Page 6 of Carrie's Strength
“I will see you both next week,” she says as she shows us out.
Carrie is quiet on the way home. Just staring out of the window as if in a world of her own.
Beau is still out with Tank for the rest of the day, and we’re not due at the clubhouse to meet them for another few hours.
Pulling up into the driveway, I move round to Carrie’s side and open the door, causing her to jump.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize we were home,” she says.
“I know, babydoll.”
I take her hand and lead her into the garage. Passing her the helmet I bought her, with a candy skull and flowers on it.
She smiles as she knows what I have planned.
I grab my own helmet and climb on my bike, starting her up. I nod to Carrie, and she gets on behind me. I slowly pull forward and press the fob on my keys to close the garage door.
Once it’s closed, we take off. Driving in no real direction, we head out through town and into the forest surrounding our little town.
After about an hour, I know she’ll be starting to ache a little, so I pull off into the forest and stop at a picnic spot.
We grab a coffee for me and tea for her from the little van, sitting at one of the free picnic benches.
“Thank you for bringing me for a ride. The wind always helps me clear my head,” she says.
“You don’t need to thank me, babe. I feel the same. Wind therapy is good for the soul,” I chuckle.
“Yeah, I love being on the back of your bike,” she says with a smile.
“I love you being there too,” I tell her.
We sit quietly for a while, just enjoying our drinks.
“Fancy a walk?” she asks.
“Yeah, why not,” I reply as we make our way to the start of a short trail hand in hand.
We walk in silence, just listening to the birds sing to each other as we walk past.
“Are you happy?” she suddenly asks.
I stop and pull her arm, so she’s facing me.
“Of course, I’m happy. What made you ask?”
“A lot has happened in a short space of time. We’ve focused on how I’m feeling and how it has all affected me, but no one has asked you. This has all affected you too. You went from being single to in a relationship with a child in the blink of an eye.”
I love that after everything she has been through, she is still thinking of others and not just herself.
“I can admit it was a lot to take in at first, but Beau is amazing, and I love being his dad. I’m proud to call him my son. I’d been looking for you for so long, and now you’re finally in my arms. I never want to let you go,” I say as I pull her into my body and kiss her. I pour all my feelings into the kiss.
“I want to spend the rest of my life with you and be a family,” I tell her.
“A family. Do you want more children?” she asks nervously.
I pull away from her a little, so I can look into her eyes.
“Are you trying to tell me something?” I ask.
