MATT
My eyes dart to Tricia’s silent form cuddled up in the passenger seat. She’s strangely quiet tonight on the drive to my house.
Thanksgiving is less than a week away and we’re both going to be spending it apart from each other with our respective families. I wanted her to come to North Carolina to meet my parents. My sister is even going to make a rare appearance, so it seems perfect timing.
Before I could bring it up, she told me her eldest sister Carol rented a cabin in West Virginia and demanded that the family meal be moved there. Apparently, it’s not unusual for that sister to be bossy and suddenly decide to throw a wrench into everyone’s plans.
I was stunned at the audacity.
My sister and I would never dream of bossing our parents around like that. Nor would they have gone along with it without a discussion taking place.
Tricia just shrugged her shoulders and said it wasn’t a huge deal.
Perhaps not to her, but with those changes, I didn’t feel comfortable asking her to blow off her family’s Thanksgiving to spend time with mine.
For that reason, I planned our own mini feast for this weekend. I even have a turkey breast in the fridge. I’m confident that between the two of us we can manage not to overcook it.
Reaching out a hand, I cover her cool, limp fingers with my own. Her head turns my way, but it’s too dark in the vehicle to make out her features. “Everything okay?” I ask.
Her hand tenses. “Yeah, everything is fine. Lost in thought, I guess.”
“Penny for your thoughts?” I tease, trying to keep the mood light.
Tricia lets out a short, sad sounding laugh. “They’re not even worth the one cent. Sorry to be so moody.”
“Hey, it’s okay. We’re all allowed our moods. I just wanted to make sure nothing was bothering you.”
She slips her hand out from beneath mine and pats my arm. “I’m fine.”
Except she’s not fine.
Clearly, something is on her mind. I want to press her on the issue, but I won’t. Hopefully, when she’s ready, she’ll confide in me.
“How was your day?” she asks, in a clear attempt to change the subject.
“Busy. Before the holidays, there’s always an influx of patients with popped wires or brackets. And then even more are calling up after the holidays. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people disregarding the warning not to eat candy apples with braces.”
Her huff of laughter is music to my ears and the rest of the drive is filled with idle chat.
When we get to the house, the cats run to greet her and trail after her into the living room. While Tricia is on the floor getting overwhelmed with feline affection, I grab the snack tray I picked up on the way home earlier and two bottles of water.
Entering the room, I stop and take in the sight of Tricia on the couch with Poe next to her. My ex laughed when I bought this house. The house I grew up in and the one I want to raise my family in.
Once more, the thought that Tricia belongs here rushes through me. Everything about us feels right. And I can’t help feeling a burst of thankfulness that I booked that appointment. The attraction I felt for her when she came into the room stunned me. Now having gotten to know her, that initial rush pales to compare to the steady swell of feelings that have overtaken my entire being.
My life before was empty and monotonous. Tricia has brought a contentment unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s hard not to blurt out the sentiments that pound in my chest, wanting to break free.
At my approach, Tricia glances up, the smile on her face inviting me closer. I place the waters and tray on the coffee table and reach for her hand. Willingly she takes it, her fingers closing securely over mine.
With a slight tug, she comes to her feet, and I stroke the fingers of my free hand over her soft cheek, my breath locking in my throat when she leans into my touch.
This is it.
I can’t contain my feelings any longer.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TRICIA