Page 16 of A Second Roar for Love

Daisy, her face now as pink as her hair, buried her head in a pillow. “I take it back! I don’t want to know my future anymore.”

The sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange, as Ellie stepped onto the porch of Reed’s cabin. She smoothed her sundress, a fluttery nervousness in her stomach. It had been so long since they’d had a proper date, just the two of them. So long since she’d been out with someone she cared about.

The door swung open, revealing Reed, his usually stern features softened by a smile. “Ellie, you look... stunning.”

Ellie felt a blush spread on her cheeks. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself, Sheriff.”

Reed chuckled, stepping aside to let her in. As Ellie crossed the threshold, she gasped, her hand flying to her heart.

The cabin was transformed. Soft, twinkling lights were strung across the rafters, casting a cozy glow over the room. The table was set for two, a vase of sunflowers - her favorite - serving as a centerpiece. The air was fragrant with the aroma of her favorite dish, lasagna. It smelled just like the one her grandmother used to make.

“Reed,” she breathed, turning to him with wide, wonder-filled eyes. “You did all this? For me?”

Reed ducked his head, a rare display of shyness. “I wanted tonight to be special. To show you how much you mean to me.”

He led her to the table, pulling out her chair. As Ellie sat, she noticed the place settings - the plates were the same pattern as the ones she’d always admired in the antique shop window. The napkins were folded into perfect origami lotuses, just like the ones she used to make as a teen.

“Reed, these details... how did you remember all of this?”

Reed sat across from her, reaching over to take her hand. His thumb brushed over her knuckles, sending a shiver down her spine.

“Ellie, I remember everything about you. The way your eyes light up when you see sunflowers. The way you always linger in front of that antique shop, admiring the plates. The way you fold napkins into lotuses when you’re nervous.”

He smiled, his amber eyes soft and warm. “I remember everything that has to do with you. You mean a lot to me.”

Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. She squeezed his hand, pouring all her emotion into the simple touch.

She gulped back at the knot in her throat. “You mean a lot to me too.”

The dinner was perfect, the conversation flowing as easily as the wine. They laughed over shared memories, marveled at the twists and turns that had brought them back together.

As the last of the sunlight faded, Reed stood, extending his hand to Ellie. “Dance with me?”

Ellie raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “There’s no music.”

Reed grinned, a twinkle in his eye. Seconds later soft strains of melody filled the air. Ellie gasped, recognizing the tune - it was the song they’d danced to at prom all those years ago.

“You’re just full of surprises tonight, aren’t you?” she murmured, stepping into his arms.

They swayed together, bodies fitting as perfectly as they always had. Ellie rested her head on Reed’s chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat.

“I could stay like this forever,” she whispered, her eyes fluttering closed.

Reed pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. “Stay with me.”

Ellie knew the words were hard for Reed. He wasn’t a man who got deep into his feelings. Even as a teen, he’d had trouble expressing his love for her, but she felt it.

NINE

Ellie walked into her house and watched Reed close her door. She continued to her bedroom with him following behind, his hand in hers. Once there, he lit a fire and she gave him a small grin.

“That’s a devious look.”

Ellie smiled wider and leaned in to kiss him. She brushed her lips over his jaw, running her tongue over his lips.

“Ellie, I’ve waited a long time for you.” He gave her a look that fired her to the core. “I didn’t think I’d ever have you again. I’ve tried to wait, to give you time.”

She shook her head. “I don’t need time, Reed.”

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