by Taylor Dean
“I hated the look on your face after you saw my photo album. I knew what you were thinking, the conclusions you were drawing.”
I respond, “I thought I couldn’t compete with the bond between you two.” I’ve never spoken to him while he’s talking to me in the dark of night. It just sort of slipped out.
“There’s a bond between us now, Spencer. And it’s a strong one.”
“Yes, I feel it too.”
“Look, this isn’t where I saw my life going until retirement. I wanted to live in Austin and continue flipping houses. My business was booming, I was working sixteen hour days and I loved it. Then my life circumstances changed and I felt lost. I had no control over my life. It was as if I was just along for the ride, as if I had no say in my decisions and choices.”
I feel like he’s conversing with me now and not just saying his thoughts out loud. His words make me think of the saying, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Life has happened to him in a big way.
“Then I saw my new leg for the first time. It was intricately made, a miracle of modern medicine. That’s when it hit me. If people could invent something so miraculous, then what could I do with my life? I was placing limitations on myself and allowing self-pity to overcome me. I realized I can do anything I set my mind to. I knew it would take effort, but I knew I could do it. So here I am on a completely different path than I’d intended, just trying to roll with the punches. Life had different plans for me and now everything is coming together and I can see that it’s better than what I’d planned for myself. That’s because of you, Spencer. Yes, you. You’re what makes my life good all of a sudden. Just wanted you to know that.”
I push open the Wall of Jericho, surprising him. As I thought, he’s sitting on a stool outside of my bunk. He looks at me with his serious expression and he seems very subdued.
“I’m not sure I can say anything to convince you of my feelings for you. Time will prove I’m all about you and Mia’s part of my past. I guess right now, that’s all I can say. I hope it’s enough for you.”
“It is. It’s more than enough,” I whisper.
His eyes wander over my face in the dim light and land on my lips. He leans forward and presses his lips to mine. Without removing his lips, he slowly stands and sits on the edge of my bunk. He gathers me in his arms and pulls me up to him, all the while kissing me passionately. I am utterly relaxed in his embrace and let myself become carried away in his kiss.
He ends the kiss, but doesn’t pull away. “I’m going to leave you now because I promised to be a gentleman. Otherwise . . .”
“I know.”
“Sleep well, Spencer.”
I roll over in my bed and sigh. I know it comes out as a dreamy sigh. There will be no sleep for me for a while.
CHAPTER
Seventeen
“SPENCER, IS THAT you, sweetheart?”
“Yes, Mom, it’s me.” Our connection is a little crackly, but I can hear her. I watch Stony as he hammers the next piece of lumber into place. I love watching him. I’m perched on the table that sits outside the motorhome and the light breeze feels refreshing. This call is long overdue. They’d sent me several emails over the past two weeks and I’d purposely responded with generalities. I wasn’t sure how they’d respond to my new living situation. It’s time to fess up. I feel guilty for not telling them sooner. I really hate disappointing them.
“Hi Spence. How’s my little girl doing?” I hear my dad say into the phone. It makes me smile. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. I can’t think of one time in my life when he’s called me Spencer. It’s always Spence. Stony is the only person in my life who has never once shortened my name.
Since I left home for college, I also can’t think of a time when I’ve spoken to just my mom or dad. They always put me on speakerphone and share the conversation. They stop whatever they’re doing and—if they can avoid talking amongst themselves—they concentrate solely on me. Another thing I love.
“How do you like living in Lubbock? Are you still living with Cait?” Mom asks.
I take a deep breath and tell my story. When I’m done, there’s silence for a full thirty seconds.
“Are you all right, sweetie?” I hear the worry in Mom’s voice.
“I’m fine, Mom. I really am. The man I’m working for is a good man or I wouldn’t stay with him.”
Stony walks by at that moment and his gloved finger tweaks my nose. If he’d smiled along with the gesture, it would’ve been perfect. Guess the quick wink will have to do.
Staying with Stony was the right decision for me. The days have flown past, even though each day is a wash, rinse, repeat of the day before. We breakfast together, then he works on his house while I tackle the bookkeeping. Then I make any necessary preparations for dinner, clean house, do a little laundry, and bring him lunch. I have the afternoon to do whatever I want, then we linger over dinner, usually staying at the table for at least two hours while we simply talk. He’s really opened up to me and I enjoy our quiet discussions. I feel like I know and understand him now. The evening ends with us cuddling on the couch while watching TV.
And we kiss. A lot. Life is good. Some might think it’s a perfectly boring existence and I suppose it is. But I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. If this is what life will be like with Stony, I’m in. The mundane can be amazing depending on who you’re with.
“We trust you, Spence,” Dad says, taking me away from my wandering thoughts. “We know you wouldn’t put yourself in a dangerous situation.”
The unsaid words hang in the air between us. The fact is, I did put myself in an unsavory position by choosing to go on a trip with Finn. It wasn’t a smart decision on my part. But I have amazing parents who are always on my side. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that many young adults don’t have good relationships with their parents. I lucked out in the parent department.
“Did Cait send you your belongings?”
