CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Pat turned down the dirt road, ignoring the ‘Private Property' sign. The road escaped the oak motes and ended right at the bay. They both got out and stood in front of Pat's Jeep, eyes turned to the west as the sun hovered over the bay.

Then Pat pulled Carly in front of her and leaned against the Jeep, holding Carly lightly from behind. Carly's hands came up and covered Pat's at her waist and she sighed contentedly. They said nothing, just watched as the sun dipped lower in the sky, turning the bay a brilliant orange. Then, as the sun touched the water, a rosy red replaced the orange, shimmering in the waves, only to be replaced by a gentle pink glow where the sun had been only moments before.

For the first time that Pat could remember, she didn't itch to hold her camera. She was holding all that she needed. Carly.

" That was beautiful, " Carly whispered.

" Yes, it was."

They remained that way, looking out over the bay as the pink faded from the sky. Finally, Pat moved, turning Carly in her arms to face her.

" Yesterday, a storm was raging...today, we're blessed with a beautiful sunset. No matter what happens, the sun still comes and goes as planned, doesn't it? "

Carly nodded, her eyes locked on Pat's.

" You know, it's funny. All these years, I had given up on finding someone. I mean, I'm thirty-six. I figured I was destined to be alone. It's not that I never looked, you know. I did. But I was always looking for someone that could be there for me. I always imagined the perfect someone that would be a part of my life. I never really considered what I would be to them. It was always about me. But I find myself wanting to be the perfect someone for you. I want to be your hero. I want to be your rock. I want to be there for you to lean on. I find what I need is to be needed...by you. To be trusted by you. Everything I imagined in my life before seems so shallow compared to what I feel in my heart for you, Carly. I never thought I could truly love someone. It wasn't a part of my life. But I so want to love you, Carly."

Carly let her tears fall. She no longer cared if Pat saw them. She reached out a gentle hand and touched Pat's face, surprised to find dampness there as well. Her heart broke. This wonderful, proud woman loved her. How could she deny that? How could she possibly run from this?

" You're just a romantic fool, aren't you? " Carly whispered.

" Yes."

Carly leaned forward and kissed Pat, softly, gently, without the raging passion that normally consumed them. This kiss was totally about love...and the joining of souls.

" Take me home, Pat. I want to make love to you. I need to make love to you."