Page 93 of A Moment In Time

“You’d do that?”

“Of course.”

“Yes, please.”

He reached for a paperback book sitting on the table. “I’ve read a few chapters of this. But I’ll start at the beginning. It’s an old western. I hope you don’t find it too boring.”

“I know you have a thing for the old west.” She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself and put the end of it over Gage’s lap. “But how accurate are these old novels?”

“Depends on the author.”

“I suppose it does.” She snuggled in closer. “I’m ready.”

Gage read for two hours until the storm passed them by. It was still raining, but the thunder and lightning had stopped. They could hear an occasional clap of thunder in the distance. But it no longer seemed to bother Sydney.

“I think the worst is past us. Do you think you can sleep now?”

She sighed. “Yes. Thank you. What time is it?”

Gage checked his watch. “Two.”

“Goodness. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s a good book.”

“I’m very curious about Rusty’s family secret.”

“We’ll read some more tomorrow.” He set the book on the table, then looked at her. “Get some sleep.” She nodded, then he kissed her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thank you for sitting up with me.”

“Had we been locked in an outhouse, or stranded on top of a tall building, I’m sure you would’ve done the same for me.”

When Gage woke up, the storm had passed, and the sun was shining through his bedroom window. He checked the time on his watch. It was almost ten. He never slept that late. The flashing numbers on his alarm clock told him the power had been restored.

He sniffed the air.Coffee. And…pancakes.He could get used to having Sydney around.

When he returned to his bed a few hours ago, he hadn’t bothered taking off his pants. So he was basically dressed forthe day. He put on a flannel shirt and combed his hair. Then he brushed his teeth and considered cleaning up his facial hair. He decided against the latter. He’d do that tomorrow before going into the office.

He left his room and found Sydney flipping pancakes. “I was hoping the smell of coffee would bring you out.”

Gage went to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. “Pancakes, huh?”

“I’m sorry, there’s not anything to go with them.”

“I don’t need anything else.” He sat at the table and she put a plate with three pancakes in front of him. He poured some syrup over them and took a bite. “Sydney, you are too good to me.”

She shrugged. “I cooked a few meals. No big deal.”

“It’s a big deal to me.”

She sat across from him. “How are you feeling today?”

“Pretty good. I think I’m almost back.” He took another bite of pancakes. “Which means you can go home today.”

“I’ll stay the day and go after dinner.”

Gage smiled. “I like that plan.”

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