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We parked the car in the long-term lot and waited for the shuttle. "I wish we didn't have so much luggage to deal with," I said as we loaded our bags.
"Remember we had to pack for multiple trips. If we were just going for Christmas, we wouldn't have so many."
"I know. Are you sure you have everything for your hunting trip?"
"I'm good. I have done this before," Chance said as we found a seat on the shuttle. He pulled me in and gave me the kind of kiss I call a brain freeze. It takes my breath away and makes me a little light-headed. "You need to stop worrying about introducing me to your mom. You said it yourself, all women love me."
It was true, but that didn't make me feel any better. I love Chance. I haven't told him that yet, because his ego is already the size of bigfoot, but I'm pretty sure he knows it. Dealing with Chance in Wilkins' Gap, I'm used to. Imagining Chance in my previous home town with friends and relatives, I haven't come to grips with yet. When I told him my holiday plans, he simply said, he was coming with me. He didn't ask. He made all the arrangements, so he could spend Christmas with me in Georgia before his first guide trip of the new year. I tried to talk him out of it. Our relationship is new, and I don't think we're at the meet the parents stage yet. I've met Chance's mom because she's the local accountant who does the books for Hairy's.
It seems in some bizarre twist of fate, Chance is sure we're destined to build a future together. I'm the one with doubts. I was sure my first husband was the love of my life, until I found him in our bed with his paralegal. Thinking of Jamison, my ex, and Chance in the same breath was strange. The two men were so different, it was like they weren't even the same species.
I was surprised when we walked up to the check in desk and the woman behind the desk said, "Welcome back, Mr. Munroe. We've missed you." I shouldn't have been surprised. This had already happened at the hotel and with the shuttle driver. Chance had been a very frequent traveler until I pushed him off a cliff and broke his ankle. He hasn't been able to lead any hunting trips for the past few months because of the cast on his leg.
"Hi, Rachel, I had to stick close to home for a few months, but I'm glad to be back to traveling."
It didn't bother me that everyone seemed to know Chance, and I was pretty sure most of the women would like to get to know him better. I've gotten use to that. What bothered me was that Chance wanted to travel all the time. I didn't see how we could build a life and a business in Wilkins' Gap, if he was always gone.
"Why don't you take your boarding pass and carry-on and go on through security," Chance said, handing me the pass. "Dealing with the guns takes a while. I'm used to it. When you get through security there's a coffee shop to your right. I'll catch up with you at the gate." He gave me a quick kiss.
I knew Chance was trying to be thoughtful. I'm not the most patient person, and he knows the process around checking his weapons. I wouldn't be any help, but I wasn't all that pleased to leave him with Rachel smiling up at him from behind the counter.
I picked up a large Earl Grey tea for me and a black coffee for Chance on my way to the gate. I found two seats together and was trying to decide whether I wanted to people watch or read when my phone rang.
"Hi, Mama. I'm at the airport."
"That's great, Baby Girl. I can't wait to see you. I'm cooking all your favorites. If you get here early enough, we could hit the tea room or maybe leave that for tomorrow."
"We'll see how I feel when I get there. See you soon. Love you, Mama."
"Love you more, Baby Girl."
I'd always been close to my mom. After my marriage broke up, I moved back home with her and, for a while, it was nice to let her take care of me, but I was looking for my own place even before I got the letter about Uncle Harry's will and the cafe. Now, I had an apartment above the cafe that I'd cleaned and painted so it felt like mine. I don't think I've slept one night there since Thanksgiving. I've been staying at Chance's A-frame. We haven't talked about living together, but I get the idea that Chance doesn't see any reason for us to be apart when we could be together. I'm not sure how things are going to work now that he's back to traveling for his business.
"Sorry it took so long, Babe. It's always a hassle to travel with weapons, but it's necessary in my line of work. I'm used to it."
"Was there a problem?"
"No. It just takes time. You OK?"
"Fine," I said and handed him his coffee. He flopped down in the seat beside me.
"Are you getting excited to see your mom and Krista?"
"I guess."
"What's going on, Everly? You do know the Grinch didn't really steal Christmas. That's just a story."
"Cute."
"Glad you noticed."
"Me and Rachel, and what was the desk clerk's name at the hotel? Tiffany?"
"We've talked about this, Babe. I'm just being friendly. I'm not interested in any of these women. The only woman I want in my bed is you?"
"Do they know that?"
"I did consider having it put on a billboard, but I thought someone might find it offensive."
I smacked him with my boarding pass.