Chapter 6: Is It Possible?
A couple of weeks passed, and Mitch and Amy agreed to meet for lunch at The Westwood in Black Diamond off the beaten path from Hudson. It was a warm enough day to sit in the relaxing patio dining area. A local entertainment duo played softly in the background. The waitress came to take their order, and through the conversation, they learned that The Westwood was owned by a little Aussie lady and her Canadian husband. The atmosphere was just right for conversation. They ordered the beef brisket and Halloumi salad to share and beer to drink. And Mitch asked them to bring the Hot Apple Pie ala mode to share afterward. They slid into easy conversation. Talking seemed to come so naturally for them. Mitch was surprised at how quickly he was developing strong feelings for Amy (and secretly, Amy was feeling much the same way). As they chatted, Mitch felt the desire burning in his heart to be really honest with her about what he was feeling, yet he was unsure how much he should say or how quickly to move forward. Amy unknowingly helped him out when she asked, "Mitch, if we should continue down this road, how are you feeling about the elephant in the room – that you've shared a relationship with my sister?"
Mitch was a bit taken aback by Amy's directness, and thankfully, their food arrived about that time and gave him a chance to think of how to answer, but he also felt relief that she'd brought it up. "Amy, I know this seems really awkward because of Lou's and my past, and I don't want to assume anything, but I REALLY like you, and I feel like it could be more than just as friends. I don't want Lou and I having been together to affect that. In fact, I'm really surprised at how strong my feelings have become in such a short time, but before I say anything more, is it possible you're feeling it too?"
A slow smile began to break on Amy's face. "You're right, it seems a little awkward and quick, but yes, Mitch. I feel it, too! And like we said before, we aren't starting from scratch."
"You don't know how happy that makes me! But I also have to ask, how are you feeling about my having had a relationship with Lou?"
"Well, it's not like we are either of us coming into this as teens with no life experience. I'm sure for a while, it's going to continue to feel a little strange. Especially if we continue to see each other and get to the point of having to reveal it to my family and not knowing how it will affect Lou. But Mitch, I feel comfortable with all you've shared that you've learned from it and where you are now."
"I'm glad. However, in trying to be sensitive to Lou, I'm thinking we shouldn't say anything til we know for sure this is something we both want. What is her situation now? Are she and Peter back together, permanently?"
Amy suggested, "Shall we dig in while we're talking?" Mitch agreed. Amy continued, "Actually, they are, and have been for a while. And Lou's been taking over even more of managing the ranch. They still have a long-distance marriage as Peter still works in Vancouver, but things are going well for them, and the distance thing doesn't seem to bother Lou like it used to. From all indications, they've grown into their relationship being more solid now and are happy." A thought came to Amy, "You know Mitch, I saw your face the day she learned she'd won the mayor's race and you walked in and saw her hugging and thanking Peter. I know that hurt you."
"Yes, it did. And in the speech she'd given to her supporters a little while before that, she named off all those important to her that she had a relationship with, but she didn't mention that she was a girlfriend. She didn't even realize she'd left me out, which was a red flag. That hurt more than seeing her hug Peter. I guess that was the real start of doubting we were meant to be together, at least for me, though we kept trying. But that's all in the past now. Yet it does prompt me to ask you one more question that may seem a bit out of the blue," Mitch said as he took a bite. "Wow! This food is really good!"
"It really is! We'll have to write them a good review!... So, Mitch, what is your question?"
Mitch swallowed hard, wiped his mouth with his napkin and took a deep breath before answering, "Amy, do you want any more children?"
Amy was a little surprised, yet it confirmed her suspicion about what she thought she'd read in Mitch's eyes in the workshop. She pondered for a moment…"Yes, that is a bit out of the blue. Honestly, I've not let myself think a lot about it, not knowing if there'd ever be the chance again, but yes. I know I'd like to have at least one more. Beyond that, I'm not sure right now, but I'm open."
"I'm really glad to hear that…because should things go further for us, that is something that's really important to me. The time I got to spend with your incredible family made me realize that. Growing up as an only child, and then losing Zach made me feel so lost. There's been a void in my life ever since. And being a part of a real family is still a dream I have and a deep need I feel. I really want us to be on the same page about things and talk about everything."
"I feel the same way."
"How do you suggest we proceed from here…especially with regard to your family?"
"How about if we just spend some more time together first talking about all those things we want to know as we continue to learn more about each other. I think we need to be sure before we let anyone else know. Don't you?"
Mitch agreed, "I do. That sounds great! Do you think you can keep it secret a little longer?"
"Well, it may be hard, since I seem to be smiling pretty much all the time now (a rosy flush kept across Amy's cheeks), but I'll do my best till we can figure out the best way to tell them. Maybe we should just stay incognito for now, especially should you happen to run into any of them."
"I think you're right." Mitch reached out and squeezed her hand. Amy loved his fond gesture. "Well, I guess it's time to head back." Mitch pulled out Amy's chair for her, they thanked the owners for a wonderful lunch, and as they walked out together, their hands brushed against each other and just naturally clasped. When they reached their trucks, Mitch squeezed her hand again, lifted it to his lips, kissed the back of it and said, "I'll see you later. I'll be anxiously awaiting our next conversation. I'll text you to set a time and place." Amy couldn't wait, and she gave him a big smile as Mitch winked at her.