‘And, while these days my life is more… settled – my travels, more holidays really – I’d do it all again, if that’s what you want. Because Lisa, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve regretted not saying this toyou when we were eighteen, above all – above all those things I said I wanted – I want a life with you.’
Lisa stared at him, unable to speak, wondering if her mind had drifted back to her fantasy and she was imagining his words.
‘I love you, Lisa. I always have.’
Holding back a sob, Lisa responded instinctively, ‘I love you too,’ her words coming out as a whisper. Now shesaid them aloud the honesty of owning those long put down feelings felt entirely right.
Nathan stood, pulling Lisa in close to him.
She looked into his eyes and said from her heart, ‘And I want a life with you, but, Nathan…’
She felt his body still.
‘I do want all those things you once said you wanted. Commitment, a life together and a family – I want it all, and,if you’ll still have me, I want them with you.’
Nathan looked into her eyes. ‘Really? You do?’
‘I do.’ She laughed and sobbed all at the same time, at the words and how right they felt.
She felt Nathan’s arms around her, and placed her head against his chest as he took a deep steadying breath. Happy tears slid down her cheeks, with the knowledge that it was finally theirtime. She thought about the family she had sat next to on the aeroplane. The children were mini-adventurers full of tales of skiing, climbing and mountain biking; they were a family embracing life together. The thought that one day she may have a family of her own, that she and Nathan could have that together was almost overwhelming. Lisa looked up into Nathan’s deep blue eyes. Sensation spreadto every nerve, as she slid her hand round the back of his neck and drew him closer. Their lips met and she closed her eyes welcoming the depth of his passion-fuelled kiss.
When Lisa eventually leaned back she looked at Nathan, a grin tugging at her lips. ‘You’ve always loved me?’
‘Yes, I always have.’
She smiled.
‘Of course I’ve had girlfriends; it’s been a longtime.’ He smiled cheekily.
She giggled. ‘I’m not sure I need to know about those.’
‘But I never loved them, and I never wanted them the way I want you.’
Lisa pulled him closer, stopping him talking with a kiss.
