Lexi drew in a fragrant breath, soaking in the peace and tranquility that Harmony Grove’s park offered. Alan’s hand tightened around hers in a confirming squeeze. He apparently felt it, too. No one could ignore the beauty of nature’s late-afternoon show.
The sun was finishing its descent, painting the sky in broad strokes of orange, gold and lavender. The glasslike surface of the lake reflected the fiery display. Tiny fish created ever-widening ripples, snacking on the water bugs lighting there, and a pair of mallard ducks moved silently along the water’s edge. Darkness would fall soon, but the promise of impending night no longer held an unspoken threat.
Alan gave her hand another squeeze. “Are you doing all right?”
“I’m okay.” She smiled up at him. Ever since the previous evening, he had been so attentive. Even more than usual.
The terror of last night was still fresh in her mind, but a good night’s sleep had done wonders. She had gone in to the station and taken care of her reports. She had even stopped by her mom’s house to throw a load of clothes in the wash and been surprised to find one already spinning in the dryer. Her ankle was still wrapped, and the crutches were within easy reach, but she was actually up doing something for herself.
Lexi had mentally prepared for the pity party, the subtle control tactics. But they never came. Instead, her mom greeted her with a smile and a hug. For the first time ever, she seemed to look on her as an independent adult, with a life separate from her own. Maybe it had something to do with almost losing her. Or maybe she had finally come to the conclusion that trying to control her was a colossal waste of time. Whatever her reasons, Lexi was more inclined to just accept rather than question the gift.
Yes, she was doing well. After leaving her mother’s house, she had met Alan for a romantic dinner out. Now she was content, in love and pleasantly full.
Alan drew to a stop in front of a wooden bench overlooking the lake. “How about a break?”
A break sounded good. So did a walk. Any activity had appeal as long as she was with Alan. She sank onto the wooden slats next to him and rested her head against his shoulder.
He drew in a deep breath. “When I realized that Greg was the killer and that he had taken you, I was so afraid I had lost you. I can’t tell you what I felt in those moments.”
“I know. I always try to be optimistic and never give up, but I have to confess, there were several times I was pretty sure I was a goner.”
He released her hand to wrap an arm around her and pull her closer still. “I love you, Lexi. I don’t ever want to let you go. But I don’t want to smother you, either. And I never want to try to control you.”
“I love you, too. And right now, a little bit of smothering doesn’t sound so bad.”
For several minutes they sat in silence, watching the colors leech out as the final remnants of day faded.
“Do you know what’s significant about this spot?” Alan’s tone held a hint of teasing.
“This is where you first kissed me.” She grinned over at him. “Remember, I’m the one who told you. You had forgotten.”
“But I remember it well now. The full moon, the stars spread across the sky, the few straggling couples who weren’t ready to call it a night and go home.”
Warmth spread through her chest, bringing with it a smile. He remembered more than she thought he had.
“I wondered what you would do if I kissed you. I was afraid I might be rushing things. But if I remember right, you were quite receptive.”
Yes, his memory had served him well. They had been dating for two weeks, and she was beginning to think he would never kiss her.
He released a contented sigh. “This is definitely a special place. But I think it needs some more significance.”
More significant than their first kiss? How was he going to manage that? She leaned away to look over at him. He was smiling, his gaze warm. Her heart skipped a beat.
“When I told you I would have your back forever if you’d let me, I meant it.”
He took both of her hands in his, and her heart began to pound. When he slid off the bench to drop to one knee, it almost stopped.
“Lexi, I’d like to ask you to marry me. If you’re not ready, I can wait. I’ve waited for six years. What’s another few months?”
Her mind whirled. He was asking her to marry him. Emotion flooded her, love for this man who devoted his life to serving others, who cared so deeply it hurt, who put her on a pedestal and kept her there. He had asked once, and she had blown it. Giving up her independence had seemed too big of a price to pay.
Now she was getting a second chance. No, she didn’t want to wait.
She dropped to her knees in front of him and wrapped both arms around his neck. “After six long years, I think we’ve waited long enough. I’ll marry you tomorrow if you want.”
He pulled her to him in a crushing hug and laughed, his breath warm in her hair. “You might need a little longer than that to plan a wedding.”
“Okay, two weeks.”
He stood, lifted her off the ground and spun her around. Giddiness swept through her, and her laughter spilled out, carried away on the gentle night breeze. She was marrying Alan. And she was doing it without hesitation or regret. So what if she was giving up a small piece of her independence? So was he.
He set her back on her feet and began a replay of that long-ago kiss. But this one held all the pent-up emotion of six years of longing.
And she was sure she saw some of those Memorial Day fireworks that preceded the first kiss. She melted into his arms and surrendered completely.
Independence for love. A good trade, indeed.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from FORGOTTEN PAST by Mary Alford.