Page 59 of Courageous Yearnings

Pulling up to the driveway, he misjudged the curb, jarring them both in the cab of the truck as the large tire went right over it without any hesitation. Her hand flew up to grab the ‘chicken bar,’ and the other caught her purse right before it went flying.

“Sorry!” he blurted out, not bothering to hide what just happened. He literally ran up over the curb, across part of the grass, like he was working on getting his learner’s permit. If anyone from the station saw him do that, he’d never drive Big Red again.

Sheesh…

“Sorry, Boop. I guess I’m a little nervous and excited at the same time,” he admitted, smiling sheepishly at her. “You really are incredible, you know that? And I’m sorry about the rings. I was just in such a hurry and…”

“Lance, it’s fine.”

“Why don’t we go pick you out a pretty ring tomorrow?”

“How about on our anniversary or maybe on our five-year anniversary? I mean, with the fire, the house, the furniture…”

“Oh yeah… sheesh, I forgot about that.”

“Yeah,” Blythe chuckled. “I think my ‘diamond’ is the bedroom suite that glitters and shines beautifully.”

“Can you tell where my mind is?”

“Do I sound like I mind?”

His eyes met hers, and he swallowed as a smile spread across his face. She was about the most perfect being in the world, and he couldn’t have chosen someone better to spend his days and nights with. He could see the desire in her eyes and loved the fact that she wasn’t tepid or shy like some girls he’d dated in the past. Do you know how much of a downer it was to have someone cowering from you when things started to get intense?

Not Blythe.

Never Blythe.

She was just as open, forward, mentally strong, and confident as him – and he loved that about her. If she wanted something, she went for it, and heaven help him – she wanted him.

“Don’t you move,” he ordered, chuckling happily and ignoring his trembling hands. He really didn’t want to mess this up between them or ruin things by being in such a hurry with her. He’d wanted her like some dog in heat since the moment he really ‘saw’ her – and that hadn’t changed over time.

And he literally howled with joy as he yanked open the truck door, scooping her up into his arms. Her laughter washed over him, and there was no better feeling in the world than being accepted and loved for who he was.

“You and me,” he chuckled, leaning forward to kiss her as he carried her across the yard. “We’re not leaving the house for three days, wife…”

“I bought bottled water, champagne, and a twelve-pack of Dr. Pepper…” Each word she said was briefly dotted with kisses and laughter as he nearly tripped over his own two feet.

“Wow, I’m trembling.”

“How about I get the lock on the door?” she said huskily, and he groaned, holding her there in his arms, standing on the front stoop of the house, in complete awareness of what was about to happen on the other side of that doorway… and he couldn’t wait.

“Blythe…”

“Yeah?”

“I have another confession to make,” he began and saw her frown.

“If this is another ‘you weren’t going to marry me’ comment – I’m gonna be hostile, just a heads-up…” she warned, and he laughed, not bothering to hide it.

“Nawww, my sweet little Boop. I was definitely marrying you today and couldn’t wait to get to the courthouse. I wanted to apologize ‘cause I’m really excited and nervous…”

“Okay? Me too – what’s wrong with that?”

“Well, remember when I said, ‘three minutes was a vicious lie’?” he said sheepishly as her mouth dropped open. “It’s a lie – I promise… but it might be quick the first time, and I don’t want you to think I’m lousy in bed. I’m kind of freaking out a little bit because I’m really excited, and that hot little number you bought is probably gonna throw me over the edge.”

To his disbelief and relief, she opened the front door, smiling at him without saying a word. He stood there holding her, waiting and expecting some sort of disappointment on her face, in her eyes, or some comment.

Instead, she just looked at him and arched an eyebrow.

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