Page 85 of Tattered and Torn

“Nope. Just sit and relax.”

When everything’s done, I join her on the sofa and steal a sip of her wine. When I make a face, she laughs.

“Still prefer beer,” I say. “So, tell me how the renovations are going.”

She runs through her day, telling me about the good and the bad. “But overall, I think it’s going to turn out great.”

When the timer on my phone goes off, I run outside to flip the burgers. “Do you want cheese?” I ask her when I come back inside.

She gives me a look.

“Okay, yes on the cheese.”

When the burgers are nearly done, I lay thick slices of cheddar cheese on them to melt. And moments later, I bring in all the food and set it on the table.

Gabrielle joins me, and I motion for her to take a seat. “It’s a perfect picnic,” she says, smiling as she grabs a bun for her burger.

I set the bowl of baked beans on the table, and then I grab butter for the corn and condiments for the burgers. Lastly, I refill her wine glass and grab a cold beer for myself.

Once I’m seated, I ask, “Am I forgetting anything?”

“I don’t think so.” She takes a bite of her burger and moans in pleasure.

“Good?” I ask.

“Perfection. You should come work in the kitchen. We can use all the help we can get.”

I laugh. “No, thanks. Unless it involves a grill, I can’t cook. I’d better stick with horses.”

After we finish eating, we clear the table and load the dishwasher. “Go sit out on the porch swing, and I’ll bring you a surprise.”

Grinning, she goes outside. I get out the coconut pie I bought at Jennie’s and cut us each a slice. When I carry our dessert out onto the porch, she beams. “You are so good to me,” she says as I hand her a plate.

She takes a bite of her pie. “Ohmygod, this is so good.”

By the time we’re done with dessert, the sun is setting and the bats are out, flying overhead as they search for their supper.

As the swing gently moves back and forth, I put my arm around Gabrielle’s shoulders and draw her close. There’s something on my mind, but I’m not sure this is the right time to bring it up. “Gabrielle, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say to you.”

She takes my left hand in hers and links our fingers together. “And, what’s that?”

“I’m hoping it’s not too soon to say this.” The last thing I want to do is mess things up between us.

“You can tell me anything you want,” she says.

“Are you sure? Anything?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Maybe there’s something I want to tell you.”

I smile. “I brought it up, so I get to go first.”

She laughs softly. “Fair enough. Go ahead.”

As my pulse starts racing, I lean closer and kiss her temple. “Is it too soon to tell you I’m in love with you?”

She’s silent for a moment. For two moments. My heart goes from racing to slamming into my ribs.

“No, it’s not too soon,” she says. And then she releases my hand and turns to face me. Her soft hands come up to cup my face, and when I look into her eyes, I see the glitter of tears. “John Burke, I love you, too.”

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