Page 62 of Welcome Home, Cowboy
Lawson held up a hand. “I know what you’re going to say.”
“I don’t think you do.” Beth grinned. “I think this is wonderful. Don’t you, Sabrina?”
Sabrina nodded, enthusiastically. “Definitely. I’d love for Ms. Julie to be my aunt.”
Julie’s mouth fell open. “Um…I…”
“Dating doesn’t mean they’re getting married,” Beth said. “Not yet at least.”
Lawson’s jaw was hanging open now, too. He closed it and reached for Julie’s hand. “Let’s get out of here before she starts wishing two point five children and a white picket fence on us. See you, girls,” he said, waving at his sister and niece, then dragging Julie away.
“So, what exactly is part two of the date?” she asked, leaning into him as they walked. The air was cool as the sun began to sink toward the tree line. A soft breeze rustled her dress against her skin, adding to her awareness.
“Are you going to think I’m being controlling if I say the next thing I have planned is a surprise?”
“No. I’m starting to see that you’re nothing like my ex. And I’m starting to really like who you are.”
He stopped walking and turned to her. “Starting to?” he asked.
She positioned her fingers in front of her to measure an inch. “Just a little.”
He took ahold of her hand and pulled it to his lips, kissing the backs of her fingers. “I’ve liked you since the moment I met you. And I’m starting to think that’s not such a bad thing after all.”
Her breath shuddered in her chest. “Starting to?” she asked.
He measured an inch between his fingers. “Just a little.”
—
Lawson glanced over at Julie, seated beside him in his truck. “You look a little nervous. I thought you said you trusted me.”
“I do. It’s just…” She stared out the windshield. “Where are we?”
With a laugh, he turned the truck and headed to the back entrance of the military base.
“You’re taking me on base?” she asked, as they slowed behind a line of vehicles waiting to be waved through by the guards at the gate. “I am at a complete loss.”
He reached a hand out and squeezed her thigh. “Patience, darling. Patience.”
“That has never been a virtue of mine.”
He flashed his military ID and the guard saluted him and waved him through the back gate. A short drive later, he drove through a parking lot at the airfield and backed his tailgate up to the shadowed woods. He turned off his headlights. “Here we are.”
Julie chewed her bottom lip. “Um…”
“Come on.” He stepped out and grabbed a blanket from the cab of his truck. Spreading it out on the back of his tailgate, he motioned for Julie to have a seat. The sun was down now and darkness surrounded them. “When I was younger I used to do this outside the airport in San Antonio. There are a lot more aircraft to see there, coming and going all the time.” He joined her on the tailgate. The truck dipped under his weight. “I’ve always been fascinated by flying. I always knew I wanted to be a pilot.” He sucked in a long breath, looking out into the clear night sky. “Since I’ve returned home, just the sound of a helicopter has been…well, terrifying to me.” He looked over to gauge her reaction. Was she going to tear him down for admitting fear? Dr. Pierce had encouraged him to share the truth with someone else. He was sharing it with Julie.
She met his gaze evenly. There was nothing but acceptance in her eyes. “So why are we here? Aren’t airplanes going to fly over?”
“Helicopters will, for sure. Some of the guys are training right now.” He lay back onto the blanket and folded his elbows behind his head. “There’s this breathing technique you taught us during the first week of yoga class.” He sucked in a deep breath, held it, and blew it out. “It’s helped with some of the anxiety I feel around the helicopters.”
Julie turned to look at him. Then she lay back also, close enough that her arm brushed against his. “So you have learned something from me.”
He turned to look at her. “Darling, I’ve learned a whole hell of a lot from you. More than you know. The truth is, I haven’t been as on edge lately when a helicopter has flown over. I’m sitting in front of the airfield right now and I’m not even thinking about whether or not one will come crashing down on me.” He turned on his side, propping his head up with his shoulder. “All I’m thinking about is you.”
“You sure do know how to romance a girl, Captain. Riding shows. Airfields.”
“I do my best.”
