Page 15 of Sara’s Dom (The Doms of Madison County)

“Bye.”

Sara scrambled to the shower and washed herself quickly.She slathered on her favorite lotion and then put on shorts, a nice button-down shirt, and sandals. She was brushing out her hair when she heard his truck in the driveway.

“You be good,” she told the dogs as she petted them before grabbing her purse and walking out the door. She almost ran into him because she hadn’t realized he was that close.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

He took her key from her and locked the door. He handed it back to her and then maneuvered her into his truck.

The smells filled the cabin and made her stomach growl.

He frowned at her. “Did you eat today?”

She thought about it for a second. “I had part of a piece of toast with my coffee this morning.”

“I don’t like you skipping meals,” he told her as he drove out of her driveway. He reached for her hand.

“I’m usually better.”

He glanced at her and then back on the road.

“Where is this place?” she asked.

“You’ll see. It’s not far. I know some back roads that will take us there.”

She nodded and looked out her window. The countryside was really beautiful. The rolling hills were spotted with cattle and horses and a wild array of flowers. The day was hot and sunny, but the wind was cool, making it enjoyable to be outside.

She sat up when he parked near a large tree. Behind the tree was a pond that looked very inviting. Her door opened, and Grant unsnapped her buckle and lifted her out. He kept her there for a moment.

He sighed and released her before taking her hand and leading her to the back. He lifted a thick blanket and a picnic basket and then led her to a flat spot under the tree, a few feet from the water.

He lay the blanket down, knelt, and set the basket on onecorner before lifting his hand to her. “Come here, Sweetheart.”

Sara took his hand and sat with her legs tucked under her and to the side. “It smells delicious,” she said.

“The cook at the main house made it up for us.”

“That was nice of her.”

He pulled out a bottle of wine, small ham sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and crackers. Her mouth started to water when he pulled out a plate covered in plastic wrap and set it on the blanket. She could see the yummy-looking brownies and couldn’t wait to bite into one.

He caught her look and chuckled. “I want you to eat something before dessert.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You’re no fun.”

His eyebrows lifted. “Oh, I’ll show you how much fun I am, but later.”

Sara couldn’t prevent the shiver that raced down her spine. She knew he had caught it, but thankfully didn’t say anything.

He set a sandwich and fruit on her plate and handed it to her before pouring the wine.

She sipped it and hummed. “This is very good.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes. When she was about full, she set her plate aside.

“That was very good. Thank you,” she said.

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