Tom holds me as Holly’s family starts showing up at the hospital. Her doctor decides to admit her so they can do a D and C to make sure the bleeding will stop. I speak with my brother briefly, since he is in full protective husband mode. I can still see the pain in his eyes but he has no time to grieve right now. He has to take care of his love.

Tom is feeling the same way. “Olivia, it’s been a long night and you’re exhausted. Please let me take you home.”

I nod and he takes my hand, leading me out of the hospital. “Wait, Tom. What about my truck?” I grab his arm to stop him.

“I can bring you back here in the morning to pick it up. It will be okay here overnight. You’re too tired to drive.”

“Okay.” I give in as he opens the door to his car and helps me inside.

Tom starts to pull out of the hospital parking lot, preparing to make a left turn to head to Holly and Mike’s. I put my hand over his on the gearshift.

“Stop, Tom.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t want to go home tonight.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t want to be alone tonight, Tom.”

He nods and turns his right turn signal on instead, heading to his place.

I’m exhausted by the time we reach his large trailer and I even nodded off while he was driving. That is something I have never done with anyone, including Brent, but with Tom I feel safe, making today even more ridiculous.

“Liv, wake up. We’re here.” He softly touches my face then goes around to open my door to help me out. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” He helps me out of the car and before I can protest, lifts me in his arms.

“You don’t have to carry me. I can walk.”

“Maybe I want to carry you,” he says as he continues toward the trailer.

I hug his neck as he takes me into his home and lays me on his bed. He takes one heel off and then the other, placing them on the floor beside the nightstand. I watch him as he walks to his chest of drawers and starts looking through them. He holds up a long T-shirt. It’s an Air Force T-shirt. “This is all I have for pajamas for you.”

“That’s fine.”

He takes the T-shirt and steps into the adjacent bathroom. I hear some commotion and finally the water turning on. He’s in there for a few minutes, before coming back to me. “Come with me,” he says as he takes my hand and helps me off the bed.

I walk with him into the bathroom. He has filled his garden tub with water and bubbles. The inviting bubble bath calls my name.

“I think a good soak is just what you need.”

“This is lovely. Thank you.”

“Enjoy. Would you like a glass of wine?”

“No, thank you. I’m barely awake as it is.”

“Okay, I’ll check on you in a little bit.”

He closes the door and I undress and slip inside the tub. The warm water envelopes me and the soft lavender scented bubbles surround me. I ease back and close my eyes, feeling the stress of the day leaving my body.

I’m not sure how long I have my eyes closed, but I am dreaming and it is a very good dream involving Tom making love to me by the lake. I don’t want to wake up from the dream, but a soft tap on the bathroom door has me opening my eyes.

“You okay in there?”

“Mm-hmm,” I moan.

“Need anything?” he asks.

I sit up and think for a moment. The only thing I really need right now is him. “Yes,” I answer.

He opens the door slightly, peeking in. His hair is wet and he’s shirtless and looking very sexy in just a towel around his waist. I’m grateful his trailer is large enough to have a second smaller bathroom with a shower stall in it, so I don’t feel guilty about keeping him from washing up from his very long day. “Are you okay? What do you need?” he asks, looking concerned.

“You.” I smile before biting my bottom lip. I crook my finger at him, hoping he gets the message.

Tom smiles then steps into the bathroom, closing the door and dropping his towel.

A bubble bath alone is relaxing, but a bubble bath with a sexy man behind you rubbing your shoulders and kissing your neck is pure heaven. His hands stroking my body turn me on, making me crave more of his touch.

Every few minutes, I turn my head and kiss him with all the passion I can muster. My tired body and mind are rejuvenated by his touch.

We don’t talk; we just feel each other until the water cools. He gets out first to help me out and dry me off, before whisking me up in his arms once again and laying me on his bed. “Are you sure, Liv? We can wait. We don’t have to do this tonight,” he says as he crawls in and lies next to me.

“I love you,” I say to him as I gaze into his eyes and touch the freshly shaven skin of his cheek. “I don’t want to wait anymore.”

He pulls me to him and kisses me and we finally make love.

The morning light peeking through the curtains awakens me. I don’t think I have ever slept more soundly as I did last night, at least not for a very long time. Falling asleep in Tom’s arms last night after we made love, made me feel protected and loved. As I feel the side of the bed, I realize I’m in bed alone. Was it just a dream? Then I feel paper on the pillow next to me. It’s a paper airplane. I unfold the origami creation to read the note inside.

