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“But, Zane, we’ve known each other for about two seconds and...”
His fingers cover my lips. “I know. I know we need more time together. I’m fine with that. But when you’re sure—because I already am—then I want to marry you and give you your dreams. I’m ready when you are.”
I nod, because I can’t speak.
Zane scoots closer and engulfs me in a tight hug. At first, he just holds me. I rest my head on his shoulder and absorb his comfort, his strength. I wish an embrace could make the Great Big Dark disappear. If only it were that easy. Regardless, he infuses me with warmth. And warmth has the power to chase away the cold. The tiny pinpoints of light surrounding us make this moment entirely enchanting.
He leans back and cups my cheeks in his hands. And he finally kisses me. It’s not a soft lackluster kiss. He presses his lips to mine and kisses me with all of his feelings evident in the forcefulness of his kiss, in the passionate nature of his kiss. I can feel his love in his actions.
I allow all of my insecurities to wash away, and I let confidence in our relationship take over. I encircle my arms around his neck.
Without breaking our kiss, Zane wraps one arm under my knees and one around my back and lifts me up, cradling me like a baby. Artie lets out a little whine at being disturbed, but repositions himself and remains on my lap. Zane holds me, swaying gently with the soft violin music. My head falls back as our kiss deepens and our mouths open to each other. He holds me so close, I don’t know where he begins and I end. We’re one, in our hearts, and in our minds, and in our love.
It’s the moment when I know I’m going to be okay. The days ahead will be hard. But with Zane at my side, I can do it.
My dreams are not over. My life is not over.
This isn’t the end.
It’s the beginning.
This kiss, this amazing, heart-stopping kiss that is sending me into a realm of bliss I’ve never known, this is the tip of the iceberg.
I can’t wait to delve deeper, to explore all aspects of my relationship with this man who has stolen my heart.
Something tells me I have a lot to look forward to.
epilogue
~
Three years later
I SMILE AS Ipull the piano keyboard cover closed, pleased with my progress.
I’m not quite back to where I was yet, but I’m close. My fingers on my left hand are still a bit stiff and can’t hit the notes as fast as I’d like them to. Perhaps only the trained ear would notice. My doctor tells me to give it time. She believes I can do it and tells me the end goal is not to play the piano for recreation. Nor does it have to do with everyday mobility of my hand.
I’ve already achieved those milestones.
She wants more for me, and I want more too.
The end goal is to play for the symphony again. She won’t quit until she sits in the audience to hear me play. Ryker wasn’t kidding when he said he’d get me the best physical therapist money could buy. She’s amazing and believes in me.
I believe in me too, and have every intention of making my new goal a reality. I will play with the San Francisco Symphony one day. Mark my words. It might be two years from now, or it might be five. But it’ll happen.
However, other things are tugging on my time nowadays, and I don’t practice as much as I should. I’m happy with the balance between my two dreams. I want both and I can have both. I’m surrounded by family members who support me.
I approach the stovetop and give the pot of spaghetti sauce a stir as the doorbell rings.
It’s Ryker, joining us for dinner, as he always does on Tuesday nights.
I swing open the door. “Hi Ryker, come on in.”
He’s still in his suit, as usual, even though it’s now seven at night. He doesn’t even look work-worn. Not a single hair is out of place. He catches the eyes of women all the time. He’s dated about twelve more ladies since Zane and I married. He simply can’t find The One. He’s never sure and can never make a decision. Always falling, never the fallen. I know that side of him well.
“Is she already in bed?” he asks, without so much as a hello. He’s holding a cute little pink bear.
“I’m not sure. Zane’s putting her down.”
