Chapter One

You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes when you die? Well, for me, it happens at just about every major event in my life. Now--as I stand with my wife, waiting to help my firstborn son blow out the single candle on his birthday cake--visions of the past couple of years move in and out of my mind. I'm reliving those years, though in real time it takes only a second or two.

For several months, I was unable to afford to build on my property, so I awoke each morning to the cheerful sunshine, and then spent some time with my plants. Before too long, they began to sprout and push themselves upward, towards the life-giving sun.

After I saw to them, I'd head down into town in search of breakfast (or lunch, depending on how long I'd been working). Sometimes I'd bring an apple with me. Sometimes I'd buy some hot dogs or hamburgers and have a cookout at the park. Other times, I'd share someone's picnic basket, if they'd be kind enough to allow my company.

My job at the bistro didn't begin until three o'clock in the afternoon, and by the time I got off work it was night-time. Most times, I'd grab something for dinner while I worked. After work was usually the perfect time to head over to the public gym for a bath. There was hardly ever anyone there at that hour, so I felt I was much less likely to be looked down upon for using the tub without bothering to work out first. I always wore my swim trunks, though--just in case.

It became a familiar routine, day after day, and although I felt a little like a drifter, I had a home and a place to belong, and that was enough for me.

That is, until the night I met her.

I'd been practicing my cooking at home, as I often did, trying to learn things that might impress my boss and earn me yet another promotion. By that time, I'd been able to make a few important purchases, like a refrigerator, stove, and sink. I had already worked my way up to pastry chef, but I wasn't stopping until I reached the top! Anyway, that night I ran out of salt, but I didn't want to stop what I was doing until I could buy more at the market the next day, which left borrowing from the neighbors.

As I walked up to the door of the closest house, I almost turned around and went back home. The place was huge, and kind of put my lawn-living to shame. I'd never felt less than anyone before, but the mansion in front of me was a little intimidating. It was late, but there were still lights on inside, and my half-finished dish was waiting for me at home. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The beautiful face that greeted me when the door swung open was not what I had been expecting, and I whistled and whispered, "Wow," before I could stop myself. I grinned and rubbed the back of my neck in embarrassment. "Hi, Miss. My name's Almond, and I live just across the way. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind lending me a cup of salt?"

She smiled, amused. "Are you going to return it after you've used it?" She laughed, and it was a light, pleasant sound. I didn't get a change to reply before she went on. "Don't mind me. It's a little late and I'm in a goofy mood. Of course you can have some salt. I'm Holly."

She led me to the kitchen, and filled my measuring cup, which I'd brought along. I thanked her and turned to leave. "Don't be a stranger, Almond," she said as I made it to the door. I smiled and waved, and when I got back home, all I could think about while I finished my meal was Holly.

I wasn't sure when I'd see Holly again, especially once she found out how I lived, but it was the very next day when I saw her walking across my huge, empty property. I put down my watering can and hastily went over to greet her. As I shook her hand, I felt again that uncharacteristic embarrassment about my lifestyle. I didn't like feeling inferior, but it wasn't Holly's fault I felt that way. In fact, after I showed her what there was of my home, all she did was smile and compliment my garden. "Oh, I bet these apple trees will be huge come fall!"

My embarrassment began to slip away into pride as we discussed the plants. I learned that Holly was a vegetarian, and she made me promise to sell her some of my produce once it matured. All too soon, my carpool pulled up, and I had to tell Holly goodbye.

It wasn't long before I saw her again, though. She came over the very next day, and before long, I was enjoying her company every day. I realized quickly that I was falling in love with her. Once in a while I'd try a flirt or two, and it was always well-received, so I knew she didn't think too badly of me, either.

I desperately wanted to ask her to move in with me, but there was nothing for her to move into. How could I offer to join my life with hers when my life consisted of using the toilet as a dinner chair? I began to put in even more hours at work. I'd go in early and come home late. Holly noticed, and asked me a couple of times if anything was wrong, but I just told her the boss was working me extra hard.

Still, she must have thought I was hinting that she was spending too much time with me, because her visits dwindled to every other day, and then to every two days. I'd come home from work exhaused, and sleep late into the morning, leaving barely enough time to keep up with my plants before it was time to work again. I knew I had to talk to Holly before I lost her completely, but I was so close to having enough saved for a real house, and I wanted to surprise her.

When I finally got it built, it wasn't much. Just a one-room shack, really. But it was shelter, and it was just the beginning. I called Holly the very day the construction was completed, and invited her over. She sounded strange on the phone, and I felt an icy pit in my stomach. What if I'd pushed her away? What if she wasn't interested in me anymore?

"I love what you've done with the place!" Holly said once she had come inside. She sounded happy for me, and her praise made me feel bold.

"Thanks, Holly. I want you to know I did it for you."

"For me? But, it's your house, Almond. I don't understand."

I looked into her eyes, and took a deep breath. It was now, or never. "I was hoping you'd move in with me."

She looked stunned. "But...you'd stopped calling me. I thought maybe you didn't like me that way. I thought you did, before, but then I barely saw you."

I stopped her rambling to tell her about my resolution to build a home before asking her to move in.

She didn't meet my eye for a moment, and I started to get nervous. "Almond," she said. "Around the time you stopped calling me, my high school sweetheart got in touch with me and...we've kind of been seing each other."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, and I couldn't respond. I just hung my head and tried to process what she'd told me. Of course she's seeing someone, you fool! You never even so much as told her how you felt about her. You just assumed she'd wait for you until you were ready! Idiot. Holly spoke again before I could be too hard on myself.

"But tonight, when you called me, I can't deny that my heart did a complete flip flop when I saw your number on my cell." She smiled. "I never feel that way when Davy calls." I assumed Davy must be her boyfriend. "That leads me to only one conclusion."

I looked at her, then. Was she saying--

"Almond, I think I must be in love with you." I laughed out loud and even tapped my heels on the floor in a little dance. My joy was evident on my face. "I love you, too, Holly! Does this mean you'll move in with me?"

"Tell you what. I'll move in as soon as you get us a double bed." She winked at me mischievously. I had no problem agreeing to those terms. She hugged me passionately before she went home, and it felt amazing.

I purchased a double bed the next day.

***

We had been living together only a couple of months when Holly told me she was pregnant. Although I was a little surprised and it was a bit unexpected, I reacted like I did with most of the other unknowns I've experienced in my life: with enthusiasm.

I asked her to marry me soon after that, out in the garden. She loved to help me with the plants, and I figured that was the most romantic spot - a reminder of our early time together when the garden was all I had.

We got married on our property as well, out near the cliff overlooking the town. It was a simple ceremony; just us and the view.

Our son, Amaretto, was born not long after the wedding.

As Holly and I cheer for Rett's first birthday, I think about what a lucky man I am. I have a gorgeous wife, and my own little boy.

I've even been promoted to Sous-Chef at work, so we were able to expand our home.

Life is good, and I'm confident it will only get better from here on out.