Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
When the song changes to another melody, I slip lower, my skates landing on the ice again. “I don’t want to be apart from you either.” I look toward the seats, the reminder all around us. Our worlds aren’t the same. “We have time to figure things out.”
He slides his arm around my lower back, holding my hand in the air with the other. “I know but—”
“No buts. Not yet. Please. I just want to be with you, Daniel, at this moment right now.”
We start skating slowly, our gazes only on each other as we dance across the smooth surface. With his secure hold of me and the wind in our hair, he makes me feel as if I could do this, like I am doing it, soaring across the ice like I could almost fly. Slowing in the center of the rink again, he loosens his arm from around my waist, and I spin slowly like a ballerina. And caught before there’s any possibility of falling.
And when I’m brought into his arms again, he holds me there—my body in his arms, my gaze, and my heart in his hands. “Promise me tomorrow, Summer. Promise me when we leave here, we’ll still have this together.”
I’d like to kiss him, but when the blade slips, he catches me. So I hold onto him, knowing he’s got me just like he said, and whisper, “We’ll still have this. I promise you. Tomorrow is just one of many days ahead. We have forever.”
Caressing my cheek, he kisses me and then his embrace keeps in his arms. “I’ll take forever, Sunshine. That’s how in love with you I am. I’m lovesick for you.”
It’s like those earlier tears were just waiting in the wings and come back uninvited. It’s not the tears I’m worried about, though. It’s my heart. I’ve been spoiled to only know this side of him, the one that opens up and shares what’s on his mind and heart. I don’t see the bad boy of hockey or someone that needs to change anything about himself.
So it’s easy to pretend today is all that matters with him, to make promises of forever with any hesitation. But there will come a time . . . I don’t want to think about it. I shake it off by wiggling my hips for him to earn a laugh and to keep my tears and broken heart at bay. “You’re in luck. I just so happen to know the cure for that.”
His smile returns. “Oh yeah?”
Patting his chest, I say, “I’ll fix you right up and take good care of you.”
“Promise?”
The promises reveal a deeper need. I feel it too. A hint of desperation to keep things the same when we both know they’re going to change before we’re ready. It doesn’t make it any harder to give him the world and my soul. “I promise.” I’m going to do everything in my power to keep it.
CHAPTER 25
DANIEL
The sisters I was warned to avoid are waiting for us when we pull onto the property.
Spring has her arms crossed over her chest while standing on the steps of the back porch as if she has a bone to pick. Winter has a beekeeper’s helmet tucked under her arm, looking like we’re holding her day up.
I scan the area for Autumn and Dolly. I spot Autumn, but Dolly is missing, which is out of the ordinary.
An ambush?
I’m not scared of anyone my size, or even bigger. But women, especially when they’re amassing, make me a little nervous.
I finally spot Autumn at the far side of the yard, where my son is currently flying off a swing ten feet in the air.
I can handle having a tooth knocked out, getting a bloody nose, or a broken bone. When it comes to my son, I prefer him in one piece and the way he was when I left him. Not that I can blame the Season Sisters. He’s clearly been working on his dismount for the past two days while we were gone.
I exhale when he lands it.
Roman comes running to the car as soon as I park and cut the engine. I open the door just in time to catch him jumping into my arms. In the city, he usually smells of the soap used to wash his school uniform. Out here, I pick up the subtle scent of sweat and adventures he’s had playing outdoors. He’s getting the childhood I want for him. “Hey buddy, missed you.”
“Missed you, too, Daddy.”
Summer comes around with the garment bag protecting her dress in one hand and rubs Roman’s back with the other. “Good to see you, big guy.”
With his legs still wrapped around me, Roman leans over to hug her and rest his head on her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back.” Popping back up, he giggles. “I got good at jumping off the swing.”