Chapter Fifty-One
“I know. It sounds crazy.” Vickie held the phone against her ear. “But we’ve been having the best time together.”
“So now you’re his research partner and more.” Kristy laughed. “Sorry I was such a naysayer before. I guess he just needed a little time to figure it all out.”
“I’ve never been happier. Things are still a little more undefined than I’d like though.”
“Oh, Vick. He’s kissed you and said you’re the most beautiful woman he’s ever known. And invited you to have Christmas with his family. Stop over-thinking it.”
Vickie giggled. “You’re right. I should just be content with the way things are.”
“Well, either way, I’m glad it’s working out. I guess that online dating profile we set up was a waste of money.”
“Please don’t remind me. I’m still trying to forget it exists. And yes, I think that can be cancelled.” She sank onto the couch. “How are things with you? Still enjoying the newly wedded bliss?”
“Yep. It’s almost our one month anniversary. And my husband is going to take me out to celebrate.” She emphasized the words with a Southern belle voice.
They laughed together.
“Have you talked to Ainsley lately?” Vickie asked.
“Not in a couple of weeks. The holidays are going to be tough on her. I wish there were something we could do.”
Jake jumped onto the couch and curled up next to Vickie. She absently patted him. “I know what you mean. But I guess all we can do is hold her to the promise she made to start grief counseling at the beginning of the year. I imagine just having someone to talk to will help her tremendously.”
“You’re right. I wish we lived closer to one another. She could use us about now.”
“Someday, we’ll rule the nursing home.”
Kristy laughed at their longtime pact. “Indeed, we will.”
They said their goodbyes and Vickie clicked the phone off. She glanced at her watch. Thatcher would be here any minute. With less than a week until she left for Thanksgiving in Tennessee, they’d decided to spend the day out at his fishing cabin. Of course, they’d been inseparable for most of the past week. Every night after work, they’d gotten together to eat and talk and work. Usually in that order.
Twenty minutes later, she was inside the pickup truck and they were on their way.
“Buster is so excited.” Vickie laughed as the dog wriggled against her, his nose pressed against the window.
“He and I are in cahoots today.” Thatcher grinned. “As long as he sits next to the door, it forces you to sit next to me.”
She couldn’t complain about that. Each time they went around a curve and she brushed against him, a little prickle of excitement went through her. “So he’s your wingman?”
Thatcher burst out laughing. “I suppose so.”
Finally they pulled up to the cabin and unloaded the truck. “How about if I start on lunch?” Vickie asked once they were inside. She held up a grocery bag. “How does vegetable beef soup sound?”
“Perfect on a cold day like this.” Thatcher grinned. “Are you sure? I don’t mind cooking.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Thatcher followed her into the kitchen and grabbed her around the waist. “Hold on,” he whispered. “I don’t think I’ve told you how cute you look today.” He spun her around to face him.
“Cute?” she cocked her head sideways. “How so?”
“I like this sporty look you’re going for today.” He grinned. “I guess you’ve figured out that I think you’re just as beautiful in jeans and a sweater as you are in a designer dress.”
Vickie laughed. Earlier in the week, Thatcher had been at her apartment and she’d made the mistake of asking him to help her fix a shelf that had fallen in her closet. His reaction to seeing the vast number of dresses hanging in her closet had been priceless. She hadn’t had the heart to show him the guest closet that was also full of clothes. Or the plastic totes that held her summer things.
She glanced down at her dark-washed denim jeans and soft green sweater. “I decided to choose comfort and warmth over trendy today. But I’m glad you approve.”
He leaned in and lightly touched his lips to hers. “I more than approve.” He motioned toward the living room. “I’m going to start working. Pretty soon we’ll be through with work and we can just relax.”
“I’ll call you when lunch is ready.” Vickie stirred the soup. Things were going so well with Thatcher. She was falling hard for him. Just over the past week, they’d grown so much closer. She felt like she could tell him anything. She was totally herself. And she was sure he felt the same way. For the first time in her life, she’d finally found someone she trusted enough to let her heart get involved. And it felt wonderful.