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As the hair clings to her face, she reaches her arm up to protect herself. As if her small hand could stop the rain. “We should go in.”
“No, please.” She steps in closer, and I wrap my arms around her shoulders.
When she’s enclosed in my warmth, I lean down to see her eyes. “You want to stand out here in the rain?”
“I do.”
“And do what?”
This time when she smiles, it touches not just her mouth but her eyes. “Dance with me.”
“Let me get this straight. You want to purposely get drenched so you can dance in the rain?” I shake my head at her. This woman.
Her head bobs up and down. “Yep.”
“Why?”
“Because when I was a girl, and my parents fought, I used to wish for a different life.”
“And that life involved rain? I have no idea what you mean.” I can’t remember when my dad was around very much, and I certainly can’t remember both my parents being home at the same time long enough to fight in front of me.
“I remember watching a couple, and they were so much in love, and I remember thinking I wish my family was like that. And then the couple kissed. But it was the way he pulled her in, as if dancing, I just thought . . . I just thought that’s what love is. It’s dancing in the rain.”
Without another word, I start to sway our bodies together.
Dancing with her in the rain.
Giving her that dream and hopefully one more wish from her dandelion.
* * *
Time moves too fast, and before I know it, the next morning has risen.
I want to slow it down and be able to enjoy every moment of my time with her. Time is fleeting. Life is so very short. I know that more than most.
She is gone when I wake up again. This time, the first place I go looking is the small office, and when that comes up empty, I search the whole house, but she’s nowhere to be found. That’s when I see a flash of yellow blowing in the wind through the window.
Layla is lying outside on a deck chair.
Moving across the space, I make my way outside. She’s curled up, reading.
The early morning waves crashing against the shore muffle the sound of my approach.
She doesn’t notice I’m here, and I take advantage of that by watching her.
I could stare at her all day. Watching every breath she takes.
Her blond hair flowing with each pass of the wind reminds me of rays of sunshine beaming down and hitting the ocean.
She’s ethereal.
As I observe her, my chest no longer feels tight. When I’m with her, I feel warm. Calm. Anything is possible.
What could possibly be going on with me? What does this shift in feelings mean?
Something has changed inside me. I feel different. Like anything is possible in this new world she’s led me into.
I think this is what it feels like to fall in love. Unlike all the years since I tried to leave the pain behind, she gives me rest I’ve never experienced. Now, in my dreams, I can only see her face.
I must be falling in love.
My feet give out underneath me at the revelation. I stumble forward but am quick to catch myself.
“You’re up.” The sound I made must have alerted her to my presence. She’s now sitting forward in the lounge chair, smiling at me. Her smile drops, and then she inclines her head. “What’s wrong? What are you thinking about over there?”
“I bought the house,” I blurt out.
“Um, what did you just say?”
“Today was supposed to be our last day, but I just couldn’t let this go. So, I’m not going to.”
“I don’t understand. You didn’t want to leave, so you bought the house?”
“Yes. Well, no. Actually, I bought it earlier. Those calls I’ve been making . . .”
“You were . . . buying this house?” She chews on her bottom lip. “Why would you do that?”
I step forward until I’m standing in front of her. Her eyes squint to look at me. The sun is behind me, beaming down on us. “The first day after seeing your reaction, I made the call to buy the beach house.”
“But why?” she whispers.
“Because I’d give anything to see you smile like that. When you came into the house, the way you looked. I would do anything in my power to bring you that level of happiness.”
“Why me? I-I don’t under—”
“Because I’m falling in love with you,” I admit.
It feels good to say the words. All the fears and anger from my past drain off me.
Like my fear has held me back.
Purging myself of it makes me feel anew.
“I think I’m in love with you, too.” She stands and steps into my open arms, hers circling my waist. I tuck her into me and kiss the top of her head. “Where do we go from here?” she mutters into my chest.
