cheated death, and she was getting the hang of it.
Within the week, September was over. She had dates with John that ended in her bed, and on Sundays, he took her out of town to his home and made love with her in his.
The trees were turning, the days were getting colder, and their walks along the lake got shorter. John made her laugh and feel beautiful, and she ached for him in the way a woman wants her man. When they made love, it wasn't just passion. It was healing her.
She knew John understood. She never saw impatience in his expression. Only the love, plainly visible in his eyes. He wouldn't ask. He wouldn't push. He'd already made the offer. It was up to her to say when, and so October came and went.
Then one Tuesday evening in early November, Gracie was sitting in the living room, watching the flames dancing in the fireplace, staring at a glass half-full of Coke and an uneaten cookie, when she decided she was tired of being independent. She missed John. She missed his voice. And she thought... Why? Why am I punishing myself with his absence? Because that's all this is. I don't deserve to be punished, and neither does he.
Even though it was already dark, she picked up the phone and called him. When he answered, he sounded tired.
"Hello, my love. What's going on in your world?"
"Nothing, and that's why I called. Remember when you said all I had to do was say the word, and this business of your place and my place would end?"
There was a brief moment of silence, and then he answered. "Yes, I remember."
"Then... Word! I am officially over myself and missing you something awful. What can we do to rectify this situation?"
He laughed, and the feeling that went through her was one of heat and want.
"Can this wait until tomorrow? I have a slow leak in a tire. I don't want to take off after you in the dark and then have to change a flat."
"Yes, of course it will wait. I just...I just wanted to see if the offer was still open, I guess."
"Well, it is, and you've just made me a very happy man. Is Lucy going to be okay with this?"
"Yes. She told me months ago that she'd let me out of my lease if the need arose."
"Can you ask off work at noon?" John asked.
"Yes."
"Then I'll see you at your place tomorrow and help you pack. I won't be able to sleep now for the excitement of knowing this is actually happening."
Gracie sighed. "Me either. Love you, Johnny."
And this time, it was John who had the last word.
"Love you more."
When Gracie called Lucy the next morning to tell her, Lucy laughed.
"I knew this day was coming. It's about time, girl, and I'm so happy for the both of you. I'll get the utilities switched back into my name and have them send you a final bill. I have John's address. Is that the one you want to use?"
Gracie shivered. "Yes. That's the one, and thank you for being the lifesaver you were. You were my first friend in Branson, and I hope I continue to see you."
"Oh, you will. You'll probably be doing flowers for my famous New Year's Eve party, but you and John will be getting an invitation, as well. And one of these days, I'm going to beat you at Poker."
Gracie laughed. "I'll leave the key and the remote on the kitchen counter. I won't lock up, so you'll have to come get them after we're gone."
"I can do that. And don't fret about cleaning anything. I always have it done professionally between renters anyway. I love, you, girl. Invite me to your wedding."
"Yes, ma'am," Gracie said.
She grabbed her purse and started to walk out the door when a blast of cold air hit her in the face. Without missing a beat, she made a U-turn, went back in the house, traded her jacket for a coat, and then tried that exit once more.
The wind was still cold, but Gracie was fine, and as soon as she got to work, she cornered Donna in her office.
"I hate to ask at short notice, but I need off this afternoon."
"Of course," Donna said. "Is everything okay?"
"It will be as soon as I get packed. I'm moving in with John."
Donna grinned. "It's about time! And whenever you have that wedding, I'm doing your flowers."
Gracie laughed. "One thing at a time. Right