Page 86 of Building What's Meant to Be

I wave my hand this time. “It’s fine. I appreciate you looking out for me.”

She gazes through the window at Tinsley rocking the baby in her arms and the dog lying down at her feet.

A long sigh seeps out of me.

“I can see it too. Just maybe not in this trailer. You drive a Maybach, surely you can do better than this?”

I laugh. “Don’t get nosy and wander over to the house. I want to do a big reveal.”

“I cannot fathom what you’ve got going up there only that I saw a truck with a rock climbing wall drive down Main Street the other day.”

My lip crooks with a smile as we walk outside. I pat my firm stomach. “Have to stay in shape.” I give the baby’s foot a gentle tug. “And I’ll teach this little man to climb too.”

We say goodbye to Mae and sit down for dinner. The dog has seconds.

After we clean up, Tinsley says, “Do you think he was what I heard scratching outside?”

“Could’ve been and if not, he’ll scare off whatever was out here.”

“So you think I can keep him?”

“The real question is can I trust him alone with you?”

Tinsley grins. “Can I trust you alone with me?”

I loop my hand around her waist and pull her close. “I have to say when I saw this guy eyeing you...I got a little protective.”

“I’ll say. More like jealous.”

“Ha ha,” I say dryly.

The dog shifts closer to Tinsley as if not wanting to let her out of his sight. It’ll help me sleep better knowing he’s down here with her. With the pending case, I can’t be too careful. I wasn’t joking about pitching a tent outside Toby.

“Forget man’s best friend. He’s a woman’s best friend.” She roughs up his neck and then boops his nose.

“Does that mean he and I are friends? If so, I’m glad he let go of his first impression.” Mae did.

“I think he’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. What should I name him? Something strong. Powerful.”

“How about Aiden Junior?”

She chuckles. “Hmm. I’m thinking Brave. What do you think, boy? Do you like the name Brave?” She gives him a rub and then nuzzles him. “Oh, you need a bath.”

We both laugh. While I clean up, Tinsley goes into the trailer to get some soap and then starts to bathe the dog with the hose outside.

Once again, I watch her through the window. She’s tall and graceful. Her freckles popped from being in the sun. The woman is a bombshell, but one who’s come home. Returned to roots she didn’t know she had.

I always said I was going to be the last man standing and this woman has clearly knocked me down. Is she my kind of woman? Yes, the one I didn’t even know I wanted, needed. This thought unleashes a strong desire in me and an idea attaches itself to the grand reveal of the new house.

I glance over my shoulder as if looking back. I left behind a woman after I closed every case. Not one of them knew who I really was. I’ll have to tell Tinsley, but will that change anything? I should be brave.

Instead, I go outside and ask, “What made you name the dog Brave?”

“It’s what I’ve needed to be these last weeks. It’s what I’ll need to be now and...”

As if we’re both looking into the future, we gaze into the field.

Tinsley turns to me, sudsy and damp. She laces her arms over my shoulders. “There is something I want to tell you, Aiden.” She swallows and her eyes soften.

---