Standing on tiptoe, she touched her lips to his. "I wouldn't want it any other way." Her arms went around his neck; his arms circled her waist and drew her closer. His kisses reminded her of a warm fall day, her favorite time of year. It was easy to forget the past, the present, and the future. All she needed was to focus on Garrett.
They pulled away, but held on to each other. Garrett's smile spoke the words before he did, but Caitlin pleaded with her eyes for him to say the words. "I love you, Caitlin."
A song with no name filled her heart and it seemed like her feet never touched the ground. "I love you."
Now was the worst time to leave, but she had promised to help her grandma. "Go," he said. "Enjoy this time with her. There's plenty of time for us. We're just starting and I'm not going anywhere." He kissed the top of her head and sent her on her way.
As she drove to Rachel's, Caitlin thought about her new found relationship and hoped it would be lived in the present and not turned to the past or looked too far ahead. She waltzed into the kitchen, humming.
"Oh dear, it's happened. You better tell me now or else we won't get any work done."
Caitlin laughed. "He said he loves me."
"He said the words? Did you threaten him in any way?" she asked with raised eyebrows.
"No."
"Well, I'll be. It's about time that man got off his rocking chair and returned to the living."
Caitlin believed she would never stop smiling. "I never thought he would say the words because of Barbara. Then there was Scott. I figured he was done with love."
"Love isn't something you control, sweets. Your heart takes over and it can't be stopped, despite the fight. I'm glad he came to his senses and opened himself up again to love and to you. You two are good for one another."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence. I believe we are meant to be together." Caitlin smiled not knowing what else to say.
Rachel blasted country music to motivate them to work. Over the next three days, they papered and painted the kitchen, the parlor, and the dining room.
"No more, please," Caitlin groaned after the last piece was up.
"I agree." Rachel rubbed Caitlin's shoulder. She then turned off the music and stood back to survey their work. "Not bad for an old goat and a young woman in love. We make a great team."