Page 33 of I Still Do

“Maybe we failed at marriage,” he began, “but I think this weekend has proved that we still have a connection.”

He paused, and when she didn’t deny his words, it bolstered his courage to continue.

“I have it on good authority that our friendship truce will remain in effect even across state lines. In fact, it’s even more effective in Texas than it is in Colorado. Or so I’ve heard.”

The sadness in her eyes gave way to a flicker of humor. She crossed her arms in front of her. “And I’m pretty sure the friendship truce doesnotinclude what just happened here moments ago.”

He wanted to point out that there’d been many, many times in the past when he’d kissed her, his best friend, and quite thoroughly. But he didn’t think it’d help build his case now, so he kept that thought to himself.

“So, if we add in a no kissing clause to the friendship truce, you might consider extending it?” He tried to act casual while he was desperately hoping and praying for her to agree.

Grey wished he could get even a tiny view into what she was thinking as she seemed to mull over his words.

Cora finally gave a definitive nod. “Yes.”

That one word had him breathing a sigh of relief. Maybe it wasn’t exactly what he was hoping for, but it was a new beginning. They had to start somewhere.

“In that case, I’ll bid you good night. See you tomorrow, friend.”

“Good night, Grey.”

Her smile was the last thing he saw as she started up the stairs and disappeared into the darkness.

~*~

Cora stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Being held in Grey’s arms was one of the most amazing, and most confusing, things she’d ever experienced. A big part of her wanted to stay there and pretend like the rest of the world didn’t exist.

For a few brief moments, she’d even been able to imagine all was right between them, and that they’d never had to sign those divorce papers or say goodbye.

But all of that did happen, and her heart ached with the memories. Living through it once had been nightmare enough. She didn’t think she could open herself up to going through it a second time, and especially not with Grey. Not after being reminded of what they used to have together.

She wasn’t so naïve as to believe that his suggestion of extending their friendship truce was an easy solution. At the same time, she couldn’t risk losing everything again, and she didn’t want to let go of what they’d managed to recover over the weekend.

Cora yawned and crawled into bed with a sigh. Being friends was a good compromise. Their amazing kiss earlier came to mind again. It would be a good compromise as long as they didn’t keep doingthat.

“Please keep us from messing this up too,” she prayed. As her eyelids fell, the emotional storm of the day faded away into blissful sleep.

The next thing she knew, sunshine was spilling through her window. She woke slowly until the smell of bacon wafted under the door to her room and had her stomach growling in moments. The thought of a warm breakfast inspired her to dress in record time. Pogo waited at the door of her room, probably just as drawn to the amazing smells, too. As they descended the stairs, music reached Cora’s ears.

Travis Tritt’s song, “Anymore” pulled her into the kitchen. She crossed the threshold to find Maria dancing with Grey. Dare was grinning as the music continued to play from his phone. He glanced up when Cora walked into the room.

“Hey! My dance partner finally arrived.” He set the phone on the counter before holding his hand out with a smile.

Cora chuckled as she placed her hand in his and let him sweep her into a dance. “What is all of this?” she asked above the music.

Maria’s face was joyful as she said, “Dare created a playlist of Grandpa Jackson’s favorite songs.”

Dare shrugged. “After last night, I thought we could all do with a reminder of why we’d come here in the first place.”

“That’s a great idea.” Flynn’s voice from the doorway had all four of them stopping in their tracks. It was difficult to know what to expect after everything the night before. In his arms, he held little Emma, who was rubbing her eyes as she took in the scene.

Maria brightened as she stepped away from Grey and reached for her granddaughter. “Come here, sweetie. Come dance with Grandma.” Emma wrapped her little arms around Maria’s neck as she swayed to the music.

“I wanna dance!” Zac flew into the kitchen, a tornado of energy.

Dare winked at Cora and turned to the boy. “Come here, buddy. Let’s show them how it’s done.”

Abby entered then, a smile on her face. “Well, isn’t this fun to wake up to.” She gave a little yelp when Flynn took her hand, made her twirl, and then began to dance with her.

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