I had to go in early to take care of some crops for Pops. I checked on Mason and he is fine and is going to hang out with Mom. I called Mike to let him know you are safe with me. Holly is doing better and should be able to go home today.

Coffee is made and breakfast is in the microwave. Relax, my love, and I will be home by 9:00 a.m.

Love, Tom

P.S. Stay naked and keep the bed warm. I plan on rejoining you soon.

I recline back on the pillows and smile.

“I thought I told you to stay naked?” Tom says as he enters at almost eleven o’clock.

“I thought you said you would be back by nine?” I smile, sitting at the kitchen table in just his T-shirt and sipping my coffee.

“You’re right, my love. It started raining so I had to tidy up some things.” He comes over and gives me a kiss.

“What’s that smell?” I ask, crinkling my nose as suddenly my coffee doesn’t taste that good.

“Probably the insecticide on my clothes.”

“Go take a shower.” I smile, pushing him away.

“Okay, I will,” he says, stripping naked in front of me before taking my hand and pulling me along.

“What are you doing?” I laugh while I enjoy the nice view.

“Taking you with me, of course.”

The forecast for today calls for severe thunderstorms and possible flooding. I called Amy earlier to let her know not to come in, keeping us both off the roads and safe. I made a Facebook post to let the public know that the library will be closed today. Many people like it and pray for everyone’s safety. It warms my heart to know how this town rallies together and doesn’t criticize inconveniences and promotes public safety.

Tom and I weather out the storm together in bed, naked of course, and enjoying each other. We talk about our childhoods, college years, our beliefs, our hopes, and our dreams while the rain continues to fall.

That afternoon, we decide to lie in bed and watch movies, only problem was, with the storms outside, we had no tv signal. “I’m sorry but I don’t have any dvds, I could run over to my parents real quick and get us a movie or two.” Tom says as he finally gives up trying to get channels to come in.

“Don’t you dare, leave this house.” I scold him. “Besides I have a movie in my purse we can watch.” I point to the corner, where my clothes and purse sit on the floor.

Tom walks over and finds the movie in my purse and starts laughing.

“Top Gun?” He laughs.

“Don’t laugh, Mason, loves that movie, so I bought it. I just forgot it was in my purse.”

“For Mason, huh?” He smiles shaking his head. “All right, Top Gun it is.”

Tom makes fun of it the entire time, pointing out he flies way better than that. He also can’t understand what women find so sexy about Tom Cruise. To his delight, I show him he is much sexier as we make love again after it ends. I’ve missed this in my life, the intimacy of lying close to a man that I love. A part of me wishes we never had to leave this bed, but I know I have other responsibilities.

“Did Mason ask where I was?” I ask him as I trail my fingers over the soft hair on his chest.

“I told him you were taking care of Aunt Holly and it’s too dangerous to be on the roads. Don’t worry, he is having a blast now hanging out with Red and Pops in the hangar.”

“I feel so guilty for having them watch him. I really should go get him. Your mom and dad are supposed to be on a honeymoon still.”

“Are you kidding? Those two have been on a honeymoon since the day they first said I do. Trust me, all they ever do is hug and kiss, since the first time I can remember. It’s surprising they didn’t have as many kids as the Winstons did. Besides, you would break my mom’s heart right now, if you went and got him. She has been waiting for a long time to play grandma,” Tom says as he cuddles me closer and nips at my earlobe. “Besides, it’s still too dangerous out there.”

“Versus in here? You know, you’re kind of dangerous, too,” I tease him.

“Danger zone,” he sings, rolling me over onto my back and tickling me.

“Tom, stop!” I laugh. “I can’t catch my breath.” I continue to laugh.

“Did I take your breath away?” He sings, causing me to laugh even harder.

When I finally regain my composure, we just lie still, looking into each other’s eyes. “You know that was a very bad pun, right?” I smile.

“It made you laugh, though.” He winks.

“I love that you make me laugh. Don’t ever stop,” I say seriously.

“But yesterday I made you cry,” he says, reminding me of our fight.

“I don’t want to talk it about it. It’s over now.”

“Is it? I think you had more going on in your head than just being pissed that I took Mason up in the ultralight. You know, if we are going to make it, you’re going to have to open up to me. What was really bothering you yesterday?”

