The Existence of Reconcilable Differences

Chapter Sixteen

Gunner wasn't done giving her wonderful weekend surprises. He wanted to keep her happy in some way. Two weeks went by and after their long and drawn-out week, Gunner eyed her from the ajar door.

"You aren't busy this weekend.... are you?"

Dani spun around with surprise coating her body.

"No... why?"

As his footsteps grew closer, a grin birthed on her lips.

"I figured we go up to a cabin. A nice little getaway again."

Her big browns grew bigger. "Really?!"

His arms wrapped around her body like a garden snake to a twig.

With wet lips, he replied, "Yes. I figure that we get away for a little while. Just the two of us. I've been busy and so have you. We need alone time."

The warmth from his broad body made her melt – as always.

"You've been spoiling me. I'll get packing!"

Their embrace added an aroma to their plans. With glossy lips perking out, Gunner and Dani fell into each other, creating a sense of bliss. Their tongues curled around one another, carelessly exchanging saliva.

It was a struggle to pull from one another but when they did, Dani managed to utter the words into his mouth, "Thank you."

"Did you two remember your chargers?!" Mary shouted, worriedly; Gunner and Dani scattered to grab their bags.

"Yeah Mom, we remembered!" Dani called from the front door as she clung to her luggage. Gunner appeared from the living room with a toothy smile and a duffle bag that seemed weightless.

"Give me a hug!" Mary skipped toward them and brought both of her loving children into a huddle. Gunner looked suffocated with his head up and Dani embraced Mary.

"Okay Mom, we gotta go." Gunner broke away and started out the door and Dani was right behind him.

They peeled off into the narrow street and adventure rustled up Dani's legs. He made time for her – for them.

Two hours in, they reached a gas station that resembled South of The Border. When Dani would travel down south for the summer with her grandparents, she'd beg for them to stop at South of The Border so she could explore the dusty and enlarged area. It reminded her of the movie From Dusk Till Dawn. Her parents said she wasn't allowed to watch the film but Gunner managed to sneak her a copy.

"Let's fill up on snacks." He winked and hopped out of the car. The gas station was shared with a small Botanica which was located in the far back. Gunner scanned the shelves covered in chips & bagged pastries and Dani found herself being drawn to the Botanica.

"Hello." Said a delicate voice. Dani looked closer to see a small elderly woman sitting on a stool behind the counter.

"Hello." She replied and continued scanning the area. An enlarged photo of the Orisha, Elegua, hung on the wall behind the cash register. Candles and the intense smell of Frankincense crawled up her nose.

But what caught her attention was the wall of dreamcatchers and next to it was a collection of rings.

The tide of desire washed over Dani's body. With twinkling eyes resembling the constellations, Dani fell in love with a ring that looked like it would fit perfectly on her finger. The prong sheltered two diamonds fused with a ravishing setting of silver tightly surrounding the diamonds that were perfectly inseparable like a 65-year-old couple. It mounted on an opulent shank – a shank smooth like newly made butter ready to be slipped on by the chosen one.

$440.00, said the price tag that gracefully sat next to it.

A tingly sensation hit Dani's fingers but she knew it would take a much bigger hit to her wallet. Yet, she continued longing for the ring that probably will never be hers'. Gunner threw his attention at Dani who looked in a trance as he walked toward her, wondering what was so damn captivating.

"Someone's in love." Gunner playfully pinched her side.

"Very much... remember the dreamcatcher?" Her breathless words sailed into his ears and he nodded.