Gwen: Yah! You’ve just made my night. Or rather, unknowingly made the kids’ night. I’d like to get one for them for Christmas.
She unknowingly made my night as well, because that means I’ll get to see her again. I try to not let that thought get to me, but it does anyway.
Me: What day would you like to come over to pick one out?
I lay my phone down on the counter as I wait for her reply. The earrings once again catch my attention. I pick one up and place it in my palm. The diamond at the center of the hoop twinkles in the light from the kitchen.
My phone pings again.
Gwen: Does Christmas Eve work for you? In the evening? I’ll have my friend Emma come watch the kids, that way I can surprise them with the pup on Christmas morning.
Anxiety has my stomach churning. Do I really want to chance being around her so close to the worst day of the year for me? But then I think, maybe it’ll do me good to see something so beautiful before the ugly makes itself known.
Me: That works.
Gwen: Great! I’ll see you then. Thank you, Alexander. Have a good night.
Me: You as well, Gwen.
I get up from my stool, grab Kelsey’s notebook, and bring it back to the counter. Since Gwen will be coming by next week, I’d like to get it done before then so she can take it back with her.
Anticipation of seeing Gwen again has my blood pumping faster. We may not ever really be anything to each other, but even so, the thought leaves my chest feeling lighter.
Six days. Only six days before she’ll be here. I silently pray those days go by quickly, even knowing I have no right to ask for such a thing.
Chapter 11
Gwendolyn
I grip the steering wheel tightly with sweaty palms as nerves leave me shaking. I feel silly that I’m so nervous, but no matter how much I try to calm myself down, it doesn’t work. I’m like a schoolgirl on her first date, waiting on that moment he leans in for the first kiss. And this isn’t even a date. I’m going to pick out a puppy for my kids, for goodness sake.
Get a hold of yourself, Gwen! I chastise myself.
Pulling in a deep breath, I try to calm my racing heart as I turn down Alexander’s driveway. It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve seen him, but we’ve texted every night since that first message. I don’t know if he’s just doing it to be polite, but it’s been nice. The only thing that makes me feel better is he’s initiated some of our conversations. It’s crazy to think about how much I’ve missed him, considering I’ve only known the guy for a little over two weeks.
As much as I missed him though, I’m just as scared to see him again. What if he’s turned back into the brusque guy he was that first day? What if he just thrusts a puppy in my arms and tells me to leave? I’m not under the illusion he feels anything for me, but it would be nice if we could at least be friends. He seems like he needs friends. Remembering the old ladies at the market and what they were whispering amongst themselves, I understand why he stays away.
I pull to a stop in front of his cabin and turn off my car. I force my hands to hold steady as I reach for the door handle. Stepping out, I look around. It looks different with the snow gone. Just as pretty, but different. I notice a chair sitting in front of the half-built house and briefly wonder what he’s been doing sitting out here. A soft neigh catches my attention. A couple of horses are grazing in the field. I smile as one of the horses tosses its head, its long mane blowing in the wind.
I turn when I hear a creaking sound and find Alexander on the porch watching me. He must have been sitting in the chair. He’s wearing a pair of old jeans and a gray-and-red plaid shirt, sleeves rolled up his forearms and a white shirt peeking out the top where a few buttons are unbuttoned. His face appears serious and tense, the scars marring the beautiful surface in tight lines.
Nervously, I lift my hand and wave. “Hi.”
He’s silent for a moment, and I shuffle my feet, suddenly feeling unwelcome. Then he says something that has my chest blossoming.
“It’s good to see you again, Gwen.”
I can’t help the smile that steals across my face or the flutters that start in my belly. Unexpected pleasure takes root inside me.
I start walking toward him, and it pleases me more to see his lips are tipped up into a small smile. The man is so breathtaking I could look at him all day. The thought has a blush creeping up my cheeks.
By the time I make it up the steps, my anxiety is getting to me again. Why in the world is this so hard? It’s ridiculous, and I once again give myself an inner pep talk.
“How have you been?” he asks, once I’m standing in front of him.
It takes me a minute to ensure my voice doesn’t come out breathless. “I’m fine. And you?”
He tips his head up and grunts, “Good.”