[Past] Salt Water and Sandwiches

Colt grinned at Mina's playful request for all the dates at once, his eyes glinting with that familiar mix of affection and amusement. Well, darlin', I reckon I can handle that, he said, letting his voice drawl a bit. But we gotta take 'em one at a time, else we’d have nothin’ left to look forward to. He felt her hands slide up his back, sneaking measurements, and he raised an eyebrow. You schemin’ somethin’, missy? he teased, knowing full well she was planning something, and it made his chest warm. When she spoke about ravaging him with her hands one day, he had to bite back a grin, trying to keep things light even as the idea of it sent a shiver down his spine. As much as he enjoyed teasing her, the truth was that keeping his hands respectful while they were in the water had been painful in the sweetest way. She was right there, so close, and all he could do was make sure she was safe, even if every nerve in him wanted to pull her closer.

Her talk about the waves and her fondness for the sound reminded him how much he liked seeing her at peace, seeing her take in new things with those wide, wonder-filled eyes. Colt found himself comparing it to the way he felt whenever she was around. Steady, sure, like something that just made sense. As she talked about getting back on time, he could hear the hint of reluctance, and it matched his own even knowing that their time was short. Well, I can’t pass up that way of invitation, can I?, not even trying to hide how much he liked the idea. The way she described her little cubby under the stairs, he could picture it, all snug and cozy. Though I gotta say, Mina, I’m a tall fella. I might not fit all that well, he laughed softly. We can give it a try, or I’ll pay for the big room tonight. ‘Course, if space is real tight, we could always head up to the hayloft above the barn.

~*~

The ride back was slower, a deliberate kind of pace that let him soak in every last bit of the day they’d shared. With Mina settled against him, the rhythm of Bessie's trot steady beneath them, Colt couldn’t help but think about how easy it all felt. Today was more than just a date - it was a memory, one he’d turn over in his head whenever he found himself missing her. The way she smiled when the waves touched her feet, her laugh when he’d swung her over his shoulder, even the simple way she’d been so intent on setting out the food, all of it felt like pieces of something bigger, something he was more than willing to build with her.

As they neared the Back Water, Colt gave Bessie a gentle pat, already thinking about how to make good on his promise. I’ll look into that boat thing, you know, he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. Maybe not the ocean just yet. We’ll start small, see how your stomach does. But I’m game if you still are. He paused, glancing down at her with a smile. And if that works out, we’ll plan for bigger waters. It was a simple thing, a promise of more days, more moments like this one, but it felt right. He knew they couldn’t have all their dates at once, but that just meant he’d have more time to savor every single one of them.

@Wilhelmina