| |
Walking back from the lean-to hand in hand, I felt at complete peace.
Dale's offering of love came with no strings attached or guilt trips. Instead, it felt like he had laid his soul bare at my feet and had given me his love without condition.
Before entering the house, Dale wrapped his arms around me one last time and kissed me before whispering, "I meant what I said Kelly. I love you."
Placing a kiss below his ear I whispered back, "I meant what I said as well. I love you, Dale."
Leaning back so that our eyes could verify the truth of our confessions, we grudgingly released each other and entered my family's home.
Entering the large formal dining room was luckily not awkward at all. Other than a knowing glance from my aunt and mother as they took turns bringing food in from the kitchen, no one even acknowledged us joining the intimate family gathering. John and the girls were busy telling Jared about their day, Mandy was dozing and rubbing David's ear while sucking on her thumb, and my Uncle Terry was busy stealing kisses from my Aunt Shawn in between snatching bites of food as she passed.
Once I made sure that Dale had found his place at the table, I stole myself into the kitchen to see what I could do to help.
"Hey Mom, is there anything left to take into the dining room?"
"The only things left are the parker house rolls in the oven, which should be ready to come out in about three minutes," she said before adding, "Did you and Dale finally get to have some alone time?" Then she very awkwardly wiggled her eyebrows like a crazy woman.
Knowing from experience that my Mom didn't beat around the bush, I admitted, "We had a very eventful time together. Thank you by the way. It was nice to have some quiet time."
"That young man is good for you, darling. Ever since the first play date in August, I knew he'd bring out the best in you," she admitted thoughtfully before adding, "Sometimes I wonder that if Geoff hadn't seen so much tragedy in your first year of marriage, things might have ended up better. But even then, I don't think you were ever going have the happiness that comes as easily as when you're with Dale," my mom said. "Just remember you are worth it baby."
"Thanks, Mom!" I said willing myself not to cry. "I couldn't have made it through the last year without you."
"Well of course not, I'm awesome! Now grab those rolls, I'm hungry, and the kids are going to burst from excitement if they don't get their hayride."