Page 147 of Lee

Lee sighed. “I haven’t. It’s hard to know what to do. I don’t like keeping such a big secret, but the more people that know, the bigger the chance that word of my survival would get out.”

“You don’t trust them to keep your secret?”

“Some of them I do, without question,” Lee said. “Like Gareth. But I still have some siblings who are young that might not be as discreet as they should be.”

“I suppose it’s unique enough that they’d want to talk about it with their friends.”

“Exactly. So I have no issue with the siblings here knowing, but the ones living away from Serenity… I don’t know.”

“They’ve gone this long without knowing,” Rori said as she watched the scenery change with their departure from Serenity. “Though I’m sure Charli, Jay, Janessa, and Kayleigh would like to support you.”

“Yeah. I’m still coming to terms with all of that, including the fact that my parents knew.”

He’d called her after he’d met with his mom and dad and shared what they’d told him. Rori had gotten the feeling that learning that his grandmothers had had a hand in hiding the fact that he was still alive had made Lee feel a little less disconnected from his biological family.

They had loved him enough to want to hide him away, giving up their chance to have a relationship with him so that he could live a normal life. He may have had the worst sort of parents imaginable, but now he knew he’d also had some very loving family as well.

When they reached the place where they’d been on their first date, Lee parked in the small clearing. They gathered up their bags and set off down the path. After they reached the clearing, they walked to one of the picnic tables, since they didn’t have a blanket with them.

Together they worked to set out all the food, then Lee chuckled when he realized they hadn’t brought paper plates.

“I’ve got paper towels in the car,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

He jogged down the path, disappearing around a bend in the path. Rori sat down on the bench, taking a minute to just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The only sound was from the rustling leaves and the birds chirping.

There was none of the noise she’d gotten used to in Denver. Even at the park nearest where she’d lived, there was always some sort of noise, usually the rumble of car engines or motorcycles.

It was rare that there was a complete absence of man-made noise, and Rori found she really loved it. Especially when she was sharing the experience with the man she loved.

When Lee reappeared, Rori watched him walk toward her, his long stride eating up the distance between them. He hadn’t changed, choosing to stay in the dark blue jeans and polo shirt he’d worn for church. Thankfully, since they were sitting in the shade, he shouldn’t be too hot. That, combined with the breeze, should mean he’d be comfortable.

“Picnic dining at its finest,” he said with a slight smile as he placed a roll of paper towels on the table.

“I think the food will taste just as good,” Rori reassured him. “I’m not worried about it.”

Lee swung his leg over the bench and settled across from her. “I’m glad. I feel like I’m forgetting a lot of things these days.”

“You have a lot on your mind,” Rori said. “I’m not sure what my excuse is.”

Reaching across the table, he laid both his hands palms up. Rori smiled as she placed hers in his.

She expected him to pray right away, but instead, he said, “Thank you. Thank you for sticking by me as I’ve dealt with all of this.”

“It wouldn’t be much of a relationship if I bailed at the first sign of trouble. I’d like to think you’d stick it out with me, too. Had the roles been reversed.”

Lee nodded. “One of the things I told myself when we started to date was that I’d be there for you in a way no one else ever had been.”

“So let me be there for you. This is a two-way street. I know you were trying to protect me, but I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time,” Rori told him. “I know when it’s okay for me to take a risk and when it’s necessary to protect myself. Just like how I know when it’s necessary to stand up for myself and when to let others get their jabs in and walk away.”

Lee smiled at her as his fingers tightened, and for the first time in two weeks, Rori saw his features truly relax. He looked like the old Lee.

“When I first got to know you, I thought you needed help and protection, but you’ve proven me wrong on both counts. You’re strong and able to stand on your own. I’m blessed that you’ve chosen to use your strength for me. For us.”

“There was no way I couldn’t,” Rori told him as she clung to his hands. “I love you too much not to fight for you.”

“God knew that you were the woman I needed in my life. I can’t imagine living out this new life I’ve discovered I have with anyone else but you. It’s you and me,” Lee said, his love for her glowing in his eyes. “Forever. If that’s what you want.”

Rori’s breath caught in her chest as the meaning of his words sank into her. Forever? No one had ever wanted her forever. They hadn’t even wanted her for the moment.

---