“Yes. I’m fine. There’s a lot to unpack, and I’ll tell you all about it when I pick you up. The bottom line is, I’ve realized I’ve been homesick for a time that doesn’t exist anymore.”
I immediately understand. “Adam, to have a past worth missing is a beautiful thing.”
“I know. That’s the amazing thing about nostalgia. Of course, I’m sad that I can’t go back. I can’t have a do-over, and I can’t have it again like it was. The more you lose in life, the more nostalgic you get, missing everything that’s lost. That’s why today is so important. I need to start living in the present. Keri, I don’t want to lose you.”
I press my eyes shut, causing silent tears to sluice down my cheeks. “I’m here for you, Adam. I told you, I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m sorry for putting you through this. I put my past on hold so I wouldn’t have to face it. I admit, I wanted to give up. But hear me when I say this. Because of you, I’ve let hope in. You’ve opened up my heart, and for the first time in a very long time, I feel free.”
“Oh, Adam.”
“I want to kiss you on mountaintops, and drive across the yellow prairies at sunset. I want to sing and dance to country music, eat pink cake, and sleep under the stars along the way. I want you to take this road trip with me, Keri. Fly out to California, and let’s drive home together. I belong in Heartsboro, with you.”
I’m openly crying and giggling at the same time, using my pajama sleeve to wipe the salty tears from my wet, smiling face. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. “You had me at ‘pink cake.’”
He chuckles, his voice full of warmth and longing. “So I can book you a morning flight out of Atlanta tomorrow? You’ll join me on this highway to happy across America and bring me home?”
“Yes!”
“I’ll show you all of my favorite spots. It will be an adventure.”
I’m reminded of April’s words, which she said at dinner, reminding me of how genuine Adam’s request is.
“I think the purest form of love is someone wanting to notice life with you. I think it’s that simple.”
“I can’t wait to see the world through your eyes, Adam. Of course, I’ll accompany you home.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Adam
I’m not used to bustling airport crowds. I stand near a wall, people-watching, out of the flow and with a clear view of the escalator where arriving passengers head to baggage claim.
Keri’s long blonde hair and fresh face make her easy to spot. I inhale deeply and move toward the end of the escalator, eager to fold her into my arms. She sees me, her enchanting smile splitting her face. It’s contagious, and my mouth lifts into a dorky grin.
My heart thrums and my fingers tremble. As she steps off the last stair, she rushes into my embrace. I sigh, her familiar scent of vanilla and sweet berries calming me.
“You made it,” I whisper into her ear. I pull back from her and cup her face between my hands. I can see tears shimmering inher bright blue eyes. She doesn’t say anything, but her smile says it all. She’s happy to see me. I lean forward and press my mouth against hers, all of my worries and angst disappearing in an instant.
“Get a room!” A disheveled businessman growls, navigating his large body around us. Keri and I pull back from our lip lock and stare at each other in shock before bursting out laughing.
Looping my arm through hers, I say, “He’s just jealous. Come on. Let’s get your bags.”
“Okay,” she giggles.
“How was your flight?”
“It was great. I watched two movies and had way too many chips and diet soda. I was hoping to see the Golden Gate Bridge, but the lady next to me said we were coming in on the wrong side.”
“Yeah, you came in from the south, from San Jose towards the peninsula, so you wouldn’t have seen the bridge.”
“Well, I did see some other bridges from across the bay, plus those salt ponds and their amazing colors.”
“Pretty cool, right?”
“Very cool.”
Little does she know, I’m entranced by her youthful wonder. Her gratitude for the scenery stirs me. I can’t get enough of her presence.
