***Lindsey's POV***
Stevie and I sat on the balcony chatting about this and that- still attempting to find some middle ground on many issues. She seemed reserved at first but opened up a bit as the night continued and her bottle of Cabernet emptied.
I'd primarily asked her more about Lane- I'd come up with so many more questions after getting to know him. She was gushing and I didn't blame her one bit- I felt the same pride over him. She told me about her pregnancy, about his birth and those first days as a mother. She told me about his first steps and first words, birthday parties and Christmas mornings. I didn't want to miss another minute.
"I have his baby book on the boat," she told me. "You can look at it if you'd like. Photos and such. Some memories jotted down."
"I'd very much like that. You've done an amazing job with him, Stevie. Really. He's an angel. And so smart."
She blushed a bit.
"I want to introduce him to my family," I continued. "My mother- she will be over the moon about him."
She shifted somewhat uncomfortably in her chair, saying nothing.
"What is it?"
"It's nothing," she shook her head. "It's just, you know, he's all I have."
"Stevie, look at me. If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times- I don't want to take him from you. I want to do this together,"
I reached out and gently touched her hand, catching her somewhat off guard.
"Thanks, Linds," she looked up, smiling gently. "I'd really like that too."
She shivered a bit in the chilly night air.
"Do you want to go inside," I offered.
"No," she told me, not breaking eye contact.
"So come to me darlin' and hold me. Let your honey keep you warm." It may not have been the romantic gesture of the century but I was taking things slow- testing the waters.
I have to say I was relieved when she moved over towards me, taking a seat on my overstuffed patio chair and throwing her legs over mine. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, burying my face in her hair and inhaling deeply. I gave her a little bit of a tight squeeze. "It's been so long since I've held you," I told her softly.
She didn't say anything in response, resting her head on my shoulder and staring out into the still of the night. I'm not sure how long we sat there but for those moments I was completely at peace with the world.
We talked a bit about old times, about Lane and how glad she was to see Richard. I caught her up on my family and I could hear her yawning as she asked me more questions, her head now resting on my chest. She eventually dozed off contently and I watched her sleep for just a moment, glad to have her so close to me. She was so peaceful and so beautiful. It made me realize I'd lost myself a bit over the past few years. Its almost as if I'd forgotten what love is for. But having her here next to me grounded me once again.
She was sleeping lightly and I knew she had to be getting cold, so much to my dismay I gently woke her.
"Let's get inside," I told her softly.
She nodded her head, groggily, and got up, straightening her dress and running her fingers through her hair. She picked up he's empty wine glass and my coffee mug, opening the slider and sitting the dishes in the sink as I followed behind her on my crutches. She flipped out the lights and I followed her down the hallway. She paused in the doorway to her room, glancing at her feet and swaying a bit.
I think she wanted me to kiss her. And oh I wanted to kiss her. But I knew better. She'd had a bottle of wine and though I didn't exactly have the reputation of being a gentleman lately I sure as hell was going to act like one with her.
However, I continued to stand there. I really should be saying goodnight, I thought to myself. I really shouldn't stay anymore.
I tried and tried to convince myself to go back to my room, but I didn't budge. I should run on the double. But I didn't. And eventually she noticed it too.
She took a step towards me and stood on her tip toes, kissing my cheek before I even knew what was happening. Her hand grazed the side of my face as she gave me a soft pat on my stubble.
"Goodnight, Linds," she smiled, gently closing the door and leaving me stunned.
I think I'm in trouble...
