She laughs.
"As long as your motorcycle parts stay out of my flower beds."
"I'll do my best."
"My flowers are non-negotiable."
"Guess I'll have to behave."
She bumps her shoulder against mine.
"You probably won't."
"Probably not."
We both laugh.
For the first time in days...
Maybe weeks...
Everything feels easy.
Hope doesn't seem so far away anymore.
After another few minutes, I look over at her.
"Ready to head back?"
She nods.
"But one more thing."
"What?"
She slips both arms around my waist.
"I love you."
My chest tightens.
"I love you too, Buttercup."
I kiss her one more time before we walk back toward the truck.
As I glance over my shoulder at the empty piece of land, I don't see dirt and trees anymore.
I see our future.
A front porch with Lucy waiting for me after work.
Kids running through the yard someday.
Family dinners.
Late nights on the porch swing.
A home that finally feels complete.