Page 154 of Ripped & Shipped
Chris must sense that I’ve had all I can take.
He stands up, and without even needing a mic, he addresses the crowd. “It’s been a long day. Ella Mae’s heard all you had to say. I’m thanking you on her behalf. And now I’m going to take her home so she can rest. I liked what Jayme said. Sorry is as sorry does. I’m counting on this town to put their money where their mouths are by treating one of the best people I know with a little more respect from here on out.”
Chris turns to me and asks, “You good?”
“Yeah. I’m good.”
I turn to the town I’ve called home for my whole life, looking across the sea of faces gathered here for me.
“I’ve only got one thing to say.”
Chris looks confused. I smile at him and wink.
“Let’s take a group selfie!”
The crowd erupts in laughter, but we do end up snapping some photos together. I doubt I’ll post them on social media. Some things are meant to be cherished in your own heart, not shared with the world.
Chris backs down Aiden’s driveway, but he turns the opposite direction than what I expect.
“What now, Soldier? I thought you were taking me home.”
“I’ll take you home if you want. But I thought you might want to go hang out at our spot by the lake before you call it a night.”
“Oh,ourspot is it?”
“Definitely.”
Chris looks over at me. “I know I sprung that whole thing at the barn on you. I hope you know why I kept it a secret.”
“Because I never would have let you take me there?”
“Pretty much. Do you forgive me?”
“If I’m dishing out forgiveness to just about everyone in town, I’m pretty sure your name is on the list.”
“Whew. Well, I’ll just have to let my actions match my words.”
“Sounds good to me. I’m all about you groveling and making it up to me, Soldier.”
Chris chuckles low and deep.
We pull up to the secluded beach—the spot where Chris first told me he loves me. He kills the engine and then he leads me to the back of his truck. After he rearranges our suitcases so they’re out of the way, Chris spreads out some blankets to cushion the bed of the truck.
“A girl might think you planned this, Big Boy.”
“Planning is one of my strengths,” he says.
I see the smirk on his face, despite the darkness starting to close in around us.
We lean back on the wall of the truck bed and Chris puts his arm around me.
“Was it too overwhelming?” he asks.
“A little. I don’t know. I think it’s going to take a while to feel real. I’ve lived here my whole life. Everyone’s always treated me one way. It will be an adjustment getting used to being accepted and included.”
“You adjusted to me,” Chris says.
“Easy.”
