Page 15 of Wood Lessons
“Not all today, I hope.”She bumps my shoulder playfully.“But I can get on board with that future.If you haven’t noticed, I’m all about rolling with whatever comes my way these days.”
“Have I mentioned how glad I am that you've made that decision.I know it hasn’t been easy for you.”Anna’s commitment to changing her life inspires me and allows my own dreams to be voiced—to possibly be realized.
One was already coming true by finding a woman like Anna.Sweet, curvy, and smart, and she just fell into my lap by chance.
Thank god she did.
“You made it easier.In a way, you’re kind of my reward,” she whispers, reaching for my hand and kissing the back of it.
“Funny; I’d say it was the other way around.”Lowering my head, our mouths meet in a gentle kiss as we fall back to the mattress.No more words were needed, just me loving my woman.
EPILOGUE ONE
ANNA
TWO YEARS LATER
The high-pitched squealof a table saw pierces my ears as I find Peter hunched over his latest project.Pausing before he notices my arrival, I take the time to admire my husband.
A long-sleeve woolen shirt rolled up to his elbows reveals tan forearms that lead to capable hands.Hands that have touched every part of me yet still maintain enough power to shoot a shiver down my spine at the thought of him touching me again.
Gratitude threatens to burst from my chest as I’m overwhelmed with how lucky I’ve been to find a man like Peter.Dedicated and kind, I never doubt his love—despite our whirlwind beginning.At least, it seemed that way for me; he was ready to marry me the same day we made love the first time.But we waited for six months before I finally gave in and trusted what we had as the real deal.
The sawing stops and quiet settles over the room—broken only by the chirping birds outside, enjoying the miniature bird resort we’ve made with all the houses I’ve added.Tilting his safety glasses to rest on top of his head, Peter smiles.“You need something, baby?”
“Everything’s good to go with the website, but I want your opinion before it goes live.”
A year ago, he’d finally suggested becoming partners with Cora and Chris, but they’d turned him down.They appreciated his work and wanted to keep him as an employee but weren’t looking to share a portion of their business.That had been a rough couple of months as he continued to work for them even though his dream had been shattered.
“Whatever you think’s best is good enough for me; I trust you.”Peter circles my waist and drops a kiss on the side of my neck, nibbling his way to my ear.I know where this is leading, but I can’t be distracted—other tasks are on the agenda for today.
Leaning back, I force a disapproving frown.“None of that until you take a look.It’s the official gateway for online orders; I want you to have a say.”
Once Peter had recovered from the blow to his future dream, he rallied and worked harder than ever to get his craftsman business off the ground.Long hours spent at Cora and Chris’s making custom but generic furniture followed by evenings in his shop creating one-of-a-kind pieces dominated his days for months.Until we reached today—the day we launch online to garner a whole new side of business.Local word-of-mouth has been keeping us afloat, but we’re dreaming bigger now.
He sighs, grabs my hand, and starts walking us back to the cabin.“One quick run-through, then I want you on your back in our bed.I haven’t fucked my wife in forever.”
