An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Fun In Redding

STEF POV

"Babe, I just wonder where you put it all! I'm gonna start calling you Corey from now on!" I joke biting into my burrito as Lena playfully slaps my arm.

After that rather deep conversation we had not too long ago we both really just needed to laugh and have fun. Hell, I am happy we are communicating, even about the very difficult things which we never did, and that it was going okay even if I knew it was going to get harder the more we dug.

At this point I didn't really know what was going to happen in regards to Lena and I getting back together, but right now we were taking it one day at a time.

"Stooopp it! I told you I was hungry, and I swear it's that brownie still! NEVER again, STEF!!"

"Ha! I've heard that one before!" I tease as she giggles at me, and I can't help but wink at her cute face and beautiful smile.

"But this is really good! Like everything I've eaten from here is good! Those mini sausage and pepper bites, the perogies, like to die for. I wish we had something like this back home."

"I told ya sweets, and I'm sure we do. Maybe I can find one for us, and we can go?" I smile again as I look at her beautiful face, loving this time with her and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world as we continue our way through the food truck festival seeing we aren't even halfway through yet as she turns to look at me.

"I'd like that, Stef."

"Me too babe."

"But, how did you know?? How did you know this food would be good?" She takes a small bite of taco as I laugh.

"I told ya, babe. I looked stuff up. Made calls, asked the travel agent, dug around. I do know how to investigate, ya know." I wink at her as she giggles. "Even if I didn't do it when we were married." I sigh as she gently tugs my hand and I glance over at her.

"No, babe we just didn't take time, and there never seemed to be much of it. Or that's an excuse. I didn't take time to take out you out either."

"You know, I don't place blame, sweets. We got caught in responsibilities, the kids, I worked too damn much, and we just forgot to check in with each other and do fun things. Life just became serious all the time, and I think when you get on that hamster wheel and forget to have fun with your spouse, it doesn't do anything for your marriage. You know you forget what the other person likes to do, or you forget to do the little things that make each other happy. You forget, and then you stop talking, or you get cantankerous like I did, and no on wants to be around you."

"You weren't cantankerous." She says stopping me as I softly smile at her. "You wanted the best for all of us and put yourself on the back burner. Even your sobriety. I could have done things for you too, Stef."

"You tried I think, and I bit your head off for it. I was protecting you from myself maybe, and you know the depression you went through I've been reading a lot about it. My lack of support, my own issues, it didn't help you. I understand now more than ever, especially since I'm clear minded." I laugh as she leans in cupping my cheek.

"You did the best you could at the time. I think we both did, and I love you simply for that." She smiles kissing my lips soflty. "And I want you to know right now I am having the best time with you. I love being here with you in Redding. Today, despite that heifer back at the house who I want to knock out, I am having fun with you. Are you?" She grabs my hand now as we continue to walk and I squeeze it back

"Very much so love, and no knocking anyone out. That's my job. You sure you don't want me to have a chat with her? Cuz I have no issue..."

"NOOOOO. I took care of it." She says as I laugh and take another bite of my burrito as we lean on the railing that overlooks a small lake.