Page 41 of Raven
I felt a tingle between my legs, but knew I couldn’t go again after last night, so I gave him a smile as he walked across the bedroom and into the bathroom. After picking up my phone from the end table, I walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. The house was chilly, and it was cloudy outside as I started a pot of coffee.
The delicious smelling liquid dripped into the pot as I scrolled my phone for a minute. Caleb walked in, wearing a pair of sweatpants and a sleeveless T-shirt. He walked up to me and kissed my temple before he asked, “Do you want to sit outside? I can start the firepit so you’re not cold.”
I didn’t like being cooped up inside, so I answered, “Outside would be good.”
“Do you want a flannel to put on so you’re not cold?” he inquired.
I brushed my hand across his cheek and responded, “Why do you take such good care of me?”
He pulled me close and said, “Because you’re mine and it’s my job.”
“I’d love a flannel,” I responded then added, “Can I make your coffee?”
“Please,” he replied and walked out of the room only to return as I finished pouring the coffee.
He handed me the flannel and grabbed both cups of coffee while I put it on. Following him, I opened the sliding glass door so he could carry our drinks out, and closed it behind me, feeling a nip in the air.
“The weather is so different here from back home,” I remarked as we sat down.
Taking a sip of my coffee, I looked over the cup as he spoke. “The winters can suck, and there will be days we don’t go anywhere because of the snow and ice. But for the most part,we’re spared the worst of winter’s weather due to the Black Hills.”
“I’m not a fan of snow,” I admitted. “It was rare for it to snow in my part of Oregon.”
“Do you miss your friends?” he asked, and I shook my head.
“Honestly, I didn’t have many friends, and the ones I did aren’t big on communication.”
“Well, seeing you with your girls last night, I think that’s changed now,” he replied with a smile.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the ol’ ladies and how they’ve made me feel welcome. They didn’t have to accept me, but they opened their arms, and their hearts to me, and I couldn’t imagine life without that crazy group.
“They’re wonderful,” I said.
The morning was quiet as we enjoyed our coffee and when the cups were empty, I stood and walked inside to refill them. Caleb was texting with someone when I walked back out, and he looked at me. “Mom just texted that a friend came into town yesterday and they want to bring them to lunch. Is that okay?”
I placed our cups down then retook my seat as I answered, “Of course, it’s okay.”
He typed on his phone then placed it down onto the table as he reached over and took my hands, “Have you thought about what kind of wedding you want to have?”
Shaking my head, I admitted honestly, “I’ve never given much thought to a wedding.”
“Well, my mother will be more than happy to help plan whatever kind of ceremony you want.”
“They don’t expect us to get married in a church, do they?” I asked, and it was his turn to shake his head.
“My sister goes to church, but Mom and Dad never did really. They’re spiritual but not religious, and they won’t have any demands of us. Only that they get to be there.”
Deciding to change the subject to more pressing needs, I asked, “What do you want to make for lunch?”
“I’ve got a prospect picking up a grocery order and bringing it over. I thought we could throw some steaks on the grill and have a few simple sides,” Caleb responded.
I began to pick at my fingernails as I spoke. “Are they going to be angry we got engaged so quickly?”
“Have I told you how my parents met?” he asked, and I shook my head. His chuckle was telling as he continued, “They met at the Rally and were married within a week. They’re the last people who’ll judge someone for their life choices.”
“They sound great,” I answered.
“They are, and they’re going to love you,” he replied as his phone chimed. Looking down, he remarked, “The prospect’s turning onto the street. I need to help him get everything inside.”
