Discovery in Fes

But nothing prepared her for the view as they approached. Wildflowers covered the grassy plains surrounding the ruins and wound themselves between the stones of the partially excavated buildings. Finley pulled her camera from her bag and was shooting even before Max stopped the car.

From the placement of the columns and stones, Finley could imagine how the city had looked centuries ago. Max wandered the grounds, looking at the ruins of an arched basilica and the intricate mosaic floors. But more often than not, he sat on the crumbling stone walls and watched Finley as she worked. He followed her gazelle-like movements as she roamed around the excavated site, leaning backward or sideways in various contortions to get just the right angle, just the right light. From time to time, she would check her camera screen, scrolling back and forth to see whether she had managed to capture the scene as she had wanted. She is so much happier doing this than consulting. I hope she can make this work. I hope we can make this work.

The sun was directly above them when they started back toward Fes. Finley had opened the small sunroof and was letting the sun warm her face. She pushed back the seat, stretched her long legs out in front of her, and rested her head on the back of the seat. He didn’t know whether her eyes were closed or open behind her sunglasses. He just wanted to touch her. He reached across the seat, and she met his hand midway, wrapping her fingers between his.

“In case you were wondering, I never stopped loving you,” Finley said quietly, kissing his fingers one by one. “I tried, but I couldn’t.”

“Finally, something that you failed at.” Max laughed. “And I’m so glad you did.”