Page 33 of Rough Cut Romance
“You don’t have to thank me; this is what parents are for.”
“I know, but still, thanks.”
We had come to a compromise a week before. Ben would pay for his living expenses, but Scott and I were splitting the cost of his tuition. It was a compromise none of us were happy with, so that is how we knew it was right. Ben wanted to pay all of it, and so did we.
One of the other kids in his dorm arrived, and Ben waved to us so he could go introduce himself.
“We raised a good kid,” Scott said as we walked to the parking lot.
“We did. You off for another long haul trip?”
He sighed. “Yeah,” he sounded tired, and I reminded myself it wasn’t my place to suggest he find a career that let him sleep and see his kid more.
“You off to Wyatt’s place?”
I nodded.
“I like him. I’m happy for you guys.”
“Thanks, you’ll find someone one of these days too, assuming that’s what you want.”
“We’ll see.” He was as resigned to his fate as I had been before I met Wyatt.
I made the drive back to Wildrose Bend, filled my SUV at my old house, then headed to Wyatt house. Our house now.
I pulled into the driveway around dinnertime. It had taken longer than I’d expected to move things at Ben’s dorm, and now my energy for moving things was flagging.
Wyatt bounded down the steps and met me at my car door with a kiss. “How did it go?”
“Good, took a while, but he seems happy.”
He nodded. “Let’s get your SUV unloaded, then get some dinner.”
We did exactly that, and by the time the sun started to dip. We were cuddled together on his couch with boxes and suitcases strewn around the room. “Thanks for doing all the moving today,” I said, head resting on his shoulder, eyes closed as the TV droned quietly in the background.
He kissed my temple. “You don’t have to thank me. Partners, right?”
I nodded, breathing in his scent. “I love you Wyatt.”
“Love you too, Vera.”
I tightened my arms around him.
After my divorce, even though it was civil as far as divorces went, I’d fought for everything. I’d worked, and I’d scraped and saved and compromised and given more than I took.
Finally, I’d found some semblance of peace, and I’d risked it all. I’d gambled on the goofy carpenter with the too-long hair and the sweet smile, and I’d won.
I’d won a peace that was deeper and richer than I ever thought I’d have again.
