“I forgive you. And just so you know, I’m sorry too.”
He hugged her, and the room filled with a new sense of peace. They might not have it all together, but God was with them, His grace and forgiveness wrapping around them like the faintest perfume. And somehow in Muskoka he was going to trust God to bring them together. And help them find a future, even if it seemed destined to be without a child.
CHAPTER7
The first week in Muskoka passed in quietude, much like their time before. It was good to switch off, to exist in their bubble of just them, especially now Dan seemed to have come out of his shell and was talking to her again.
She wished she was physically able to show him her affection, but even that seemed too hard. And while her heart was willing, her flesh remained too weak, as evidenced by more spotting.
Dan was good though. He’d gone fishing a few times while she’d read and slept. It felt like her body was slowly trying to resume normality, and she couldn’t wait until she stopped bleeding, and the weather was warmer, and she could swim again. Swimming and reading had proved two of the biggest enjoyments of her time here over the years. Mind you, the lake would have to be a lot warmer for her to enjoy a dip. But the hot tub could be nice.
Dan returned from his trip and cooked the walleye he’d caught, and she was reminded of back when they’d first started hanging out.
“What’s that look for?”
She shrugged. “I was just remembering when Mr. Fit and Healthy had to have moussaka made with sour cream.”
He chuckled. It was nice to hear. “I’m happy for you to make that again any time you like.”
“With no Rob and Jason?” she teased, referencing his friends.
“Definitely not.”
“Whatever happened to Rob?”
“Are you asking your husband about a man you once dated?”
“Oncebeing the operative word. We went out one time, Dan. I didn’t think you were so insecure.”
His low laughter came again. “I don’t think I’m insecure. Am I?” he teased.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That sounds like a comment from a very insecure man. Someone who needs reassurance.”
His eyes darkened, his lips twitching. “And just how do you plan to reassure me?”
“Like this.” She tugged his head down and pressed her lips to his, and showed him some of the passion the rest of her body could not yet. He made a noise at the back of his throat and clutched her closer, dragging her hips flush against his. Soon all thought of food was consumed by a different hunger, something that was only stopped by the scent of—
“The fish is burning!”
He dropped his arms and tried to salvage the meal, but the charred remains suggested it was destined for the trash.
“I’m sorry,” she said, as meekly as she could.
“I’m not.” He faced her again. “I’d much rather kiss you than fry fish.”
“In that case…” She tilted her lips invitingly.
They endedup eating cheese and crackers for dinner, ice-cream, and canned peaches for dessert. Now his off-season was here, Dan didn’t have to be quite so vigilant with his diet, which made a nice change from the chicken, vegetables and pasta that seemed to make up most meals between October and April. Maybe she could treat him to a five-star degustation at Alphonse’s at the Muskoka Shores Resort. Or maybe she could investigate a nice foodie getaway for their anniversary in two months.
She tucked her head into his chest. From their position here on the two-person lounge on the deck they could see a few stars twinkling above the trees.
“Do you think we could have dinner with Ange and John soon?”
“Sure.”
Good. She snuggled closer. “I think they’d like that. I know they’ve been praying for us.”
“They’re good people.”
