Hey Ditte3. Thanks for the comments, and the kind note. Sorry this took me a few days to get up. I will try to get another chapter tomorrow. Hope it doesn't disappoint.
Myles sat quietly, amazed again at how much he had enjoyed today. He, Tara, and little Samuel had spent the morning at church, which Myles found both comforting and difficult. After morning service, Tara had made lasagna, which was Samuel's favorite. Together they had laughed as the boy nearly covered himself completely in tomato sauce in his enthusiasm. Tara had bathed him and put him down for his nap, and then the she and Myles had spent the afternoon watching old Sherlock Holmes movies. Currently, he was being entertained by Samuel's class standing in front of the church singing "Jesus loves me" in a way that made everyone smile.
Looking at the child, he was amazed at how they had bonded in the last couple of days. Myles had never considered himself to be good with children. In fact, he had never really known what to do with kids. But there was never a loss with Samuel. From the instant he had seen him, he felt a connection. Even now, his heart swelled with pride as he watched him sing. Somehow, this little child had a place in Myles' heart that could not be explained, and Myles was enjoying it.
Of course, there was something else happening to Myles' heart, besides the boy. Glancing beside him, he realized that Tara was becoming a friend like none he had. It seemed she filled in him a place that was had been vacant for the last couple of years. Actually, looking back, Myles wondered if that part of his heart had always been vacant. What took him by surprise was that Tara seemed to be enjoying his company as much as he was enjoying hers.
Shifting in his seat, his hand moved to the back of the pew. He had not really intentionally put it around her, but once it was there, he did not remove it, and she did not seem to mind. Casually, he felt her move ever so slightly towards him. It surprised him when he felt his heart dance a funny rhythm in his chest. Feeling mildly emboldened, he moved his hand so that it rested lightly on her shoulder. Neither moved anymore, but he could see from Tara's face that the emotions he was feeling were reciprocated.
After the service was finished, the kids donned costumes, as many of the adults walked to their parked vehicles and opened their trunks. Most trunks were decorated like stories from the Bible, or fall scenes. Myles was impressed at the amount of work many of them must have done to make this evening special for the children. The kids moved from trunk to trunk, filling their bags with candy and goodies. Samuel took one of Myles' hands and one of Tara's, and together they took him to each trunk. It struck Myles that to an outsider it appeared that they were a happy family. For some reason, he savored the idea.
"You mind going on a hay ride?" Tara asked as they finished with the last trunk.
"Not my normal evening out," Myles winked, "but I am up for expanding my horizons."
Myles' helped Tara into the wagon, then lifted Samuel into her arms. Finally, he joined them, and took a seat beside her. Samuel was sitting on her lap and he seemed fascinated by sights around him. Giggling and pointing as they went. At one point, the wagon went over a large bump, jostling everyone inside. Immediately, Myles' put one hand beside him to anchor himself to the bench, and then reached out to help Tara keep hold of the young boy in her arms. His hand touched hers, and electric currents ran through his body. As if the current was too great to fight, he let his hand linger on hers for a moment. Their eyes met, and then her hand moved into his. Together they finished the ride, hand in hand. Myles reveled in the feel. His heart swelled at the thought that she was holding the hand that was scarred, and she did not seem to be bothered in the least.
After buckling Samuel into the car seat, they set off to a nearby restaurant for some dinner. When they had settled into a booth, Tara looked up at him. "Thanks for the last couple of days. I wasn't sure how yesterday would go, but you made it nice." In typical Tara fashion, she blushed slightly, raising her eyes as she talked, but keeping her head bent slightly forward.
"It is I who should be thanking you. I too was concerned about yesterday, but I must admit to you that it was the best day I have had for the last two years. Possibly longer. Only to be surpassed by today. So, I thank you, Tara." As he spoke, he hoped he could somehow express to her the amount of gratitude that he felt for her.
Suddenly, he was struck by the fact that they had no plans to see each other for the rest of the week. Desperation filled him. He had to think of some reason to see her. He would be here until Friday, and he wanted nothing more than to fill his week with this woman in front of him. "Um, would you mind if we got together again sometime this week." As he spoke the words, he tried to sound casual, though he would have gladly begged her if need be.
"I have to work tomorrow, but maybe we could do something tomorrow evening. I mean, if you want." She had responded quickly, and he wondered if she was as eager to see him again as he was to see her.
"Tomorrow would be great! I can meet you at your house if you would like, then we can get some supper, and take Samuel to the park or somewhere."
"I would like that." Her voice became quiet, and she seemed on the verge of tears. He was unsure what he did wrong, but wanted to fix it immediately. Reaching across the table, he touched her hand softly.
"What did I do? Have I upset you?"
Looking up into his eyes, he saw a single tear slip out. His hand was still resting on hers, and he felt her move so that she could hold it loosely. "No Myles, you did nothing wrong. It is just, well, I have not dated much since Bobby died," her cheeks reddened again as she quickly added, "not that we are dating. But the few times I did go out, the men have always expected me to get a babysitter." She glanced over at Samuel who was coloring contentedly, seeming to be unaware of the conversation. "For the last two days, you have done everything to be accommodating to us. Samuel and I, well we are a package, and sometimes people don't think about that."
"Tara, I love spending time with Samuel. I am sure it is a surprise to you, as it is to me, that he seems to like me. I am not sure what it is about this kid, but I love being with him….almost as much as I love being with you." He spoke the last words rather quietly, just as the food came. Their eyes lingered for a moment, then Tara began helping Samuel with his macaroni and cheese. Occasionally, through the meal, he would find her watching him, as if she were seeing him for the first time.
Myles was unsure of what to think of all this, but he was sure of one thing. Something was happening between them. Suddenly his mind reached out to a long ago memory of an amusement park. His friend had finally gotten him on a roller coaster, and he remembered the feelings of terror and exhilaration. Maybe this would be a roller coaster ride, but for now, he was ready to strap into the seat and enjoy the ride.