Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
“You say that now.” My words rush carelessly out. “But I can’t barge into your life like this. I’d only be taking from you with nothing offered in return.”
That smile that was made for me settles into place where it belongs, and he says, “You give me everything, Spark. Life, a reason to breathe, you’re my muse, and . . .” Taking my hand between the two of his, he looks at me as if too impassioned to speak. His breath stumbles as if the words come too quickly to get off his chest. And then he pauses like a second thought has ruined it. But the soulful browns never leave mine until he kisses my temple. “You’re the one who got away and my biggest heartbreak.” It’s only whispered, but it’s out there for me and the universe to know and deal with, and causes my own heart to break in the aftermath.
Cupping my cheek, he catches my eyes as they start to water. “You’re not in this alone anymore. We’re a team, you and me.” When his hand grapples onto the side of the counter, he exhales slowly and closes his eyes. “I think I need to get in bed.”
Panic kicks in, but I stifle it as I wrap my arm carefully around him. “Let me help you.” As soon as I walk him to the bedroom and reach the bedside, he climbs in and gently lays his head down on the pillow.
“Stay with me, okay?” he asks, his eyes growing heavy like a storm just blew in.
“I’m not going anywhere.” I climb in next to him and mold to his side. As much as I want to rest my arm over him or entangle my legs, I resist the urge for his benefit. We lie minutes together, but his breathing is still even as if he’s still awake. “I failed,” I whisper. “I don’t care what my parents think of me, but I didn’t want to let you down.”
His hand finds mine and holds it. “You didn’t fail.” When he turns to face me, he cracks his lids open. “You’re going to find your way out of this and be okay. It’s a new experience, but that’s how you grow and become independent.” Giving my hand a squeeze, he adds, “It’s not about having to figure out everything on your own. It’s about no one ever being able to control your life again.” Kissing my hand, he says, “You can stay here as long as you need, but if it’s best for you to be somewhere else right now, I support your decision.”
The disappointment I’ve felt, the shame and humiliation seem less potent when you discover you have someone in your corner fighting with you. It’s not about money anymore. That comes and goes, so I’m learning, it’s about cocooning into the next phase of life to become bigger and better than ever.
My parents won’t win this battle.
They thought they could keep us apart. They were wrong. We’re together and stronger than before. And I’m not alone in this fight. Not anymore. I just needed the reminder of what I’m really fighting for. Us.
Looking into his eyes, I caress his cheek, and whisper, “I love you, Poet.”
A rogue grin cuddles his cheeks. “I love you, too, Spark.”
CHAPTER 29
KEATS
Sosie’s been staring at that paperwork for days. She seemed positive that getting the apartment was the right move when it arrived, but she can’t bring herself to sign it to close the deal. So the rental agreement remains spread out on the countertop for her to peruse when she’s in the mood to do such things.
It’s been killing me not to say anything, but she must make this decision on her own, so I leave her to it. Looking over at me on the couch, she says, “I need to get out of the apartment. How are you feeling? Up to go out?”
“What are you thinking?”
“Fresh air and dinner. How do you feel?”
“Stir-crazy. It would be good to get out.” It’s been incredible to spend so much time together, cementing what we already knew. We’re good together. Though we’re in what some might call the newlywed stage of our relationship because it hasn’t been tested. I know that’s untrue because we fought to get where we are, even if it was years of being isolated from each other. She’s given up her entire life to be here for herself and me.
Something deep inside had me sacrificing years of my life waiting for her. I could have been playing the field, and by most guys’ opinions, I should have. But that wasn’t me. Once I met Sosie, I was a goner for her. “Let’s go out and be a couple,” I say, hoping she understands what I mean. “I want the whole world to see us together.”