Ocean Eyes

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"He looked at her the way
she needed to be looked at,
like the whole world could
crumble and he wouldn't blink."
-Unknown

"Ry- Ryder... help me... I c-can't get up, oh my god I think I'm dying-"

"Violet Charlotte Kane, you get your butt off of the floor right now!" Sue chided, shaking her head at the young girl. Violet was splayed out across the scuff marked hardwood floor of the living room, a pained look on her face. Her hair was framing her grimace and her white dress fanned out around her curled figure.

"Auntie Sue!!! I am dying!!"

"Violet, you just ate one to many baked potatoes." Ryder snorted from her spot on the sofa. She was tucked in next to Sue, her head resting in her aunts shoulder and her eyes half closed. "That's what happens on Thanksgiving."

The cream colored room was lit up by light and laughter. The large windows opened out onto the backyard, where a group of boys were playing tag. There was a homey feel to the house, a larger one story cottage that belonged to the Clearwaters. The kitchen was large, the room having been remodeled a year ago and covered in marble and cast iron. It had been Harry's company's last construction endeavor before he retired, and an anniversary present to Sue.

Harry sat in the kitchen, talking casually with a group. Caroline stood next to him, her hand resting on Billy's shoulder as the three laughed at something Paul had said. He had arrived before the early dinner, a bouquet of flowers in his hand for Sue. His father was out of town and Ryder wouldn't have wanted him to spend the holiday alone or with Joe anyway, so she had invited him over. The look of pure happiness on his face had to been worth the death glares she'd gotten from Leah.

Paul caught her eyes across the room and gave her a smile. She'd been spending time with him for months now, but the twinkle in his chocolate eyes still made her heart jump. Ryder smiled softly back, watching as Paul returned a nudge to Billy and laughed along with Harry. He fit in well with her family and that scared her.

"Honey, I approve."

"What?" Ryder looked away from Paul quickly, realizing she'd spent at least four minutes staring dreamily at him. Violet had long since fallen asleep on the floor and Sue had put away her knitting. Her aunt was now looking at her with a teasing grin.

"That boy, Paul. He's good for you."

"I know." Ryder couldn't help the thrill of giddiness that ran through her. Paul was good for her. She didn't think she'd ever smiled more than she did in his presence. She didn't think any one person had ever made her heart beat so fast.

The new found physicality in their relationship had scared her at first. She hadn't been intimate with a man since the incident, and most touches from men sent shivers down her spine. But Paul felt right. His touch was warm and soft and he never pushed her too far. When she had finally kissed him, she'd thrown away all inhibitions. Paul was not Carter or his friends. Paul was Paul and she wanted every part of him.

"I'm happy for you, hon." Sue smiled at her, the crows feet crinkling around her eyes. She reached out a weathered hand, squeezing Ryder's thigh. "You've never seemed happier."

"I've never been happier."

Paul knew he should be focusing on Billy's fishing story, but Ryder's words had overtook his mind. Her declaration to her aunt fuzzed his brain and he could help the huge smile that overtook his lips. He made her happy. He made his imprints life better.