I laugh, the sound bubbling up from a well of memories I haven’t dipped into in years. “I almost got suspended for that. Mrs. Henderson was not amused.”
“Ah, but Mr. Parker was secretly tapping his foot to 'Total Eclipse of the Heart.' Caught him myself,” Lincoln says, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes.
My cheeks warm at the recollection, glowing under the soft light of the stars. “Well, he did have a thing for Bonnie Tyler, or so the rumors went.”
“Rumors you started,” Lincoln teases, nudging my knee with his own.
“Guilty as charged.” My smile lingers.
He picks through the picnic basket, retrieving a bottle of sparkling cider. “And how about the time we tried to recreate the chemistry experiment from class and ended up turning my mom's kitchen blue?”
“Your mom was so cool about it. She just laughed and told us we had discovered a new element.”
He chuckles, pouring the fizzy liquid into two glasses with care. “It was moments like those... they made high school bearable.”
“More than bearable, they were fun,” I correct him, accepting the glass he offers.
Those days had been simpler, lighter, and sitting here with Lincoln, it is as if no time has passed at all. Yet everything has changed, and maybe, just maybe, we are on the cusp of creating new memories—ones just as precious and laughter-filled as those from the days of our youth.
I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, the corners of my lips curling into a smile. “Life's been a roller coaster since then, hasn't it?”
“Definitely. Back in those days, I never imagined I'd end up where I am now.”
“An anesthesiologist for kids... You're doing amazing things, Lincoln. It takes a special kind of person to handle that.”
“And you've become this incredible software developer. I remember when you used to struggle just to log into your email.”
“Guilty as charged. But look at me now—coding away and creating virtual worlds.”
There are so many things I want to say, yet most of them won’t come to fruition. Fear takes over.
“When I came back to Lawson Ridge, I was convinced that part of my life—love, companionship—it was over for me.” The words tumble out, heavy with the weight I’ve been carrying since the ink dried on the divorce papers.
He leans in.
“After everything, I just…” I pause, struggling to find the right words. “I didn't think I could ever let someone in again. My trust felt shattered, you know?” My laugh wis hollow, echoing against the walls of vulnerability I have carefully erected around myself.
Lincoln's hand reaches across the small blanket between us, bridging the distance with a tenderness that makes my breath catch. His fingers intertwine with mine, a lifeline in the cool night air.
“I’m not him. And I would never hurt you. You are a part of my life now, and I’ll do anything to keep you in it. Building a future. It's something I want—with you.”
“Lincoln, I?—”
“Hey.” He squeezes my hand gently, his smile reaching those soulful eyes. “Don’t freak out and run. I’m not saying let’s get married or anything, but I want you to know I’m all in with you.”
Here is a man who has seen me at my weakest, yet stands before me offering strength and support.
“Isn't it cold?” I tease.
“Maybe a little,” Lincoln admits. “But I've got something that might help with that.” His deep soulful eyes sparkle as he leans closer, reducing the space between us to nothing.
His lips find mine in an eager kiss that holds promises of a future we’ve only just begun to decipher.
“Wow,” I gasp when we finally part, both of us breathless.
“Wow indeed.”
“Is this your method for stargazing? Because I have to say, it's quite effective.”
