Page 39 of Miracles and Marriage
“What if someone needs you?”
“I’ll be back in the office Monday morning. It can wait.”
From the startled look on Zoe’s face, Cal knew he’d surprised her. But he was serious about getting to know the woman he’d married.
He didn’t see the need to tell her he’d reviewed her personnel file before coming this weekend. He figured he should know some of the basics, if only from the interview before he hired her. She was a graduate of Georgetown University. She’d worked as an analyst for two years for the Department of State and much preferred to work without close supervision. She’d received glowing reviews from her supervisor at State and had never given any trouble at Protection, Inc. Her insights were legendary. They worked well together, but this was different.
He didn’t know what colors she liked, how she felt about discipline in children, or even names she’d want for their baby. Was she serious about staying home the first year, or would being with an infant all the time soon have her searching for adult companionship?
When Zoe handed him the mug of hot chocolate, he knew there were many more aspects he wondered about—how did she like to be kissed. How soft was her skin? Did she sleep snuggled up against a man or want her own space?
This weekend should answer a lot of questions.
Cal slept well and woke before dawn. He lay in bed a few moments considering all the things he would have done this weekend if he hadn’t insisted on accompanying Zoe. Rising, he dressed in running clothes and went to see if she was awake.
Hearing movement in her room, he knocked. A moment later the door opened. She wore sweats and had her hair tied back into a ponytail.
“Ready?” he asked.
“I just need to put on my shoes. Aren’t you going to be cold?”
He wore only shorts, shoes and a warm-up shirt. It would be cold starting out, but once he reached his stride, he’d be glad for fewer clothes.
“I’ll be fine.”
They did stretching exercises together. Cal was intrigued by the lithe body of his wife. He’d never noticed before. Or ever gone running with a woman. In the past, his social life was surface only. He was venturing into new territory.
The sun was just peeking above the horizon. The water was still more gray than blue. When they stepped outside, the breeze was cold. It wouldn’t reach summer temperatures, but he hoped the sun would warm the day somewhat.
“Okay, I usually head north,where they’refewer houses,” she said. “It doesn’t really matter, the beach is deserted at this time of morning.”
“And you like the loneliness of it,” he guessed.
She shrugged. “I like to be by myself.”
“Even now?”
“No, let’s go.”
They started out in tandem, he matching his pace to hers. Soon Zoe seemed to reach her stride. He could have pushed for more, but her pace was fast enough. They ran side by side, on the wet, packed sand. The ocean was on their right, sand dunes and houses on the left. Alone on the long expanse of seashore, they had the perfect place to run.
Cal relished the run. He’d been so caught up with work the last few days that he’d neglected his daily runs and missed them. A couple of days of this and he’d be back in top shape and raring to go back to work on Monday.
“This is two miles,” Zoe said, slowing a bit and making a wide loop. “I usually run about four at a time.”
“Works for me.”
The time back seemed suspended. He noted the empty houses. The one house that had smoke coming from a chimney. Someone else up for the weekend. He wondered what Zoe would do in an emergency with so many empty places around.
He hadn’t worried about anyone before. Now she was his wife. The only relative he had in the world. Would they really make a baby together, have a small son or daughter who would love the beach? To whom he could talk of his uncle Hal and growing up in Richmond?
The baby would have plenty of cousins on their mother’s side. He’d encourage family ties even though he’d might never be included in many activities. Zoe would undoubtedly invite him, but everyone would know theirs wasn’t a real marriage. Politeness wouldn’t be the same as belonging.
Still, his child would be surrounded by love, both his and Zoe’s.
He’d make sure of it.
Chapter Six
