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I thought of how he’d handled Mr Eckhardt’s fury He was firm, but also respectful and even-keeled "I can see that You’re very good at what you do"

The complimenthiain

"What does this e? Have you worked it out yet, or are you acting on instinct?"

I wasn’t sure if he was talking about the garden or our possible coupledom I decided my ansould be the same "If I say instinct, would you think less of it? Of me?"

"Of course not Some of the best choices in h the potential outcout It’s okay to do that when that small part of your brain that you trust io for it" He turned toHe put one strong hand on ave me a moment to stop him, and when I didn’t, leaned over and touched his lips to mine

He moved slowly, conscious of -term love, of familiarity, of confidence in the future, of a coether Sean’s touch was unfamiliar anddifferent The differences kept eness of it offset soht about what Trey would think, and potential disappointment if it didn’t work out, and the sheer terror if it did I could lose soain I could be left alone I could--

And then I heard Jesse’s voice in my head He told roas the natural by-product of change He said I shouldn’t fight it or taint it with guilt or wish I’d been more like this new self with him, because it would discount the beauty of e’d had He said I should be open not only to life but also to love

"Okay," I whispered

"What?" Sean said, a quizzical look on his face "Did I say so?"

"No, I did I wanted to know if you’d be interested in having dinner withto ask you You beat me to it"

"Is that a yes?"

"It is," he said "Unequivocally"

"Good," I said

"Are you sure it is?"

"Yes," I said "Unequivocally"

"Can I sit here for a while and watch your garden grow, Mary, Mary?"

"I’ht want to reevaluate that statement"