Black Rose

by Kris Thompson

  I smiled and nodded, words failing me because all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around him and cry. Richard just felt too good to be true sometimes, and I found myself wanting to pinch my skin to make sure I still wasn’t dreaming. And he was mine. He wanted to marry me. There was nothing else I wanted more than to be his wife.

  “So what are your plans for today?” he asked, reaching over to the side table and grabbing his glasses so he could put them on.

  I sighed and leaned back in bed, wrapping the blankets tight around me.

  “This,” I said, faking a yawn. “I plan on being the biggest lazy-body in the world.”

  I watched as Richard got up and put his pajama pants on.

  “Well, I’m sorry to tell you, but that’s not going to fit into my plans.”

  “Oh, really?” I said, closing my eyes and pretending to fall asleep. “And what are your plans?”

  I felt the bed move and opened my eyes to see Richard hovering over me, a boyish smile spread across his face.

  “You and I are driving to a cabin in the mountains for some much needed R and R.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack,” he said, kissing my forehead and getting off the bed. “So get up because I’m making breakfast, and as soon as you are packed, we are heading out.”

  I watched as Richard walked out of our room and into the kitchen where I heard him humming and pulling out the pans from the cabinet. Enjoying my good mood, and excited about the trip Richard had planned for us, I decided to call Anna while he made breakfast. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to hear her voice. Her phone didn’t ring, but went straight to voice mail. I almost didn’t want to leave a message, but found myself talking before I could stop myself.

  “Hey, Anna. It’s Lee. I just wanted to let you know that Richard and I are going to be out of town, and cell reception is crap where we’re going.” I smiled and paused. “For the first time in a while, I’m starting to think that everything is going to be okay. That we are all going to be okay.” I stopped for a second when I saw Richard standing in the door frame, a goofy grin stretched across his face. “I love you, Anna. Talk to you soon and kiss that baby for me.”

  I hung up and tossed my cell on the bed.

  “You are, you know?” Richard said.

  “I am what?”

  He walked forward and wrapped his arms around me.

  “You’re going to be okay. All of you are.”

  I leaned my forehead against his chest and took a deep breath, his scent filling my lungs and bathing me in love and comfort.

  “Promise?” I whispered.

  He kissed the top of my head and tightened his hold around me.

  “I promise.”

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  Acknowledgement

  I would like to thank my friends and family for all their support in helping me achieve this unbelievable accomplishment. Thank you to my wonderful team of remarkable ladies who have helped me finish this book: Tyggy, Adri, Heather, Wendy, Jenny, Christine D., and everyone at The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House.

  About the Author

  Kris Thompson is a veteran of the US Navy and single mother of three. When she’s not knitting scarves, chasing her children around or baking, you’ll find her enjoying a good book or writing down notes for her own upcoming stories. Writing has been a passion for Kris for many years, and seeing those stories printed on paper is a dream come true.