Page 54

Bekah wasn’t sure, but it did bode well for the future of their relationship. A relationship that was getting better by the day.

Mostly.

They had their moments. But so did most relationships of any kind.

“That sounds good.” She needed to convince herself to get up out of the plush chaise lounge they’d purchased to give her a comfortable place to sit with her legs up but not need an ottoman.

The downside had to be that she hadn’t found a graceful way to stand up.

Josiah held out a hand and helped her. “I already started the car.”

Thank God for remote start. By the time they reached the vehicle, it would be significantly cooler. Then she’d probably turn the heated seat on at least for a few minutes to help with the perpetual ache in her lower back.

When they reached the diner, it wasn’t nearly as full as Bekah had feared. Fifteen minutes later, a cheese omelet and giant pancakes had been placed in front of her, along with a large glass of milk.

She cut off a bite of pancake and sighed as she ate it. “This hits the spot. Thank you for suggesting it.”

“My pleasure.”

The meal was filled with conversation about everything and nothing. They’d gotten good at that. Personal discussions were never held in public. Josiah wasn’t a big target for the paparazzi that occasionally staked out Serenity Landing and Trumanville, but he was a target of opportunity. If they saw him in public, he was considered fair game.

So personal discussions were saved for home.

In public, it was more about favorite lunch meat or least favorite musical genre. Things that could be overheard and publicized and not matter a whole lot.

After eating almost all of the meal, they paid and left the diner to head for Serenity Landing. Esther and Darius, Josiah’s brother and sister-in-law were supposed to be there and save them seats in the part of the stadium with chair backs. Bekah didn’t think she could handle two or three hours on bleachers.

The lot was fuller than she’d hoped, so Josiah dropped her off near the entrance to the stadium then went to park. She waited in the shade and fanned herself with the hat she’d finally remembered was already in the car.

Once inside, they made their way to the front of the stands and looked for Esther and Darius. Bekah’s heart sank. It had been a while since she’d been to the Serenity Landing stadium. There were no seats with chair backs.

After about thirty seconds, Josiah spotted his sister-in-law waving from in front of the press and coaches’ boxes in the top middle. She sighed in relief when she realized she’d be able to use the wall as a back rest.

The next three hours were spent trying to stay cool, cheering for the Patriots as they defeated Spring Meadow, and being impressed - as always - with the marching band. They would come back in October, when they’d likely struggle to stay warm, and see the progress the group made.

On the trip back to their home on the outskirts of Trumanville, Bekah closed her eyes and tried not to fall asleep. Instead, she tried to remember as many of the conversations as she could. With her hand in Josiah’s, she didn’t make it very far and dozed off.

When they arrived back at the house, Josiah woke her up and supported her until they were in the house.

They went about the mundane tasks of showering to get the Missouri heat off of them and getting ready for bed.

When Bekah walked back into the bedroom, she saw Josiah.

Really saw him.

Bent over on her side of the bed to make sure her lotion and lip balm were where she needed them and a bottle of water waited, in case she woke up thirsty.

He’d been taking such good care of her.

And she loved him for it.

The thought took her by surprise.

She loved him?

As she leaned against the door jamb, she realized it was true. Somewhere in the last few months, she’d fallen in love with her husband.

Now she just needed to work up the courage to tell him.