Page 141 of At First Smile
A sharp laugh huffs out of her. “No. You just learn how to embrace it and how to share it. The right partner doesn’t make it easier, but holds your hand when you do hard things.”
A loud bark draws our attention. Lifting my head from my mother’s shoulder, I pivot. GB scampers down the sidewalk with Rowan behind, his steps are slow and hesitant. Then he stops. At this distance, the sun’s glare and his cap hide his expression.
“What do you want, honey?”
My pulse roars. “For Rowan to hold my hand.”
Mom pats my bicep. “I’ll be inside.”
“Rowan!” I call, running towards the gate between my walkway and the sidewalk.
Before I’m able to open the gate, he’s there.
Tongue lagging, GB jumps up, his front legs resting on the gate’s top.
“Down, GB,” Rowan commands, gently tugging him down before he swings open the gate.
“I’m so sorry.” Leaning my cane against the gate, I fling myself into his arms, encircling his nape. “You were right. I was scared. I’m still scared. But I’d rather be scared with you than without you. To face these things together. I want to be a team with you, arealone. You take care of me, and I take care of you.” I almost pant it all out as if I’m running a sprint. In so many ways, I am. I’m sprinting towards what I want,whoI want.
“I’m scared too, but I can face anything as long as I have you at my side.”
“I love you.” My fingers trail up and skim across his smile.
“I love you too. For the record, I don’t like arguing with you.”
“Ditto.” I laugh.
“Whatever you want to do about the job is your decision.”
“But you want me to take it.”
He sloshes a breath. “Yes. Does that make me an asshole?”
“No. It makes you honest.”
“Even if I have a different opinion, I’ll always support you. Please know that.”
“I know.” I take his cap and place it on my head. “And even if I don’t always act it, I am on your team and you’re on mine.”
“Always.”
The brightness of his expression melts away the remaining lingering tension and fear. There’s much to discuss and figure out, but I know we’ll do it together.
“I’m so glad you didn’t go home.”
His hand strokes my cheek. “Luv, I did go home.”
“But you’re here.”
“Exactly.” He nuzzles my nose with his.
I close the scant inches between us, taking his full lips into a slow embrace.
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