Page 132 of Truck Off

He’s been quiet and secluded since his return. All his belongings arrived a couple of days after him. Rather than storing it in one of our many garages, he opted to put it all in a storage unit. It was a lot of stuff. Enough to fill an entire house.

We never visited Warren in North Carolina, and I regret that decision. He always came to us. On the few times we suggested a visit, he always gave us an excuse to why it wasn’t a good time. We should have ignored him and came anyway.

We don’t know anything about his life while he was gone. Anytime we ask him questions, he immediately shoots us down and leaves the room.

I thought Garret was a grumpy recluse. He’s got nothing on Warren. He didn’t used to be like that. Growing up Warren was always smiling and joking around like me. He’s a different man today, and I hope one day he’ll open up to us about why.

“Oh my God. It’s a lake!” Lina calls out from behind me. The trail opens up to a grassy meadow overgrown with wildflowers. Just beyond that is one of the most beautiful lakes in this county.

“Not just any lake babe.” I smile over my shoulder at her.

She glances around, and then her eyes go wide as recognition hits. “It’s Pee Pee Lake. My home is over there.”

She points across the lake to where her trailer sits on the opposite shore. The lake isn’t huge, maybe about ten acres, but it’s pristine and there’s not much development along the shores.

“Are we still on your property?” she asks.

I nod. “We own about four aces along this side. I’m the only one who comes out here and even then, it’s not often.”

“I had no idea your land extended this far.”

“Not many do,” I say as I stop next to a shade tree and hop off Amber. I tie her up before I head over to help Lina. “This stretch wasn’t a part of the original homestead that my ancestors won off the Kochs. Grandpops bought this as a wedding present for Grams. We used to come out here to fish and play in the water as kids, but after he passed, we stopped. The memories were too hard on Grams. But I’m still drawn to it.”

“I can see why. It’s gorgeous. The view is better than mine, and mine is pretty damn good.”

“I’m glad you like it.” I grab the blanket I packed from the saddle bag and place it on the ground under a neighboring tree. Then I retrieve the lunch I packed.

“What’s all this?” Lina asks.

“Lunch.” I sit and then pat the blanket next to me. “Join me.”

She drops down beside me and leans into my side, resting her head on my shoulder. “It’s so pretty out here. I love the wildflowers. Kinda makes me wish I’d brought my painting supplies.”

“I’ll bring you back whenever you want.” I kiss the top of her head before I unpack our lunch. I hand her a turkey and swiss sandwich just the way she likes it, and then set out a platter of fresh fruit. I made myself a roast beef sandwich with cheddar and horseradish and brought us each a root beer. Something I recently learned is her favorite drink.

We eat our sandwiches in silence, enjoying the peaceful serenity the lake provides. Summer is coming to an end, but I can still hear kids playing in the distance. Giggles and shrills fill the air every few minutes.

I close my eyes and let my mind imagine a future with Lina right here on this lake. We’re laughing and splashing in the water with our own kids. Maybe a couple girls with her deep blue eyes and long dark hair. Or a little boy with my troublemaker grin and jovial personality.

It would be one hell of a life, and one I desperately want.

I glance over at Lina. She has her head tipped back, her eyes closed, and a smile on her beautiful face. A breeze blows over us, brushing her hair over her shoulders. I wonder if she’s imagining a similar future.

“Lina.” I reach for her hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

“Hmm?” She opens one eye and peers at me from the side.

I take a deep breath and look back out over the lake. I don’t know why I’m so nervous right now. She loves me—this I believe with all my heart. But that doesn’t mean she sees a future with me. A life beyond the here and now.

“I want to build a home in this spot,” I say quickly. “I want my bedroom to face the lake, with a wall of glass so I can watch the sunset behind those hills. I want to build an outside kitchen on a large deck so I can grill my family dinner and enjoy the warm summer evenings while drinking a cold beer. I want to be surrounded by laughter like what we can hear in the distance. I want the dream.”

When I dare a glance at Lina, she’s staring at me with wetness in her eyes. “I can see that future for you. You deserve that life, and I hope you get it.”

I nod and swallow back the nerves threatening to stop me from asking what I really came here to ask. “I know it’s early in our relationship, and we’re still working through growing pains, but I need to know if you can see yourself here with me. One day.”

“I can,” she says without hesitation. My heart soars.

“Really?”

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