Chapter 38 Wes
Rolling over, I blink and find a sea of brown hair blocking my vision, and the comfortable scent of lavender floating towards me. It takes my brain a second to realize that I’m here, with Rose. I inch closer to her and mold to her body. Her breathing is still slow and even, and a glance at the clock tells me that it’s still early. The sun isn’t up yet and neither of us have anywhere to be today. I’m still off for another week at the park, and Rose’s mom is still taking care of the shop so she can get back on her feet.
I can’t help but nuzzle into her neck a little and enjoy the moment. I try to slow my breathing and focus on the here and now. An easy saying comes to my mind: you’re home . I know that it took a long time for me to get back here, but being here is more than I could have imagined for myself all those years ago. Seeing her here, being with her, it’s all I want.
As if on cue, Rose turns over and looks at me. Her eyes are sleepy, and only half open. “Hi,” she murmurs, pulling the covers tightly around her. She’s all cocooned in and I have to suppress a little laugh at how she looks.
“Good morning, beautiful.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her in, lightly kissing her shoulder and neck.
“Mmm,” Rose sighs.
We lay like this for a while, just enjoying being with one another. “Can I make you breakfast?” I whisper into her hair.
“No, but I’ll make you breakfast. You must rest. More TV.” She slips out of the covers, grabbing her robe and turning on the TV for me—throwing me the controller on her way out. I think about following her, but fall asleep again before I can make a move, my body making the decision for me.
I blink my eyes open for the second time today to find Rose nestled next to me in bed, the TV still on, and a plate of eggs, toast, and bacon on the nightstand. “How long was I asleep for?” I drag my hand over my face. I didn’t want to sleep, but clearly needed it.
“Another hour. The food should still be warm. I finished just a little bit ago.” Rose hustles over to the nightstand, handing me food as I begin to sit up. Man, I still feel pretty sore. I guess our re-uniting antics weren’t the best idea. I have no regrets though. She kisses me and then crawls back to her side of the bed.
“Thank you so much, this looks amazing, and much better than anything Erick would have made me at home.” I chuckle, imagining Erick trying to make me some food or take care of me in any way. He’s great in a crisis, and loves to support others emotionally, but cooking is not his specialty.
“Oh good, eat up, you have a busy day.”
“What?” I look at her confused.
“You get to rest again! I have a whole marathon planned out for us today with movies and you sleeping.” She laughs like she thinks she’s the funniest woman in the world . . . and she is.
I suddenly feel very serious and catch her eyes. “Thank you. For all of this.”
“Of course. It’s just eggs, silly.”
“No. Really, you don’t know what all this means to me. Thank you.” I reach over and give her a deep kiss, lingering over every movement and part of her lips—trying to impart every feeling into her. She gasps as I pull away.
She’s breathless and flushed from my sudden affections. Just how I like her.