Ms. I love you long time

Winter

All thirty of my dogs ran for me. Some noticing the man behind me and being protective and some just seeing me, but either way they all ran in my direction.

Placing my arms wide in the doorway I block them from hitting Echo and when they still don't stop I'm seriously afraid for my life.

I yelled stop the same time Roger yelled down and they all laid down wagging their tails like they didn't just almost plow me down.

Un hooking my hands from the frame I walk in with Echo behind me and go to Roger giving him a kiss and a hug.

" Thank you Roger. How was your day?"

" It was fine. I woke up and had to go to town today and do you want to guess what I saw on the side of the road? Hmm Winter."

I gulped and looked down, shuffling my feet.

" Uh-ah.. my jeep.."

" Yes! And would you believe the surprise I got. Tell me deary, why didn't you call?"

Stifling a sob I sniffle and look into his eyes. I hear a low growl behind me but I figured it was one of the dogs.

"I didn't want to bother you. You had a long flight and I knew you were tired. Plus you give up enough already to be with me when you'd rather be somewhere else."

Mumbling the last bit I look back down to the ground as I hear footsteps come closer and then arms wrap around me.

Wrapping my arms around him I lay my head on his chest breathing in the scent of Roger.

" Little girl you listen to me now. I have been raising you for about ten years now and have I once complained? No I haven't. I've known you for eighteen years and you have become a part of my family. I see it and so have the kids and grandkids. So with that being said I will always have time for you, the next time anything happens I want you to call me. No matter what time, no matter what reason."

Sniffling softly I nod my head and hold onto him tighter. I feel his head shift on my shoulder then it totally lifts. Looking up at him I see that he's now looking behind me, toward the door.

"Winter darling you didn't say you were bringing a friend."

Blushing I pull away from him and turn to Echo.

" Uh - yeah. Roger this is Echo, Echo this is Roger. He gave me a ride home from school."

Roger walks up to Echo giving him a smile and sticking out his hand in a handshake. They stare at each other for a couple seconds before Roger laughs and pats him on the back

"I approve. He's staying for dinner right? I'll start now, you guys have fun."

Did I miss something?

Shrugging my shoulders I grab Echo's hand and lead him up to my room. Feeling the sparks every time I touch him I can't help but to not want to let go.

Leaving the door open I plop down on my bed, patting the spot next to me, and turning to face Echo when he does sit.

" Ok first things first. Why did you do this? Did someone put you up to this."

He looks at me like an alien creature before shaking his head.

" Then why?"

" I like you. Simple as that."

" No its not that simple. I have no friends and you're new. How would you like me?"

He places his hand on my cheek and lightly rubs with his thumb.

" What's not to like? You're incredibly adorable, and from what I've seen so far you are really nice. There's more to you, I haven't seen it yet but I know it's there. You being rich has nothing to do with it because I'm pretty well off too so don't think it's that."

It still confuses me but there's nothing I can do about it until he tells me.

" What's your favorite animal?"

" Wolf, you?"

" Well I like dogs but wolves are gorgeous creatures too."

"Why do you like dogs?"

" Dogs can be everything. A friend, family, protector, you name it. They're such friendly creatures and they some how always manage to make me feel better no matter the situation. Why do you like wolves?"

"They're strong creatures and they've been in my family for awhile now. I'll show you what I mean sooner or later."

Scrunching up my face in confusion I nod slowly to him and think of something else to ask.

"Why did you move here? If you don't mind my asking."

" Our family got bigger and we needed the room. What's there to do around here?"

I tap my finger against my chin in thought while looking at the ceiling. Then I got a wonderful idea, grabbing his hand I pull him up and run down the stairs to the kitchen.

" Hey Roger, is dinner done yet?"

"Almost. Why?"

"I wanted to take him somewhere."

"Be back in thirty."

" Okay!"

Turning around I pull him out of the house and to his car and wait impatiently while he unlocks it and we climb in.

"Where are we going?"

"... you know what? How bout I drive I want it to be a surprise. ..Please?"

He looks at me in silence for a second then he gets out and walks to my side while I slid across the console in the middle.

He gets in and looks at me.

" Don't crash."

I grinned and peeled out of the driveway

Driving fast down the road I find the road I want and slow down just enough to not hit a tree in the small road. Coming to a stop I look over to Echo in excitement, noticing him holding onto the 'oh shit' handle but ignoring it in my haste to show him something.

"Alright Echo close your eyes and no peeking!"

"Jesus Winter. Why would I do that?"

Pouting I give him my best puss n' boots face.

"Pwease! Pretty pretty pwease!?"

I can see his resolve cracking and then his face slips and he sighs. Grumbling lowly about how I'll be the death of him and some other nonsense he turns away with his eyes closed.

Grinning wide I keep going, not as fast since this car isn't meant for this terrain, until I come up to my spot.

Putting the car in park I get out with a bounce in my step and come around to his side. Opening his door I lean in and unbuckle him then taking his big, sparking hands in mine I try to get him to get out.

Try being the key word.

"Echoooo get uppp. This will be good I promise."

"I'll get out once you let go. The way you're pulling I'll most likely hit my head off of the frame."

Blushing I let go of his hands and watch him get out of the car and retake my hand in his.

Smiling I walk him over a bit then stop.

"Alright you can open your eyes now."

He opens his eyes and it immediately widens at the sight in front of him.

A clearing filled with many obstacles. Ziplining, rock climbing, archery, and a lake I love to go swimming in.

My own personal park.

"Wha- what is this?"

"This is where I go to have fun. Or when I need to blow off steam.. wanna see something even better?"

"What could be better than this?"

"I'll show you."

Pulling his hand I take him to the center of everything where a tall watch tower stands proud. Climbing up the cargo net I wait for him at the top.

Once he's standing beside me I turn to where the sun will set in a couple hours and look out into the horizon.

You can see everything from here.

Breathing in deep I look up at him.

"This is what's even better. Sometimes when I need to get away I'll come here, cool off, and just sit up here for hours."

" Please don't tell me you come alone?"

" Most of the time."

He groans then looks at me.

" Winter. It's not safe. What if you fell and broke something or died?"

" Don't worry. I normally wear a harness when I'm alone."

He grumbles something unintelligible but otherwise says nothing and we continue to watch the horizon in comfortable silence.

I don't remember how long we stood there but eventually we left and made it back to my place ten minutes late. Roger wasn't too pleased but didn't say anything about it.

He made lasagna that night and we ate and talked until Echo had to leave. Before he left though Roger talked to him about something I couldn't hear and refused to tell me :(

Going to bed that night I felt something watching me but when I looked out the window I saw nothing. Shrugging I went to bed feeling eyes on me that for some reason made me feel safe and re-assured.