Page 80 of Mended Hearts

“Yes.” He wraps his arms around me, pulling me flush against him. His mouth hovers so close I can feel his breath teasing my lips. “I want to be clingy with you tonight.” He admits, before his lips lightly press against mine. It’s not needy and rushed. The kisses are slow and deliberate as we etch the feeling to our memory. But they've never left. No matter how hard either of us tried, we've never been able to escape the memories of each other.

The last of the field lights shuts off and Dustin pulls away. His eyes are wide with excitement as a big grin covers his bearded face, reminding me I still need to give it a good tug. “I have a surprise for you.” He can barely contain himself as he grabs my hand, pulling me behind him.

Once we are away from the parking lot, the only thing lighting our path is the big full moon above us. It’s like it’s a beacon, beckoning us. I don’t ask where he’s leading me because I’d follow him blindly anywhere. We are almost to outfield when I notice the pallet of blankets on the grass. I throw my hand over my mouth. He didn’t do what I think he did.

“Dustin.” I say in awe.

“You haven’t even seen the best part.” He hunches down in front of me. “Giddy up, pretty lady.”

“I mean, you on the ground in front of me is a nice view.” I jump on his back and hold onto him.

“I’m about to give you a nice view.” He glances back and winks.

I rest my head on his shoulder and take in the closeness of being wrapped around his body. We come to a stop and I take it as my cue to slowly slide down. I stand at his side and intertwine my hand in his. I look up and lean against him. The most beautiful canvas hangs above us with all the stars scattered about.

“Ahem.” He interrupts me.

I finally look out in front of us. I take a few steps and drop to my knees. “This isn’t—I touch the telescope and look it over—this can’t be the same one.”

“I told you you’re present would always come with me in tow.”

I jump to my feet and spin around to face him. I step up to Dustin, wrapping my hands around his biceps as I hold his stare. My eyes start to gloss over from the overwhelming emotion I’m unable to control and I’m incapable of forming words. I begin shaking my head and he grabs my chin, tilting my face up to his. He leans his forehead against mine and we just stand like this momentarily…no words needed.

“I know.” He says before kissing my forehead. “Now go find our constellation.”

I bounce up and down a few times before turning away from him. I stare out into space for what feels like eternity. I could never get tired of God’s majesty that surrounds us.

“It’s gorgeous. Wanna look?” I peel my eye away and look over at Dustin who is sitting on the pallet of blankets, watching me intently.

“I’ve been staring at the night sky the last thirteen years to feel closer to you. Now that you’re here with me there’s nothing more beautiful I’d rather stare at.”

I walk the short distance to where he sits and straddle him. He groans from the pressure and tightly wraps his arms around me. I let my fingers trace the side of his face, pushing back his loose hair.

“I want to kiss every scar.” I lightly press my lips to his temple and trail kisses down to where they disappear beneath his beard.

“That’s a lot of kisses.” He shivers and pulls me in tighter. The motion causes me to gasp. “Echo.” His voice is raspy with need. “I’m not going to be able to control myself with you sitting on me like this.”

“I want you to lose control.” I whisper in his ear.

“Say no more,” He lays us down, rolling on top of me. I look up and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more beautiful view in my life. Dustin’s face looking down at me with such love and adoration with the sky above encasing it.

Chapter Fifty-Five

DUSTIN

June 2015

The plan is for Echo to keep Lynsie in her studio until we cue the music. We convinced her that we need family pictures and should have their pond as the backdrop. It wasn’t a lie. There will be plenty of family pictures taken. We tried coming up with better ways to set this all up without her knowing, but this idea seemed like the safest to execute. We had far too much to keep secret to risk her figuring out anything. Just like getting her parents into town. Family pictures are a logical excuse.

Everyone is quiet. Stealthy, ninja-like quiet as we quickly get the chairs in place. We all get into our positions. I stand near the dock next to Dax, taking my place as his best man. Lynsie’s dad stands near the door of her studio, ready to escort his daughter down the make-shift aisle. The sun begins to kiss the water behind us, giving the most beautiful backdrop.

The music begins and I watch as the door opens. Lynsie smiles big and hugs her dad, unaware of what’s taking place. Echo’s dad meets her halfway and escorts her the rest of the waydown. She stands across from me, and I can’t help but fantasize about our day.

Mr. Price takes his place, and we all watch in anticipation as Lynsie finally begins looking around, taking in her surroundings. The only thing lighting the backyard is the sunset. Dylan plugs in the lights and switches the song. The dangling lights in the trees shimmer around us as Lynsie covers her mouth in shock. She looks at all of us, and then over at the man whose arm she’s holding.

She looks around with awe, catching every little detail. Amazement fills her eyes as she stares at Dax and tears begin to follow. Sweet Lynsie is a crier. My sweet, sensitive sister-in-law covers her mouth as she chokes back a sob.

She regains her composure and gives her soon-to-be husband a devious smile. “You sneaky boy,” she whispers and then looks back and forth between me and Echo and wags her finger.

---