Chapter Sixteen

“Would you rather live in the mountains or on the beach?” I asked Freddie, my head resting on his shoulder as we enjoyed our last evening together. The days had gone so quickly and wonderfully. I had kept asking him to stay another day, and he kept agreeing. I was sure he would get tired of being out in a cabin on a lake, eating home-cooked meals, and reading books on the porch.

But he didn't. If anything, I think it soothed his soul as much as it did mine.

The night sky sparkled with stars through the window, but we were tucked under a light blanket on the couch inside. The blanket was almost too hot, even with air conditioning, but I liked the weight of it on my lap. My shoulder fit perfectly under his arm as we snuggled on the couch, just talking and enjoying the sound of crickets and frogs outside.

“I assume I get a house?” Freddie asked. “I don't have to live out in the wild?”

“Yes, you get a comfortable house with a TV and everything,” I told him with a wave of my hand. “Beach o