There was no doubt about that.
But layered beneath it was everything else — my kids, my life, the carefully built walls that had kept me upright for so long.Loving him didn’t erase those things.It complicated them.Made the ground feel unsteady in the most intoxicating way.
I pulled back first.
Not because I didn’t want more but because I wantedallof it to matter.
He didn’t chase the moment.Didn’t try to reclaim it, he stayed close and filled the space.
Some things didn’t need to be rushed because some things were worth waiting for.
Chapter Fifteen
Tristan opened thepassenger door of his sleek sports sedan; a model that rivaled the sunshine yellow rental, aside from the colour.His car was a shade of blue I swore he’d asked the dealership to match to the colour of his eyes.
He was quiet, and I had nothing to say, or at least nothing of importance.All I could think to speak of was the beauty of his vineyard and how the day had a brighter disposition than I was feeling.
Needless to say, the drive to the airport was full of thoughts and silent whispers.
He drove with both hands on the wheel of his car, jaw set, eyes forward.The radio stayed off.Whatever had filled the space between us all morning lingered now, quieter but heavier.The weight upon my chest anchored me to my seat, and if nothing else, proved I was ready to move forward with my life.With Tristan.
It meant adding complications, but I was ready.
The airport tower came into view on my right, and something inside me tightened.
This was the part where real life reclaimed its territory.
He pulled into a parking spot and eased to a stop.While the car idled, engines hummed around us, voices echoed, and luggage wheels rattled over concrete.People hugged quickly.Others waved and moved on.Everyone seemed to know exactly what came next.
Everyone but us.
We sat there for a beat longer than necessary.
“Well,” he said finally, clearing his throat.“This is you.”
I nodded, fingers curling around the strap of my bag.“Yeah.”
