Page 62 of Loved By Tandy

I’m caught off guard, but after facing the idea of losing him, I know what I want. “I’d love that.”

He starts snoring, and I’m not sure he’ll remember this conversation come morning. As for me, I’ll never forget it.

Sunlight fills the room,and I blink against the bright sun. Matthew’s arm is still draped over me. We’ve both slept in later than normal.

“Morning.” His voice is soft and caring. “I hope I didn’t bother your sleep too much. When I’m stressed, I tend to talk.”

“And cuddle. But you were not a bother. This was nice.” And surprisingly, not at all awkward to wake up beside him. “How about I make some blueberry muffins?”

“Sounds good. I have to run a quick errand. But I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

I refuse to ask where he’s going every time he leaves the house, but it’s hard not to let the question slip when I know he has all these tests scheduled. “If you want me to go with you to any of the tests, just say the word.”

“First one is this afternoon. I’d appreciate the company.” He gives me a quick kiss, then slips out of bed. “I shall return.”

He better. Because despite all the hurt that I’d caked like clay around the innermost part of my heart, I want him as much as the day I climbed in his window. The worry that he won’t be pleased with what’s hidden under my sweater sets and track suits has—much like the walls around my heart—crumbled. All that’s left is love, which sounds corny even to me.

I make coffee, then make sure I have everything I need for muffins. It would’ve been wiser to check before I offered to make them, but too late now. Luckily, I find what I need in Matthew’s fridge and pantry. He keeps it well stocked. The stuff isn’t even expired. Is that his doing or do his kids and grandkids swoop in to clean stuff out from time to time? Given his insistence totake care of this place all alone, I’m guessing this is all Matthew’s doing. He can be a stubborn man.

In that way, we’re sort of made for each other.

While I’m mixing the batter, I think through all the things on my to-do list. I’m supposed to meet with Haley this week about doing a photoshoot for ads. But I’m going to cancel the appointment and tell her I’ll call to reschedule. There is no way I can sit in a room with her right now. I won’t spill Matthew’s secret. But the guilt of keeping quiet would make me insane. It’s best to avoid seeing her for now. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to wait long for test results. And even more than that, I pray there won’t be any serious news to share. Besides, my pictures will look better without my forehead wrinkled in worry.

After texting Haley, I go back to my baking.

Matthew will need more than a muffin, so I grab sausage patties out of the freezer and lay them in a hot pan.

I’m pulling muffins out of the oven when Matthew walks into the kitchen. “Whoa. Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“I’m in boots. Sneaking isn’t possible.”

“I guess I was thinking too loud.”

He lets loose a laugh, and I whip around to look at him.

“I can’t express how much I’ve missed hearing you laugh and seeing you smile.” I wipe my hands, then go in for a hug.

Arms around me, he rests his chin on my head. “What’s on your list today? Think we could squeeze in an evening stroll if it isn’t hot as blazes? I figured we could walk here on the property.”

“Sure. Is this a friendly, spend-time-together walk or something more serious?”

That twinkle is back in his eye. “A little of both. Now, let’s eat. This house smells incredible, and it’s making me hungry. And while we eat, I’ll tell you how the meeting with my lawyer went.”

“Your lawyer?” I stare after him as he adds sausage and muffins to a plate.

“Uh-huh. No matter what news I get back from the doctor, I want to make sure all my i’s are crossed and my t’s are dotted.” He chuckles. “Or something like that.”

His corny jokes have returned, which makes me very happy. “That’s smart.” I waste no time getting settled at the table. “Now tell me about your appointment.”

“I’m leaving both houses and all the land to my grandsons. I’ll give it to them sooner if they want it. I’ve created accounts for each of my kids. Everyone will be in town in a couple of weeks, and I’ll let them know my plans then. I’m hoping I know what’s going on with my health before that. Then I can get it all out of the way at once. Also, I plan to have Zach and Eli and their families over to talk with them before we have the big family meeting. I’d love for you to be there too.”

I rest a hand on his arm. “I’d love that, but…”

“Talk to me.”

“Living here is more than I expected. I think I loved you before, but there is no doubt I do now. And I did even before you said it. This house is filled with pictures and knickknacks from your life with Catherine, and I love seeing that you’ve had a fulfilled and happy life.”

He takes my hand. “Tandy…”

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