Sunday

"Amanda, did you get him?"

"I'm working on it!"

Amanda felt the rush of contentment at the sight of Lee grinning at her as he tugged her closer and began nuzzling her cheek. After everything they'd been through in the last few weeks, it was so good to see him relaxed and happy.

"Now why are you still lying to your mother?" he murmured into her ear. "You know you've got me."

"And you have me too," she reminded him. "Although I did miss you last night. You know, it's weird – we weren't away all that long, but it's already strange not to climb into bed with you every night."

Lee gave her a small squeeze of agreement. "Me too. The bed at home is too big for just me now."

"So is mine – but I'm not gonna lie… after that pullout sofa all week? It's bliss."

"Look at Miss Fancy Pants," Lee teased. "Remember when you thought it was better than a box under the freeway?"

"You do take me to all the nicest places," she smiled, running her hands up and down his back.

"I'll take you to the Ritz one day, I promise."

"I don't need the Ritz – I just need you." Amanda tipped up to press another kiss on his lips. "But right now, I also need to get back inside before Mother comes out here looking for me."

They shared another lingering kiss before breaking apart with regretful expressions.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Will I see you tomorrow?"

Amanda gave a quick glance at the house, then turned back shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but I need to spend time with them. You understand, don't you?"

"I do… I'm just selfish," he replied with a tired smile. "I don't suppose that trellis got fixed while we were away?" he added wistfully.

"I don't think it was on Mother's priority list somehow, do you?" she reprimanded him, cupping his cheek so he'd know she was teasing.

Lee shook his head, dimples dancing in his cheeks. "A man can hope, can't he?" He lifted her hand to kiss her fingers, with a wink.

As he turned to leave, Amanda's expression turned to concern. "Lee? You'll be alright, won't you?" When he lifted an inquiring eyebrow, she waved her hand toward the house. "I mean, I have Mother and the boys, but you… I worry about you, going home alone." The push and pull of her emotions was visible on her face.

"Well, you don't need to worry," Lee answered. He stepped back toward her to hold her hands. "I meant what I said – I may be going home to an empty bed, but you-" He tapped his heart. "You're right in here and I'm not alone anymore." He gave her hands a squeeze. "I may never be able to tell you how much it meant to me that you came with me that day, that you never lost your faith in me… but I promise to spend the rest of my life trying."

"Oh Lee."

He could see the shine of tears in her eyes. "Hey, no crying – your mother will wonder what the dog did to make you cry." he gave her a chuck under the chin and waited for her to smile. "Now go on inside. Go be with them – and when you're ready, I'll be waiting."