Page 87 of Holding Grace
We’d had an unspoken truce all evening. We’d laughed, had fun, even talked a little, not about anything deep or serious, but still, it had been conversation.
It had felt like we were making our way back to being on track. When I’d invited her into my arms without thinking and she’d done it – she’d let me pull her close and hold her – it had catapulted us right back to where we’d been before things had gone off the rails.
At least it felt that way to me.
The fireworks started and Grace turned in my arms to watch them. She stayed pressed against me, her back to my chest and abs, making no attempt to step away. It may have been an attempt to stay warm, but I couldn’t help but think she was enjoying the contact as much as I was.
I wrapped my arms around her waist, and she rested her gloved hands on mine. We stayed that way, tucked together, watching the brilliant bursts of light in the sky through the big, showy, booming finale.
Only when it was over did Grace move away from me and I forced myself to let her. She turned and looked up at me, her eyes shining. There was so much I wanted to say to her, but it wasn’t the place or the time.
“Ready to go?” I held my hand out to her as the crowd swirled around us.
She took my hand without hesitation, sending a swirl of satisfaction through my gut.
“Ready,” she confirmed, and we turned to shuffle our way out along with everyone else.
Once we were out of the VIP area, things opened up a little and we were able to walk normally through the event grounds, side-by-side, hands still clasped together.
It was when we reached the parking area, essentially a big open field, that an unrelenting icy wind hit us.
“Holy cow, that’s cold!” Grace hunched her shoulders, curling into herself even as she continued to hold my hand.
I let hers go and instead looped my arm across her shoulders, pulling her into my side and sheltering her as much as I could. The temperature had dropped significantly during the fireworks, and I was grateful when we reached my SUV.
I got Grace inside then crossed around to the driver’s side. I got it started it up, turned on the heat, and flipped on the heated passenger seat for Grace.
“That’s the drawback of an outdoor event in November, I guess.” Grace’s teeth were practically chattering. “That wind is something else.”
“It is,” I agreed. “You okay?”
“I will be.” Grace rubbed her thighs briskly in an attempt to warm up. “I can’t actually feel my toes right now,” she continued with a light laugh, “or my fingers or my nose, but I’m sure it will all be fine in a few minutes.”
“Thanks for coming with me.” For laughing with me. For letting me hold you. “It was fun before winter decided to make an appearance.”
“It was. Even the death-defying alpine slide.”
I laughed as I looked over at her. “So, you admit it. You did love it.”
“Love is a strong word. But yes, I admit it wasn’t entirely awful. And the fireworks were spectacular. Thanks for bringing me.”
“No one else I’d want to be here with.” I risked a glance at her.
Her head was rested back on her seat, and she rolled it to the side to look at me. “Me, either.” She paused and the moment felt strung tight, like anything might happen.
“I’ve missed you,” Grace’s words were a mere whisper, so quiet I nearly missed them.
She was so brave, my Grace.
I swallowed down the jolt of emotion her words sent crashing through me and gave them back to her. “I’ve missed you, too.”
We were quiet the rest of the way home, each of us seemingly lost in our own thoughts.
When we reached the apartment, we stripped off our coats and I felt the awkwardness between us trying to slip back in. I was determined not to let that happen.
“I’m gonna head to bed” – I motioned over my shoulder toward my bedroom and immediately felt like an idiot. Like Grace didn’t know where my bedroom was? – “but I was thinking about trying a recipe for pumpkin pancakes in the morning if you’re interested.”
“I am.” Grace twisted her wedding rings around and around on her finger, her new habit when she was nervous. “One hundred percent interested.”