“Yes, Mom, she did. I have everything I need for the summer.”
Once Ashlyn was better, Cait sent me a couple of large boxes with my suitcase, laptop, and other miscellaneous items I’d requested. It made me feel whole again.
“Is your bank account okay?” Dad asks. “Do you need some help?”
“I’m okay now, Dad, thanks. All the money was restored to my account and a case is pending against Finn. He’s not going to get away with it.” Of course, the detective in charge of the case said these things rarely pan out, but I feel like I did my part and now it’s out of my hands.
Mom adds, “That young man is dangerous, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s for the best that you saw his true colors early on.”
I wish I’d seen them a little earlier. Of course, then I wouldn’t have met Stony. That alone makes the horrid experience worth it.
“Dating is not easy,” Mom continues. “Your father was so nervous when he met my parents, he spilled his glass of milk all over the perfectly set table right in the middle of dinner. Grandma Jean and Papa took it in stride. They cleaned up the mess and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened. We all tried not to stare at the stain on his pants that looked as though he’d wet himself, but it wasn’t easy. He was so embarrassed and I had to bite my tongue just to hide my laughter.”
I smile. I’m thankful for Stony’s mom and sister who have made me feel welcomed and loved during the last two Sunday dinners. Besides, the subject of Mia didn’t come back to haunt me, so both days were perfect.
Stony and I avoid the subject of Mia as well. I have a million questions about her, but I’m biding my time. I figure it’ll come up soon. In the meantime, I like forging our own relationship without feeling encumbered by his past.
“Wait,” Dad says, “You wanted to laugh at me? You’ve never told me that before.”
Mom tells him, “Well, how do you think it made me feel? It certainly didn’t make me want to cry or pout. It made me want to laugh hyste
rically.”
“Hysterically? It wasn’t that funny.”
“It was, dear. You walked around with wet pants the rest of the night.”
“You still married me.”
“Yes, I still married you because I fell in love with you, wet pants and all.”
“I only had wet pants for one evening and it was very uncomfortable.”
“I know, dear. It was quite the sight.” Mom bursts out with laughter as if she’s been holding it in for the past thirty-five years. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her laugh so raucously.
My father is curiously silent. I think she hurt his feelings.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s the night I fell in love with you, dear. You were so cute.”
“Love you too, honey,” Dad says, regaining his equilibrium.
“Mom, Dad, I’m still here,” I say. I’ve heard this story all my life, but I’ve never heard the part about my mother wanting to laugh at my dad—even though it always seemed like a given. I’m not sure why he’s surprised. Clearly this is news to him and he sounds a little upset over it. Looks like this is going to be one of those phone calls where they talk amongst themselves while I sit and listen. “Anything else you’d like to discuss while I’m on the phone with you?”
Dad chuckles. “Sorry, Spence. Getting old is not for wimps.”
“Neither of you are old, stop it.”
Mom clears her throat. “As I was saying, dating isn’t easy. Hang in there, Spencer. You’ll find your great big beautiful love when you least expect it. That’s the way it works.”
If Stony is my great big beautiful love, then Mom’s theory will prove to be true. I didn’t expect to meet him while I was lost and succumbing to heat exhaustion. I step inside the motorhome for privacy because I don’t want Stony to overhear what I’m saying. “Listen, Mom and Dad, don’t go crazy or anything when I say this. I’m not completely positive yet, but I think I may have found it.”
“It?” Dad questions.
“You know, the one. My great big beautiful love and all that.”
Mom lets out a little screech. “I’m so happy for you, Spencer.” Dad echoes the same sentiment and they both gush over the events of my life for the next five minutes, to include how excited they are for grandchildren. They’re way ahead of me, but I soak it all in and hope I don’t disappoint them. Then Mom adds, “I knew it would happen for you when you least expected it. That’s how it was for me too.”
“Wait, I thought you said you knew I was the one the minute you saw me,” Dad says.
“I did, but I wasn’t expecting it. It took me by surprise.”
My father is probably pacing the room now, phone in hand. “It wasn’t that much of a surprise if you knew it right away.”
Here we go again.
“Why can’t it be both? I knew right away and it surprised me. What’s wrong with that?”
“Hey, Mom and Dad, I’d better get back to work. I have a lot to do.” Sort of.
“All right, sweetheart. Take care and keep us posted on everything. We love you,” Mom says immediately.
“Love you, Spence.”
“Love you too, Mom and Dad. I miss you.”
“Her name is Spencer, dear. Why do you insist on calling her Spence?”
Here we go again.
“Why are you bringing that up now? I’ve always called her Spence. It’s my special name for our daughter and . . .”
I click end call and take a deep breath. They’ll be discussing my name for the next ten minutes. Grandbaby names might even enter the discussion next.
Regardless, I love those two.
“HEY,” I SAY as Stony approaches.
“Hey. All is well with 321 Bob’s Lane?” Stony asks.
