Chapter 26 #2
The conversation flowed as they ate appetizers, pausing only when the servers returned to refill their glasses or clear away empty plates.
They discussed the upcoming family reunion before Christmas, debating what would work best for the menu.
When he mentioned his siblings’ past menus, she suggested something she assumed was unusual for his family.
“Breakfast for dinner.” He pointed at her, his face lighting up. “I don’t think anyone’s done that before.”
She grinned as they planned what to cook, as it was required for each organizer to prepare a meal once during the event.
They then brainstormed activities for each day of the reunion. It was the first time she’d be attending as a member of the Stone family. By the time the servers brought out the main course, she was looking forward to all of it, being part of his world, and building their life together.
Through the course of their dinner, which featured all of her favorite dishes, the conversation flowed, weaving through topics like the possibility of moving and what kind of house she’d envisioned calling home.
He listened, his questions thoughtful. At one point, he leaned forward.
“Have you always wanted kids of your own someday?”
“If God allowed, I always thought two or three.” She paused her full fork in midair. “Maybe more if the timing was right.”
He nodded. Then a shadow flickered across his face.
“Do you want more kids?” She clicked her fork back to her half-finished plate.
He exhaled and reached for his water. “Bella is all I can handle right now.” His fingers tightened around the glass before he set it down. “But… I do believe every child deserves a sibling. There’s so many lessons to learn in sharing, gaining patience, and having someone to lean on.”
His wistful tone tugged at her heart. “That’s true.” She lifted the chicken bite to her mouth.
The moment passed, and laughter soothed it over.
Dessert arrived—her favorite vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting.
As they savored the sweet treat, they shared thoughts about their faith, admitted they should’ve done marriage counseling before the wedding, and teased each other over everything from music tastes to old quirks.
Every so often, a new song drifted through the speakers, sparking a memory for one or both of them—events tied to specific moments in their story. The nostalgia wove into their banter, making the night both light and significant.
By the time they left, the dining room was nearly empty, save for a few workers clearing tables. Claire glanced at the clock and gasped. “What time is it?”
She’d left her handbag on the bed, nerves getting the better of her earlier.
Still, he had his phone, and Joy or Eric would call if Bella had an emergency.
They’d suggested Bella stay overnight, and Fern had agreed to stay at their house so Dad wasn’t alone too long.
Everything was covered. But time had slipped by too quickly.
“Eleven fifty-five.” Wade winced as he glanced at his wrist.
“Oops. Looks like we’ve kept the staff late.”
They apologized as they slipped out the door, their server responding with an easy, “I don’t mind.” They must be content with the generous tip Wade left. Claire hadn’t meant to notice the bill or the tip, but she’d caught a glimpse as he signed. He didn’t skimp.
“Time flies when we’re enjoying each other’s company.” He slipped his hand into hers as they stepped into the crisp night air. She shivered, and he shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, wrapping her in his comforting citrusy sandalwood scent.
Soon, they slipped into the house. Fern’s breathing from the sofa drifted their way as they passed, whispering through the hallway.
After Claire placed her necklace on the nightstand, she took off her clothes, and Wade did the same. Eager to listen to the songs they’d been talking about, they settled onto the bed.
Bella’s night-light still tinted their room. Side by side, they shared a set of earbuds, taking turns playing tracks from her playlist, then his. Some sparked laughter. Others stirred memories.
“That song.” She nudged his arm. “Remember? I was wiping blood off your eye and bandaging your fist after that fight to defend Albert?”
“You always had my back.” His palm cupped her cheek.
Then he picked the song. “This one was when Albert injured his leg.” The music erupted, pulling them back. Wade had flown home for Albert’s surgery after yet another dirt bike mishap. “You stayed up all night helping me memorize lines for my second movie.”
“You were terrible at lines.” Not at all the case, but his confidence had been shaken, his worry for Albert matching her own at the time. “Too bad you didn’t ask for my help on your later movies.”
“Yet here I am now, your husband.”
They recounted memory after memory, confirming the bond between them.
