Chapter 8
Kaidon
The fall foliage on our drive through New Hampshire pops with oranges, reds, yellows, and purples. My girlfriend insisted we celebrate her ex’s conviction last week by taking a long weekend for an autumn leaf tour and I’m glad she did.
Topher will be in prison for many years to come with his various stalking, computer fraud and abuse convictions. Justice was swift with him, which works fine for me.
Valencia reaches across from the passenger seat and takes my hand in hers.
“It’s so gorgeous here,” she sighs.
“Not as gorgeous as you, but it is nice.”
“Flirt.” She teases.
Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss the back of it.
“Just madly in love is all.”
“Is that so?”
“You’re damn right it is, babe. I’m a lucky old man to have you.”
“You’re not old!”
“I’m 72.”
“So? And I’m 40. We are both middle-aged, you’re just minotaur-middle-aged.” She says with a giggle.
Right then my curvy girlfriend’s phone dings.
“Oh, yay!” she exclaims after checking the message. “The house is officially mine!”
“Oh, babe, that’s wicked awesome. How amazing it is that you will get to live in your favorite house in Sea Glass!”
“You know,” Valencia’s voice is flirty, “I know you’d like to sell your dad’s old place. What if you moved in with me?”
The small ring box nestled away in my inner jacket pocket makes itself known to me. Squeezing her hand, I notice a scenic viewpoint off on the right and pull into the lot. Shutting off the car, I turn to my love.
“Come with me, beautiful.”
“Yes, sir.”
Once out in the chilly autumn air, I take my girlfriend’s hand and lead her to the stone wall that overlooks a quaint New Hampshire town, painted in fall colors. Valencia sighs, staring out at the beauty.
“It’s so pretty.”
“Hey, babe.” I say and revel in her surprised reaction when she turns to find me on one knee.
“Babe, we met because you needed protection. And I fell fast and hard for you. Every single day since I have fallen more and more in love with you. I want to be your protector for the rest of our lives. I want to be your devoted husband. Will you marry me?”
Jumping up and down, Valencia shouts, “Hell yes, I will marry you, Kaidon Bullock!”