“Yes. The pipe that burst was inside the wall of their bathroom. Luckily, they were home when it happened and heard the running water almost immediately. They were able to turn off the water before major damage could occur. Matt has plumbers there fixing it right now. They had to cut the wall open to get to the pipe and they’ll need to jackhammer the foundation to complete the repair. The price tag is nearly two grand.”
“Part of the business. If I maintain my houses, I never have an empty one.”
“The one on Sheldrake rented today.”
“Excellent,” he says, seeming pleased.
And I’m happy that he’s pleased with my efforts. Stony stands next to the recliner I’m lounging on, reaches out, and wiggles my toes. “What’s that?”
I’ve been studying anatomy every afternoon for a couple of hours when I have spare time. Even though I’ve already taken Anatomy and Physiology, it’s been a few years and I need to brush up in preparation for nursing school.
He takes a swig of his ice cold bottled water and says, “Well?”
“Phalanges.”
He just showered after working on his house all day and his hair is still damp. He smells fresh and clean. Dinner’s in the oven and all of his books are in order.
So far this arrangement is working perfectly for both of us. Life feels slow and peaceful out here and I don’t miss the hustle of city life at all.
Guess I’m a country bumpkin at heart. I didn’t know that about myself.
Stony massages my foot and says, “How about these five long bones in your foot?”
“The metatarsal bones,” I answer.
I continue to love Stony’s touch. I don’t have an off-button around him and I love the feeling of closeness between us. I get it now. I feel like I’m in on the big secret everyone in the world already knows.
He runs his finger around my ankle. “The seven bones that help to form your ankle?”
“Don’t tickle me,” I warn.
“Furthest thing from my mind.” He lightly massages my leg.
Okay, I see where this is going. I set my laptop on the side table. This has got to be the best way to study anatomy. I love that he has it all memorized as well by now. He’s been testing me, but never quite like this. “Tarsals.”
“Good. What about these?” His hand slowly strokes the outer part of my lower leg and then my shin.
“Fibula and tibia.”
He nods and moves up to my knee, circling it with one fingertip.
“Patella.”
His fingers slowly glide up to my thigh. He looks up at me and raises his eyebrows. He doesn’t verbally question me.
“Femur,” I whisper.
His fingers trail up to my hip, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Acetabulofemoral joint.”
He skips up to my hand and entwines our fingers together.
“Phalanges, again.”
Next, he massages the palm of my hand.
“Metacarpals,” I say, swallowing hard.
Slowly, he moves up to my wrist.
“Carpals.”
His fingers continue to tease as he runs them up and down my forearm.
“Ulna and radius.”
As he massages my upper arm, I close my eyes and mutter, “Humerus.”
“Stay with me,” he says softly.
“You’re making it really tough.”
He moves behind the chair and massages my shoulders for several minutes before I say, “Scapula. Can I just enjoy the massage?”
“Nope. Helping you study right now.”
“Are we? I can’t remember ever feeling so relaxed while I’m studying.”
“Chalk it up to a perk of the subject matter.”
“Super glad I didn’t choose chemistry,” I mumble.
“Oh . . . chemistry is not absent.”
He’s right. Chemistry is here in abundance.
He runs his fingers over my collarbone and I find myself thankful I will not go through life having never experienced the loving touch of a man.
“Clavicle.” The thought of living without this makes me sad.
He kneels next to my chair, his hand wandering up to my ear. He grabs my earlobe between his thumb and forefinger and gently squ
eezes.
“Auricle.”
He returns to using only his fingertips as he hovers over me. He circles over my lower jawbone.
“Mandible,” I say so softly I’m not sure he heard even at this close range.
Next his fingers run over the upper jawbone.
“Maxilla.”
Then he runs his fingers over the little indent in my upper lip.
“Philtrum.”
“Think you’ve got it.”
“Nah, I think I need a little more practice,” I tell him.
I wish he would smile at me. I long for a smile.
His eyes light up with warmth and his breath hitches in his throat. The responses are all there, but they never reach his mouth. He leans forward and places a soft kiss on my lips.
“Labium superius oris and labium inferius oris,” I tell him.
“Favorite part. Whatever you call it.” One finger traces the top edge of my lip.
“Vermilion border,” I whisper.
“Love that name.”
“Why?”
“When I kiss you, I’m crossing the border. Makes me feel like I’m invading my favorite person.”
I smile at his play on words. “You’re allowed.”
“That’s why I love it. I forget, does the curve of the upper lip have a name?”
“It does. Cupid’s bow.”
“So perfect.”
He kisses my Cupid’s bow ever so lightly and his lips linger on mine, moving over them so softly, the sensation is as gentle as a soft breeze. I don’t move and barely breathe. I never knew how utterly breathtaking such a soft touch could be.
The ding of the oven timer sounds out in the room, ending our anatomy study session.
“Dinner is ready.”
“To be continued . . .”
Even though I’ve pretty much got it down, I plan to study anatomy more often.
I’m loving our summer arrangement. I’m not analyzing our time together or trying to figure out where this will all lead.
I’m simply living in the moment and enjoying my time with Stony. I know a day of reckoning will come—a day where we have to figure out what we mean to each other.