“It seems we’ve always had each other’s backs.” She twisted sideways, unable to control her fingers as they ventured over his stubbled jaw. The coarse texture grounded her. Through the dim light, his gaze held hers, full of warmth and something deeper that sent her heart racing.
His focus dropped to her lips, and she couldn’t stop herself from doing the same.
The space between them vanished as she scooted closer, the music fading into the background.
Their lips met in a kiss that ignited like a live wire, electricity surging through her.
Her hands clutched at his shirt, fingers curling into the fabric, while his tangled in her hair, holding her close.
Heat flared, and the blanket beneath them crumpled as they shifted.
Claire let out a soft sound, her breaths ragged as Wade groaned, rolling her onto him. The earbuds slipped out, forgotten, as the music cut off.
“Claire.” His voice was strained, his mouth hovering just above hers, his big hands steady on her waist. Her only response was a breathless gasp, chest rising and falling. “You’re becoming more… irresistible.”
“You’re always irresistible,” she managed, her voice shaky with the intensity of it all.
He chuckled low, the sound vibrating against her. “We need a bigger house.”
She pressed her lips to his again, surrendering to the moment. Not that they could go further with Fern asleep in the living room and Dad just across the hall. But for now, kissing Wade would have to be enough. More than enough as they struggled with his looming departure.
The intimate kisses shared through the night left her longing for more in their relationship. Married and all, she assumed they were both ready to take the next step. Yet, Sunday arrived, leaving them sluggish from the minimal sleep and unspoken desires.
She treasured their last hours spent together, starting with church.
Though should she feel guilty for craving intimacy with her husband?
For indulging in kisses that bordered on X-rated?
Surely not. They were married, after all.
Still, they needed counseling to navigate this stage of their relationship and align their expectations.
At church, Wade, Bella, Claire, and her dad joined Eric and his family, where they sat among the congregation the Stone family attended.
Distracted, she let her thoughts flit as a giddy warmth spread through her whenever Wade’s hand enveloped hers.
After church, they headed to his childhood home for lunch and board games, conversation and laughter enlivening the big home.
He gave her the tour, pausing in his old bedroom to show her his memory box.
One by one, he pulled out mementos, each tied to a story that peeled back another layer of the man she was falling for all over again.
He then held up a stone pendant on a leather cord—the necklace she’d made for him while he was in college. “You kept it?”
“Of course.” His certainty expanded her chest. “You made this for me. It was special then, and it still is now.”
Her fingers grazed the necklace as he put it on. “You’re full of surprises, Wade.”
“Only for you.”
Later that night, as they put Bella to bed, he held her snug against his shoulder long after she’d fallen asleep in his arms. “I’m glad I pushed my departure to tomorrow.” He kissed the baby’s forehead. “I’m going to miss you guys.”
Claire couldn’t speak past the lump in her throat as he lowered Bella into her crib. Normal didn’t come close to describing how she’d felt this past week. She was grateful he’d postponed his trip—twice now.
Soon, they lay side by side, holding each other. Neither spoke, and the dread of his departure hung unspoken between them.
Even Bella seemed to sense it. She woke three times that night. Each time, he didn’t hesitate to get up and attempt to put her back to sleep. At five a.m., when Steve arrived to take Wade to the airport, Bella was still awake, her big eyes wide as she clung to him.
He held her close, squeezing her before kissing her forehead. He passed her to Claire, then brushed a tender kiss to Claire’s cheek. “Send me pictures every day.”
At the door, he lingered, his gaze meeting Claire’s. Then he pressed another last kiss to her lips, slow and warm. She’d have to hold onto that kiss. Perhaps it’d carry her through the week.
“I’ll be back on Friday to pick you up for the event.”
“You don’t have to come. I can fly there.”
“I want to go in with you.” He leaned in for one last kiss, but Bella squirmed between them, reaching for him with outstretched hands. Claire’s heart twisted, but he had to leave.
Shifting Bella in her arms, she stepped back as he opened the door. He closed it behind him with the finality of a curtain falling after the end of a beloved show.