He opened the basket and pulled out the portable cassette player. “Salad, turkey & cheese sandwiches, fruit, cashews, and red wine. There’s also a couple of slices of chocolate cake in here.”
“Yummy. Do all you guys cook?”
“Actually, I don’t. I never got into cooking, always preferring to be the cleanup man.”
She sat down beside him. “Living in your own home, what do you eat?”
“Mom’s leftovers and TV dinners. Or I go to town and eat at the diner or the grill.” He poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her. “What kind of music do you like to dine by?”
“You’ve thought of everything. I like all kinds. You pick.”
“How about soft jazz?”
“That would be perfect.”
He popped in the tape, and the instrumental song began to play. “I’m really glad you’re here with me, Mary.”
“I am, too.”
“I have a very personal question I need to ask you.” He watched her eyes widen, which pleased him.
“You can ask, but I’m not sure I will answer it.”
“It’s very important. When did you learn to speak horse? Did you take it in college?”
She laughed and punched him lightly on the shoulder. “You’re a devil, Mr. Daniel Wilde.”
“No, I’m serious.” He grinned. “You and Rosie were having a conversation back on the road.”
“I’m a natural because I love her.”
He grabbed her hand. “And I love you. So do my brothers.”
“Don’t say that,” she said, her face turning red. “It’s too soon for those words.”
“No it isn’t too soon. This is the perfect time.”
“But it isn’t possible for you to know that. For either of us to know that.” She took a deep breath, and then her gaze locked with his eyes. “We just met a few days ago. This is crazy.”
“Not in Wilde. We don’t put limits on love. Sometimes falling in love can take years. Other times a few months. Even weeks. And on rare occasion, love arrives the moment people meet like a bolt of lightning. That’s how it was for me when I saw you at the diner. That’s how it was for Craig and Dillon, too. We love you, Mary. With all our hearts.” He leaned over and kissed her tenderly.
When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he couldn’t have been happier. “I don’t know what to say to all of this, Dan.”
“How about saying ‘I love you, too’?”
She smiled. “Easier said than done, I’m afraid.”
“Let me help you with that. I’m a great coach.” He stroked her hair. “Shape your lips like this. Then just let it out. I. Say it with me.”
She laughed. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I.”
“I.”
“Love.”
“This is silly.”