when he returned home to Willow Creek. Now they were here, and it was only a matter of hours before he returned to his deployment overseas. He clung to Georgia as if he were clinging to time itself, wishing desperately that he could freeze this moment, and that he and Georgia could stay together.
Georgia withdrew, leaning back slightly so that she could look at him better. “Don’t be sorry.” She wiped the tears away from her cheeks. She gave him a weak smile, laughing half-heartedly. “You can’t plan to fall in love. It just happens…like it did with us.” She looked up at Landon. Her sapphire eyes were misty from crying.
Landon nodded in agreement. “No, you can’t. You’re right.” He reached out and combed her hair away from her face, admiring her snowy skin.
Georgia blinked away her tears and abruptly sat up, pulling away from Landon’s arms. She reached for her bra and slipped it on before fastening the clasp. Wordlessly, she stood up and dusted the dirt off from her bare legs.
“What’s wrong?” Landon asked. He sat up, concerned that he had somehow offended her.
Georgia bent down and picked up her dress. Standing back up, she turned it right side out and glanced over at him. She gave him a resigned smile. “I’m taking your advice.” She slipped the cream-colored dress over her head.
“Oh?” He gave her a puzzled look.
Georgia nodded, smoothing the dress down over her waist. She then grabbed her panties tha
t were next to Landon’s clothes. “I need to go home and see my dad. It’s the right thing to do.”
Landon internally sighed with relief, glad that she was more open now to the idea of talking with her dad. “Good.” He smiled encouragingly at her as he stood up. He reached for his boxers and slipped them on, followed by his jeans.
Georgia paused, watching him pull up his dark wash jeans. He fastened the button, his abs flexing as he zipped up his pants. Her eyes traveled up to his tattoo, and she remembered tracing the design of it with her hands. Georgia swallowed. How she longed to go back to last night when they had made love, his naked body possessing her own.
Georgia walked over to where Landon stood and wrapped her arms around his bare waist, resting her head on his chest. “I love you,” she said softly.
Landon circled his arms around her, holding her close. “I love you, too.”
Georgia traced her fingers over his back, feeling his smooth, bare skin, and the muscles that rippled underneath with even the slightest movement. She turned her face to his and stood on her tiptoes, kissing him tenderly on his lips.
He kissed her, savoring her sweet taste. Their kiss was a bittersweet reminder of the beautiful night they had just shared, and the many lonely nights to come.
When they withdrew from each other, Georgia reached down and grabbed Landon’s shirt. She handed it to him. Landon gave her a grateful smile and took it, pulling it over his head.
“I’d better get going,” she said as she slipped her sandals on. Already the sun was well on its way up, the night a fading memory.
“Do you know how to get back?” Landon fastened his belt buckle.
Georgia nodded. “I do. And don’t worry,” she said, giggling. “I won’t be tromping through your mom’s backyard.”
Landon grinned. “That’s good.” He could only imagine what his mom would say if she saw the sheriff’s daughter sneaking through her beloved vegetable garden.
Georgia Summer Page 27