“Everything. I’m stressing about the auction next week. I’m stressing about my job. I’m stressing because I need to find a home for Mason and me. I’m mad because I lost the bid on the Braxton house. Now I’m sad for Holly and my brother. I’m stressing about if I’m doing a good job raising Mason. I’m worried …” I stop when I realize I’m rambling and am not sure if I should say the next part.

“Go on,” he says, touching my cheek. “I know there’s more. Just say it and let’s talk about it.”

I inhale and exhale slowly, trying to get the words out without crying. “I’m worried about you leaving and never coming home. My heart can’t take losing you like I lost Brent. I don’t want Mason to lose another father. I don’t want to lose another husband.” I breathe deeply again, but the tears come anyway. “I’m not blaming you for serving our country. I admire you for it, but I’m not sure I’m cut out to be the wife of a pilot. I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

“I think you underestimate how strong you really are,” he says, kissing me quickly on the lips and getting out of bed.

“Where are you going?” I sit up, watching him begin to get dressed.

“Get up and get dressed,” he says.

“Why? Where are we going?” I get up and start looking for my clothes.

“I’m taking you home,” he says, his expression serious.

“Tom, I …” I stop, not knowing what to say to him as starts putting on his shoes.

“Hurry up and meet me in the car,” he says, stepping out of the room.

Oh, God, I think to myself. What have I done? He wants to break up with me.

I don’t say another word to him as I get dressed and meet him in the car. Luckily, the rain has stopped and the storm has passed, that is, except for the storm brewing between Tom and me. He doesn’t say a word as he pulls out onto the road, taking me home. I understand if he’s angry, and it’s better to cut ties now than later. I don’t want to break up with him, but I have to think about the future, both mine and Mason’s. At least I had beautiful moments with him, and maybe one day, we can be together again.

“Can we go and get Mason before you take me home? If you will just take us to the hospital to get my car, that would be fine.”

“Nope,” Tom says as he continues driving and turns in the opposite direction from the airport and Holly and Mike’s.

“Tom, please. I want to see Mason.”

“You can see him later,” he says as he continues to drive, keeping his eyes straight ahead to avoid looking at me.

“Tom, I know you’re angry, but you can’t keep my son from me.”

“I’m not. Like I said,” he finally turns and smiles at me, “I’m taking you home.”

I’m taken aback by his complete one-eighty from moments ago when he was so stoic. Has he lost his mind? “Um, Tom? Holly and Mike’s is the other direction.”

“I know,” he says as he turns down Goose Hollow Road. Only two houses are on this road, his parents’ and the Braxton house. Tom already told me that Mason was with his parents at the airport. He pulls up in front of the Braxton house, which has SOLD boldly across the realtor’s for sale sign. I’m not sure what game he is playing, but it’s not amusing.

“Tom, this isn’t funny. You know I’m upset about not getting this house. This is just cruel.”

“You think so?” he asks, looking at me with a huge grin on his face.

“What is so funny? You better get us out of here before we get arrested for trespassing.” I pout, crossing my arms and looking away from him.

“You can’t get arrested for trespassing on your own property,” he says, placing a set of keys on my lap.

I stare down at the key ring. Attached to it is a set of two shiny new house keys and a gorgeous diamond solitaire engagement ring, all on a key chain with a little house that reads Home Sweet Home.

I stare over at him, not believing what I’m seeing. “You bought the house?” My eyes start to water.

“Yes, and it’s all yours, under one condition.”

“What’s that?” I start to tremble.

“You marry me for real this time,” he says as he takes the key ring and carefully removes the engagement ring off of it. He looks at me, holding the ring and taking my hand. “I know you’re scared, but you have to stop worrying about the what-ifs. Life is full of risks, but sometimes we must take some risks to be happy. I’m asking you to please take that risk with me,” he says as he takes the ring and slides it onto my finger.

I’m speechless as I watch him carefully put the ring on my finger. It’s like a scene from a movie or a fairy-tale romance, how quickly I fell in love with this amazing man. Love at first sight happened to me once, several years ago, and then my dreams were taken away from me. I didn’t dare dream that I could have this again, especially with someone else.

“Say something. Yes, Tom, I would love to marry you. No, Tom, go to hell and shove this ring up your—”

I smile and cover his lips with my fingers. “Will you shut up and kiss me already? Of course, I will marry you.” I remove my fingers from his lips and replace them with my lips and we make out in his car in front of our new home.