Page 6 of Snow Good to Lose
“It’s fine.” He nodded.
I nodded back.
He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine.
He doesn’t think I notice, but I do. The scanning the horizon for signs of danger. The tension in his body when someone unknown tickles his spidey senses. I try not to worry about the things that go bump in the night. Caden worried enough for the both of us.
I worried about him.
My mission was to make sure in the heightened sense of alertness, we enjoyed our life. I made sure we celebrated birthdays and holidays, all the important things. We sacrificed a lot to be us.
Caden pushed up and stood. He took my hands and pulled me up. He walked behind me up the beach toward the cabin. His arms around my waist. His body shielding me. I accepted his protection a long time ago. Combined with his heart, made me feel like the safest woman in the world.
* * *
“This is my favorite.”I waved my fork in the air as we sat on our little porch with a platter of steamed fish and vegetables between us. The Christmas tree twinkled behind me.
“Favorite what?” Caden picked up a piece of squash and popped it in his mouth.
“Favorite time of day, favorite meal, favorite guy, favorite Christmas tree.” I shrugged. “Favorite everything.”
“Better than the last tree I put up.”
“Slightly. Back then, you used it to get to me.” I popped a piece of fish in my mouth. “This one is because you love me.”
“I have always loved you. The other one was to get your attention.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “It worked.”
I loved when he relaxed. His laid-back goofiness made me love him even more.
“You don’t miss it.” His smile faded.
“Miss what?” I sipped my wine. The fish and lime flavor explode on my tongue. I groaned.
Caden’s eyes darkened.
My insides flipped.
“Real life?” I answered. “Naw.”
He chuckled and looked off into the horizon. The sun set in front of us. He had me convinced the descending sun sizzled when it hit the ocean. Our little world felt fantasized, and he was right, it wasn’t real life. It was the life we created, and it was real enough for me . . . for now.
“You’re in a mood.” I poured him another glass of wine while topping off my own.
“Today was a good day.” Caden took a big sip.
“Wow.” I shook my head. “I thought all days were good days as long as we are together.”
“Yeah, but ...”
“What?” I held my hands out.
Caden reached for my arm. I pulled it away and crossed my arms over my chest.
“It’s just not the life I pictured.” He shrugged.
“Sorry, it doesn’t meet your expectations.” I slumped back in my chair.
“My expectations?” Caden dropped his head in his hands and grunted.
