Chapter Sixteen
Reese and Mathias lay on an old quilt he'd spread on the dock, naked and satisfied from what she thought was one of the best sexual experiences of her life. Twilight was upon them, and the air was starting to cool.
As they lay there, they talked about what had happened since they returned home. Reese was telling him about Naomie having dinner with the Walker family. "She said her ovaries started singing God Bless America when she met the Walker family at dinner last night," Reese said and chuckled. "But she promised to keep her libido locked up and out of trouble."
"Is that a problem for her?"
Reese rolled her eyes. "Naomie is not a chaste woman. She's passionate about everything and has a very healthy sexual appetite."
"That's right, you and she were lovers once upon a time."
"Yes."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Was it good? The sex?"
"It was. For what it was. I mean, it wasn't like making love with a man. Different equipment and all that. But she's very good with her hands and mouth."
"Would it make you mad or grossed out if I said that's kind of a turn on?"
"No, not at all."
"You really are one of a kind." His phone rang, and he reached out and checked the caller ID. "Deacon."
"Answer it."
"Deacon? Really? Yeah, amazing. Okay, great. Yep. Bye." He put the phone down. "Apparently the baby actually grabbed Deacon's finger on purpose, demonstrating progress of some sort."
"They're so proud of him. What did they decide to call him? Last I heard they were waffling between Michael and Wayne."
"Michael. Anyway, they wanted us to ride over for a little while."
"This evening?"
"If you're up for it."
"Of course, it's your nephew. I know you love seeing him."
"I do."
"Then we should get ready and go."
"We will. First, I want to ask. When do you want to have the wedding and where?"
"I was thinking around Christmas, and Mercy suggested we do it here. If that's okay?"
"It is very much okay. What do you want me to do?"
"Just love me. Come home to me at the end of the day, run naked through the woods with me or go skinny dipping, and make love under the stars. Be my friend, my confidant and my lover and let me be yours."
"That sounds perfect."
"To me too. Want to share a beer to celebrate before we get ready to go?"
"Absolutely."
"Okay, I'll be right back." He gave her a kiss, then got up and headed for the house. She watched him, and when he stepped off the dock, onto the grass, he looked back over his shoulder.
"Caught ya."
Reese laughed. "No shame."
Mathias smiled and continue on toward the house. Reese watched him, thinking how full of surprise life could be. Here she was, a woman who'd grown up convinced that dreams were just wishes that could never come true and that love was a fairy tale meant only for stories.
And look at her now. A woman who counted every day as a blessing, because astonishingly, dreams can come true.
Even those you were afraid to wish for.