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Dylan had already packed his bags and showered, insisting that I just take it easy while he made breakfast.
I was melancholy; happy for our time together, but now extremely sad that he had to leave, and I wondered if I’d feel this way every time we parted from now on. What would I do without him? Would I be able to let him go without tears? I wasn’t feeling very strong.
He was making a simple meal of bagels and cream cheese with fresh strawberries. I walked up behind him and slid my arms around his waist from behind, pressing my head against his back, between his shoulder blades. I inhaled his scent. It was already committed to memory, but I wanted to make sure.
“I’ll miss you so much,” I said softly.
Dylan paused what he was doing and grabbed both of my hands and pulled me closer against him, wrapping my arms beneath his, and pressing my splayed fingers on his chest.
“Don’t remind me. It’s already killing me.”
Tears flooded my eyes and I swallowed hard, tying not to full on bawl. My voice was tight. “This is what I’ve always wanted, but it will be so hard. I should just be grateful you’re mine.”
I could tell that Dylan was also feeling emotional as we stood pressed together at the counter in my kitchen. He sucked in a deep breath, and I could feel his chest expand beneath my hands. “You know how much I love you, and we’ll make plans. I have a game in Jamaica soon, and I’d like you to come. I’ll take care of the flight.” He raised my right hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.
“I’d love that.” I was fully aware of his schedule. “The only issue is that my dad will be there.”
“So?” Dylan huffed out a laugh. “Do you think he and your mom didn’t sleep together at our age?”
“No, because they had me, but thinking about it is just… eh.” I grimaced, then smiled.
Dylan chuckled, turning he took the plate of bagels and bowl of sweetened berries to the small table and set them down, then ushered me into one of the chairs. “Exactly. Once he knows we’re together, it won’t be a thing. Trust me.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s weird, that’s all.”
“Yes, your parentsbone, Remi.” He shot me a devilish grin as he handed me a spoon. Once again, we were sharing food from the same plates.
I burst out laughing. “Oh, yeah? Well, so do yours!” I took the spoon and pulled the bowl of fruit closer so I could get some without spilling.
He had taken a bite of half of one of the bagels, and almost choked when he burst out laughing. I couldn’t help giggling before taking a bite of the juicy fruit.
“Oh, God,” he moaned. “What a thought!”
We both chuckled as we continued our breakfast. “This is delicious. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” I was leaning on the table with one elbow and holding a spoon in the other hand, but he we were close together: our chairs almost touching. “So, yes to Jamaica?”
I nodded. “If I can leave on Thursday and be back by Sunday night, sure.”
“Done,” he agreed. “I’ll book the ticket today.”
“Sure,” I agreed, watching him. I had only eaten half of a bagel and a few spoons full of strawberries. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
Dylan’s hand cupped the back of my head and then down my back over my hair. He then squeezed the top of my shoulder at the base of my neck. His forehead came to rest on mine.
“Me, too, babe. I’m going to go crazy without you, but we’ll be together as much as I can manage. We’ll both fly back and forth.”
“Will you move here?” I asked. “I mean, commute? I hate to put it all on you, but I want to be available for Rory. I can travel sometimes, but I really need to be here for her. I want to try and find her mother. I was thinking I’d try to get one of those over-the-counter DNA tests to see if we can find anyone who might be related to her and see if I can get permission to foster her. Otherwise, she’ll be in the system for eighteen months.”
Dylan’s cornflower blue eyes locked with mine. They were so beautiful, fringed with dark lashes in his tanned face, but filled with surprise I didn’t expect. I could see his hesitation and he sighed heavily.
I rushed on, disappointed by his reaction. “I know it’s not what you’re signing up for, but I just can’t abandon her, too.”
“Remi, it might be breaking the law to search for someone you aren’t related to. You don’t have the right to do something like that. I know you want to help her but be careful.”
He had a point. “I can speak to her social worker to see if maybe he can help us. It’s so complicated!” I pushed a lock of hair that had fallen on my face away. My frustration made it even more irritating.
Dylan nodded and kissed me on my forehead. “I can see how much helping Rory means to you, but a DNA test might come up with nothing. Unless someone from her family happens to be in the database, and that’s not certain. I don’t want you to get your hopes up. What, exactly, is your goal here, Remi?”
