He chuckles, sampling a bite of his own. His tawny eyes go wide.
“Told ya!” I laugh.
He finishes his piece in a few big bites. I swear, this man can eat anything all day long and not gain a pound. I continue to savor my dessert in small bites, slowly licking the pink frosting from the fork tines.
His arm loops around my back, his fingers caressing my arm. “I’ve made a decision.”
I stop chewing and turn to eye him with interest. I know exactly what he’s talking about, his decision whether or not to go to Roxy’s wedding in California weighing heavily on his mind.
“And?” I hold my breath.
He nods. “I’m going.”
A part of me is relieved he’s going for Roxy’s sake. The other is ridden with worry about whether or not he can handle the painful memories he’s more than likely to encounter when he returns to the West Coast after two agonizing years.
“When do you leave?”
His sigh is heavy as he pushes his hair back from his face. “I fly out in a few days.”
I lean into him and squeeze his thigh. “You’re doing the right thing.”
“I know.”
We’re quiet. Giggles from toddlers and Elton John music fill the air. Part of me doesn’t want him to go. I dread being alone in our drafty country house. I could stay in my old place above my office until he returns. But what about Molly? She loves the country. I can’t keep her cooped up in an apartment while he’s gone.
I know that if Adam doesn’t go to his cousin’s wedding in California to walk her down the aisle, he will regret it for the rest of his life. He needs to do this, and I need to encourage him to take this bold step to reunite with his only family who might bring him some closure.
“Roxy wants me to stay with her at her fiancé’s family beach house in Santa Cruz.”
“Hmmm, sounds fancy.”
He chuckles softly and pulls me closer. “It is.”
I remember the surfboard I discovered leaned against the wall in my father’s tool barn after Adam unpacked his entire van. He once told me how he longed to surf again and that he was quite good at it.
“Maybe you can go surfing while you’re out there. You said you used to love it.”
“Yeah. I’ve thought about that. Maybe I will.”
“You should totally do it while you’re there, especially if you’re staying at the beach.”
“You’re right.” He’s quiet for a moment before he adds, “But only if you come and watch me.”
I frown, allowing his words to sink in. “What?” We shift apart, and I look at Adam’s smirking expression. “What do you mean? What are you saying?”
“I want you to watch me surf in California.”
“You… you want me to come with you?” I’m stunned.
He nods. “Yes. I want you to come with me. That’s the only way I think I can get through this, if you’re by my side.”
I blink back at him, my eyes brimming with tears. Adam has no idea what this means to me, his invitation bringing me comfort and validating my worth in his life.
“Don’t cry, Angel Face. You know I’m in love with you, right?”
I blink again, several tears making a slow track down my cheeks. Adam picks up a napkin and gently dabs my face.
“I… I love you too.”
