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She glances to me from the corner of her eyes. “Wild animals? What kind?”
“Sharks.”
“The only shark out tonight might be you.”
I laugh and take her hand, singing the Jaws tune. Dun nuh duh nuh duh nuh.
Hand in hand I walk with woman I long to be alone with, the moon casting a soft glow on the ranch and on us. The night is still, air filled with the scent of wildflowers. As we stroll down a dirt path, the song of cicadas fills the air, their melodic chirping a soothing symphony that helps to calm the anger I felt at dinner, when Jonny didn’t know if it was okay to have a sleepover. My relaxation deepens as Willow leans her head on my shoulder, her warmth radiating against my arm. We walk in comfortable silence, our footsteps blending with the gentle rustling of leaves, long grass falling under her sandals, my boots, as the path fades. I can't help but feel a sense of pride that she’s walking with me. The way she handled herself at dinner, the ease she had among the whole group, and most of all, how she spoke with my son — like a friend. All of this was incredibly impressive. But that being in her presence on this peaceful night could calm that volcano I felt brewing, that’s the biggest surprise. I’m used to the country, the anger I’m not. It’s been my companion too often as of late. I realize suddenly that her being with me is the main reason I feel better now. I’m used to the setting, after all.
“What’s that sound?” Willow smiles. “I’ve never heard that before.”
“Cicadas. They’re common in Georgia.”
“It sounds like they’re talking to each other.”
“They’re saying they never saw someone as beautiful as you.”
Willow beams at me and I go to follow my impulse to kiss her, but she pulls back. “Can we just be together for a little while?”
“Sure,” I smile. Does she think it’s all too much? How could she not? The man with a son, who’s physically carried away an Ex and more than once, an Ex who now Willow knows doesn’t like her? That’d be a lot for me, were the tables turned.
Sensing my racing thoughts, Willow says, “Don’t think too much.” Quieter she adds, “I’m trying not to, too. Let’s just enjoy all of this.”
“I can do that.”
She stops walking and stares at me, expression open and curious. “I like you, Ben.”
“I like you, too.”
Her gaze shifts upward. “I’ve never seen so many stars!”
The night sky is a canvas of twinkling lights. I point out constellations as we stroll, tracing lines above us with the index finger of my free hand. Willow watches my paths, following each one with grey eyes of awe. “You’re so beautiful,” I tell her. “You make the stars seem ordinary.”
She gasps, and grins at me. “That’s the sweetest things anyone’s ever said to me.”
“It’s true. I feel very lucky to be with you tonight.”
“Me too.”
We approach the horses, Aragorn’s and Arwen’s graceful forms illuminated by cool moonlight. I give them a “Heyahh!” command to run and they gallop freely west, hooves hitting the ground in perfect harmony. Willow's eyes light up with joy as she watches, her newfound love for horses evident in her expression. But a frown appears and she looks around. “Where are the cows?”
“In the stable at night. Protects them from bobcats and coyotes.”
“Oh no! Wait. Aren’t they too big for coyotes?”
“Not if there are enough of them.”
Willow shivers, “Ew.”
I laugh. “Don’t worry. We haven’t lost one yet.”
“Really? Okay, that makes me feel better. We have coyotes in Los Angeles.”
“What?!”
“It’s the desert. That’s their home.”
“Ah.” I nod once. “They like the country too. But in a city as big as that, I wouldn’t think...”
