"I'm sorry." She cleared her throat and put the last fifteen minutes into the deepest recesses of her mind. "Please, Garrett, we came here to dance and have a good time." When his arms crossed in front of his chest, she rested her hands on her hips. "Don't tell me you'd rather spend the evening being mad instead of dancing with me?"
Garrett tapped his arm and ran his tongue over his teeth. "I don't know who that man is or what he wants," she said. "He's gone for now, so can we please enjoy the rest of our evening?" she asked.
He took her hand and led her to the dance floor as "Swayin' to the Music" by Johnny Rivers played. Once their bodies swayed to the music, they relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. There was no comparison. Dancing with the stranger was like being in junior high and the best-looking kid in school asked you to dance. You were excited, but the dance left you deflated, because you knew it was a one-shot deal. Garrett kept her spirits high, kept her wanting more. She hoped one day he would break down the wall surrounding his heart and let her in.
After the reception Garrett followed Caitlin home but her thoughts remained focused on the stranger. "Who is he? Why do we need to talk?" For now, she refused to dwell on it and focus instead on Garrett. He was her foundation, her rock, and this was the man she wanted in her life forever. She wondered if he felt the same and if so, would he ever speak the words?
Garrett checked the place while Caitlin made coffee and then joined him outside. "I love it here," she said. "No noise, no sirens, no pollution."
"No night life, no dance clubs or fancy restaurants." He sipped his coffee and settled on the porch railing.
"Who needs it?" Caitlin said settling onto the porch swing.
"You do."
"No," she said with a lilt to her voice. "Living in Richmond gave me the opportunity but I rarely took it. My weekends were spent here with Granddaddy. During the week I worked."
"Didn't you ever miss the weekend life of the city?" Garrett asked.
"No." Caitlin laughed. "During the week I thought about Valley View and the ranch. When I was home I wondered how I could stay."
When Garrett set his mug down and moved closer to Caitlin, her breaths became shallow. "Marshall would have let you come home," he said, whisper-like, while caressing her arm.