Gaining Miles (Miles Family #5)(22)

Eleven





Shannon





The girls scrambled into the kitchen when we heard Ben’s knock. They’d helped me with my hair and makeup, fussing over me like I was about to walk the red carpet, not have dinner with a man. I didn’t even know where we were going. For all I knew, this dress and my black heels were overkill for what Ben had planned for us tonight.

But they’d done a good job. My hair was down, falling in soft waves around my shoulders. I hadn’t worn this much makeup in a long time, but it was classy, not overpowering. I looked like I was ready for an evening out.

More importantly, I felt amazing.

I’d lost so much of myself over the years. In pouring everything I had into my family and our business, I hadn’t saved much for me.

Ben had begun the process of uncovering the woman I was on the inside. Of helping me rediscover her. Tonight, my girls had helped me find a little more. Maybe it was just a little makeup and a dress. But really, it was so much more than that. It was the real me. A woman who’d been set aside for too long and who was desperate to be set free.

I walked to the door feeling more confident than I’d felt in years. I looked good, but more than that, I felt good. I felt beautiful. And no matter what else happened tonight, that was priceless to me.

Ben stood outside, looking unbelievably handsome in a dark sweater and slacks. His beard was neatly trimmed and he held a bouquet of flowers. He blinked at me, his mouth hanging open.

I smiled. “Hi.”

“Oh, Shannon.” His eyes flicked up and down. “You look incredible.”

I smoothed my dress down, then touched the necklace at my throat. “Thank you. And thank you for this. It’s beautiful.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Am I overdressed?”

“No, you’re perfect.” He held out the flowers. “These don’t hold a candle to how stunning you are.”

Bringing them to my nose, I inhaled their scent. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

I hadn’t noticed Brynn come out of the kitchen, but she was there, quietly taking the flowers.

“I’ll put these in water,” she whispered. “You go have fun.”

“Thanks, Sprout,” Ben said, winking at her. “Shall we?”

Always the gentleman, he helped me with my coat. My skin tingled as he pulled my hair from beneath the collar.

He offered me his arm and led me to his truck. Opened the passenger door for me and shut it once I was inside. He got in the driver’s side and gazed at me for a long moment.

“Sorry, I can’t seem to stop staring,” he said.

“The girls helped me get ready.”

“You look beautiful all the time, but this…” His eyes swept up and down again. “This is special.”

“It’s a special night.”

“That it is,” he said.

“Where are we going?”

He smiled. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have something a little different planned for tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Would you mind coming to my place?” he asked. “I made dinner.”

I just about melted into a puddle on the floor. He cooked us dinner? “That sounds wonderful.”

“Great.”

The drive to his house was only a few minutes. He lived up the side of the mountain, with sweeping views of the town. And Salishan. He parked outside and went around to open the door for me. I felt his hand on the small of my back as we walked in.

In all the years Ben had lived here, I’d never been inside his house. Going in felt like crossing a line. One I wouldn’t have dared cross before. But now? I was ready.

He shut the door behind us, then took my coat and hung it by the door.

Ben lived in a beautifully constructed log cabin. It was clean and cozy, with a leather couch in front of a wood-burning fireplace. His table was set for two, complete with candles, and the entire place smelled amazing.

“Dinner isn’t fancy.” He went into the kitchen and washed his hands. “Red wine-roasted chicken with herbs and some roasted vegetables.”

“It smells delicious. Can I help?”

“No, I’ve got it.” He uncovered the chicken and my mouth watered at the scent. “Unless you want to pour the wine.”

“That I can definitely do.”

I went to the table and poured us each a glass. A minute later he brought our food to the table, setting my plate in front of me.

“It’s been a long time since someone cooked me dinner,” I said.

He sat and met my eyes. “I know.”

We started in on our meals—the food was delicious—and chatted about the usual things. My kids, Salishan, the last book he’d loaned me. Spending time with Ben had always felt easy and comfortable—so many things about this night were different, but that much hadn’t changed. We talked and laughed as we ate, the mood relaxed, with a tantalizing buzz of anticipation humming in the background.

When we’d both finished our meals, Ben poured more wine. “Can I ask you a serious and rather personal question?”

“Of course.”

“How are you?” he asked. “Be honest. And I don’t mean how are you tonight.”