“You want any company during this calm time?”
“As long as you promise me that we keep this as calm as possible,” Brodie quipped. “I’m talking all-night Netflix marathons, very slow walks on the beach, eating mashed potatoes and gravy, and getting a full eight hours of sleep per night.”
“Eight? I want nine,” Mallory joked.
Their laughter cascaded around them, drawing the attention of other couples, who felt the warmth of their connection. With both hands laced together over the tabletop, they gazed into one another’s eyes and made a single promise— one that had nothing to do with time and everything to do with hope.
“I’ve always wanted someone to grow with,” Mallory whispered.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to grow,” Brodie returned.
“Maybe we can help each other,” Mallory tried.
“I’d like that very much.”
As a splendorous array of twinkling stars erupted over the night sky, Mallory found herself in the early throes of something that very well could become love. The fact that she wasn’t sure, yet, of its future was invigorating. The not-knowing was the best part.
* * *