Chapter 25 Stetson #3
“No, I mean it, Stetson. Who knows if she would have ever figured out what was wrong. I’m grateful he was there to help her. I truly am. I’m not that coldhearted.”
“You could never be cold if you tried. But none of that takes away from the pain he caused you. None of it. And now that I know my sister is okay and married to a man who would sacrifice himself to save her, I’m perfectly content with losing a friend today.
In fact, now that I think about it, he hasn’t been much of a friend to me these past few years. ”
“As much as I hate him, I hate that for you even more. Good friends are hard to come by.”
Since meeting Cove on my jet in February, I’ve only ever seen her composure locked in like a tight rope, durable through the toughest of circumstances and even conversations.
It’s one of the things I admired most about her, but I had no idea how deep my feelings for her would grow the more I saw the shell of her resilience crack enough to let me in.
There’s something invaluable about a woman who can stand firm in her independence while still graciously allowing a man to care for her.
Something I’ve sought to be a trait in my future wife.
Despite the moments I was convinced that woman would never come. Now, the only thing I’m sure of is that she’s Cove Davenport, and I have every intention of making her my wife someday.
I’ll write her love notes on Post-its while she reads her English literature to me until our final days. That, I am sure of.
Unsure of how to respond to her comment other than nodding at the truth behind her words, I say, “You make talking to you easy. I used to think I’d never last in a serious relationship because communicating my feelings has never been as simple as just saying it.
But with you, I don’t have to think twice. ”
Cove smiles, and I’m thankful to see the sadness of her features replaced with happiness.
I could count her freckles by hand and never tire.
The way her eyes fall closed when I say something unexpected and vulnerable enough to make her blush.
But she’d never admit it. That’s the side I hope she never loses.
The fight inside of her. It’s her greatest strength.
“I could say the same for myself,” she exhales calmly, eyes filled with so much sincerity. “My whole adult life, I’ve focused on my career. I’ve done well for myself, but now I’m thirty and can’t help but wish for the things my friends have.”
“Now, what could they have that you don’t?”
“They’re fearless. Lack caution in every way possible. I used to consider that a bad thing, but now I’m not so sure it is. I mean, it must be such an exhilarating feeling to do something because it feels good and not because you feel like you have to. Not forced. Not obligated. Just pure desire.”
I tilt my head, taking in her wishful words. “Isn’t that a lot like what you’re doing here? It may not exactly be something you want, but I’m sure deciding to do this was just as impulsive as it was a risk. You made a quick choice. One I’m eternally grateful for.”
The way she has wormed her way into every reserve of my heart is still a shock to me. But it feels right.
She thinks about my comment. “I guess you’re right.”
“Promise me you’ll never stop now that you feel it.”
“Feel what?”
“What it’s like to be in control of your destiny. To choose love over fear, no matter how or when it comes. No matter what’s at stake. The risk is worth the strife if love is the guide.”
Love over fear. My mother’s favorite line, and one that’s eternally ingrained in my thoughts like an anthem.
“I’m beginning to think I’m mastering the art of love. I feel it everywhere.” Cove blushes at her own words, while I could die happy. “And you, Mr. Love Over Fear, better not stop writing me love notes now that you have perfected communication. I won’t have you quit on me now.”
“Oh, I’m no quitter. As you can see from my track record. But quick question for you…” The widening of her eyes serves as a response. “We calling them love notes now?”
“I guess that depends.”
“On what?” My heart thunders in my chest, hoping this is the moment we solidify everything I long for us to be.
“If love is in the cards for us.” I’d be an idiot to miss the sultriness that takes over her voice. An octave lower in tone is all it takes for my dick to wake up, and my heart to be ready to surrender.
I ponder her statement, hesitant about how assertive to be.
Then again, I’ve never been a man to do things halfway; why stop now?
“My dark and resilient girl, I need you to tell me how forward you’d like me to be.
I can give you my honest truth that lives deep in my fucking heart, or I can give you the shallow answer.
I just don’t know if you’re ready to hear it.
But know this, Cove, once that part of me is voiced, there’s nothing stopping me from making it happen. ”
I’m not sure why I expected an unsteadiness from her. Cove takes challenges head-on, no matter how uncharted the territory. “I want the real deal, Stetson. The man who followed me to Chicago just to see me again. Show me him.”
And then, my soul sings.
I reach for her hand and lean my face forward, putting my lips directly in line with her ear. “Follow me.”