Over the Fence (45 page)

I drew back. “You haven’t looked at your ring.”

“I’ll love it.”

“Open it, Kourtney.”

I loosened my grip on her, watching her expressive face as she slowly opened the box, with shaky hands. Her eyes flew to mine after she stared at the small token of my love nestled in its satin lining.

“I wanted something you could wear all the time,” I explained. “Your beautiful eyes are my most favorite thing about you and I wanted them represented.” Reaching over, I plucked the ring from its mooring and lifting her left hand, slid the thick ring in place. The brilliant sapphires and emeralds caught the light, and the small diamonds threw rainbows onto the glass behind her.

“It’s beautiful,” Kourtney breathed out as she held her hand up, twisting it to see the colors dance more as she did.

“Our fence is represented, as well.” I grinned and pointed out the straight lines of the sapphires. I turned her hand a little to the right. “If you look at it this way it looks like the ladder. I couldn’t find one with a barbeque on it though. But I thought two out of three was pretty good.”

Her rich laughter made me smile.

“You like it, Kourtney?”

“I love it. I’ll never take it off.” She hesitated. “Do you, um, want to wear a ring?”

I dragged her back into my arms and nuzzled her neck. “Yes, Chefgirl. Buy me a ring. Mark me as taken. As yours. It’s what I want to be.” I kissed her soft skin. “And I want to do it soon, okay?”

“How soon?”

I shrugged sheepishly. “I already downloaded the wedding license off the net. We can fill it out. Send it in and have it back in a couple weeks? Make our plans?”

“You really want to marry me?” Her beautiful eyes misted over and her voice trembled with suppressed emotion.

I gathered her hands in mine and kissed her ring. “More than anything. Yes.”

She sighed. “I love you, Nathan. I can’t wait to be your wife—to belong to you.”

“You do belong to me, every second of every day. You’re mine, Kourtney—you have been from the day you were sweet enough to care about the hungry person on the other side of the fence and brave enough to climb a ladder and let me into your life.” I placed our hands over my heart. “And, in the process, give me back mine.”

Her smile could have lit up the entire world. “Yours,” she breathed.

“So that’s a definite yes?” I teased.

“Yes.”

I wrapped my arms around her, knowing I’d never let her go.

My world was now complete.

I call this: Glimpses. Chefgirl and Nat’s life through one of their favorite mediums; texting.
Nat’s texts are bold.

I’m going to be late again, Chefgirl.

That new client?

Yeah, pain in the ass. Meeting again in an hour. I’ll be home as soon as possible.

I understand, Nat. This is huge for you. I’ll be waiting. I love you.

Huge for us. Love you so much.

xx

Claire called.

How is my favorite older woman?

She wants us to come back soon for another visit.

Can you blame the woman? I am rather charming.

LOL. Not to mention modest.

Actually, I didn’t mention it—you did. But thanks for noticing. Is she OK? Grant?

They’re both fine. She wanted me to tell you thanks for bringing me to see them and to do so again soon.

If she’d make another meatloaf like the one she made this weekend we could go tomorrow. I’ll clear my schedule.

You’re so easily swayed with food.

Kourtney—that was the best meatloaf I’ve ever eaten. I’d forgotten how much I loved it. And the pie? God help me.

She gave me the recipe.

For both?

Yes.

Forget her, then. We don’t need her anymore. Besides, you have something she doesn’t.

What is that?

The cutest socks . . . always with the cute socks. Nothing compares.

LOL—I love you.

I love you, Chefgirl. And whenever you want to go back, just tell me. Or they can come here before the wedding.

She says we’re perfect together.

We are.

See you at home.

Kourtney?

Yes?

You’re making the meatloaf tonight, right?

Love you, Nat.

Is that a yes? . . . Kourtney?

How’s your day, Nat?

I miss you. Thank you for marrying me last week. Did I mention how beautiful you were?

About a hundred times.

Hmm. Not enough. You were beautiful.

I love you, Nat.

I want you.

Um . . . at work. So are you.

I could slip out. I am the boss. How’s that headache of yours?

Pounding.

Meet me at home. Now. I’ll show you pounding.

Leaving now.

I love you, Chefgirl.

Stop typing and get your fine ass home, Nat. I want it bare and buried between my legs.

Fuck.

That’s the idea.

In the car. On my way.

Thank you for the flowers—they’re beautiful.

You were remarkable last night, Kourtney. Articulate, beautiful and perfect. So proud of my wife. Sophie thinks you’re amazing, too.

I hate talking in front of a crowd. But knowing you were there, supporting me, helped me so much. Having Sophie there was a bonus.

I’ll always be there, Kourtney.

I know.

In my heart I’m always beside you.

I love you, Nat.

I love you, Chefgirl. See you at home.

I’m leaving a little early, Nat.

Yeah?

Did I mention I’m wearing new socks today?

I didn’t see those this morning. Color?

Pink and white. Hearts.

Hmm . . . need to see those. Guess I’m leaving early, too.

OK—me and my socks will be waiting. Meet you in our room?

Meet you there. I need something to tide me over. Give it up.

xx

That’s my girl. On my way.

Did I mention last night how sexy it is to see my name on your body?

You might have shown me, Nat. A few times
.

I love the tattoo. I love you. Thank you. Best surprise Wednesday gift ever.

Really? It beat out the red polka dot lingerie from last month?

Hmm, hard call there, come to think of it. I have an idea.

This I can’t wait to hear.

Why don’t you model the lingerie tonight and I’ll see which I like better—tattoo with the lingerie on . . . or tattoo with the lingerie off?

This sounds like a set up.

Never, Chefgirl. Only trying to make sure I give it a fair assessment.

You do remember the tattoo is on my arm, right? Not sure I need to model it with the lingerie off.

Oh there’s a need. A hard, pressing need. I promise you.

Nat?

?

I love you. Even though you have a one-track mind and you’re a complete nut, I love you. And I will take care of your hard pressing need tonight.

I’ll bring home dinner . . . save you some time and energy. We’re gonna need lots of both Chefgirl. The need is growing.

How embarrassing for you.

God, I love you. See you at home. Come early.

Without you?

NO. Don’t even joke. Come HOME early. You come with ME.

I will. Suddenly I’m also feeling needy.

Perfect. I like you needy for me.

xx