A Long Road to Redemption

Chapter 5

Sidney arrived at 7 o'clock that evening. She looked stunning in the little sundress she was wearing. Lawson kissed her as she walked through the door, which made her blush. "So easily embarrassed even after months of being together," he teased her.

"I can't help it; I blush easily."

"I think it's cute. Come in."

The couple walked into the dining area of the spacious townhouse, which Sidney knew cost more to rent a month than she made in three months. He asked her about her day and pulled her chair out for her to sit down at the table. Once she was seated, he served a meal he prepared. "Ok, so I didn't really cook this. I planned on cooking a lasagna, but in typical Lawson fashion, I burned the hell out of it, so this is from The Italian Café."

Sidney laughed at him, "Well, it's the thought that counts, right? I'm sure it's fine." She had to admit that the food was delicious. During the dinner, they chatted away about this and that. It was easy for Sidney to open up to Lawson. She felt at ease telling him her life story. Likewise, he shared several interesting stories about his time growing up in the Pierson household and travels across the country.

"Speaking of travels, Father is sending me to Dallas tomorrow."

"Really, for what?"

"Nothing really, just a scheduling and supply problem. I should be back by Thursday or Friday."

"Will I get to see you this weekend?" she asked him.

"Yeah, more than likely. Just a small problem, nothing to worry about."

After dinner, they walked in the park near the townhouse. The park had a small scenic outlook where parkgoers could view the lights of the town at night. They found a spot on a bench and soon found themselves in each other's arms. She could feel her heart racing again, and she felt compelled to ask him a question. "Lawson, is this going anywhere?"

He seemed shocked by the question. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, after the other night, I just. I'd never, you know, done that before. Before I give my heart to someone, I want to know that there's a chance that. That they feel.."

"I love you, Sidney."

His words froze her in place. No one besides her parents and best friend ever told her that. She stared at him wide-eyed, almost gasping for breath. Her knees grew weak to the point she didn't think she could stand.

"Well, please tell me I didn't just make a fool of myself with the too-early I love you. I mean, if.."

She pulled him to her lips and kissed him passionately. Slowly, Sidney moved her lips to his ear and whispered, "I love you too." Her whole body was trembling. If this was a movie, she hoped it never ended. No, it wasn't love at first sight, but she felt it after several months. Maybe she had known all along, but she knew now that he felt the same.

They returned to his townhome and could hardly keep their hands off one another. In the back of Sidney's mind, warning bells told her this wasn't how she was raised and not what she was taught in church. Yet everything Lawson did felt so right. They made it to his bedroom in the heat of passion. As she moved onto the bed, she noticed Lawson pick up a small remote control. He pushed a button, and the lights in the room dimmed. She thought nothing more of it as he took her into his arms. Never seeing the small eyes secretly planted all around them.