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“However, there was never a lack of love. We both had just went to college when our grandparents died. It’s been Marie and I ever since then. We don’t have extended family and while Marie has her own reason for being alone, we seem to attract heartache. After my grandparents died, I thought if I had a family, then maybe I could have some of the love that I felt growing up.”
Sally is watching me. This is good, she’s listening and not leaving. I need her to hear this.
“I assume you heard a bit of my conversation with Marie at the bakery, and I assume I know which bit.” I reach out but stop myself from touching her. “Marie and I were talking about how families come in different shapes and sizes. I explained that I used to feel one way but I’ve come to think that I would be happy with any form of family.” I look down at my hands and then at her face.
Her eyes are puffy from crying and her hands are fidgeting with the fringe on the throw pillow.
“Any form of family?” she looks at me now, meeting my eyes.
“Yes.” I nod my head firmly. “Whether you want a baby that’s a little piece of each us and is born through surrogacy or if you wanted to adopt.” I reach out to her now, feeling the tension leaving the room. She stops playing fidgeting with the pillow. I continue, “I’d even be happy if you just wanted it to be us. A happy little family of two.” I squeeze her hand two times.
“Really Victor? You’d be happy with any of those?” Sally’s electric blue eyes drill right into my soul.
When Cassie left me, I thought I’d be resolved to a life of loneliness. A little sliver of hope remained even if it was buried deep down inside. The more time I spent with Sally the more she pulled everything out.
I’m ready to say the words that I’ve struggled to find the bravery to say.
* * *
Sally
“As long as I have you, I’m happy with whatever family we decide to create.” His deep voice knock down the walls I was ready to build up again. He reaches out, his hand gently tilting my head up, staring into my eyes. “Sally, I love you.”
His tender green eyes always make me feel comfortable, but those words… they’re a game changer. I love Victor. And I want to give this a shot.
I must look like a mess. I wipe my eyes on my sleeve again.
I fold my hands in my lap. “Victor, I want to make it clear, to let you know that those words are not why I’m going to say it back. I wanted to talk to you about me staying in Kastle Harbor,” I watch his face perplexed, one eyebrow raised.
“You don’t want to stay in Kastle Harbor?”
“No, sorry, I’m not doing this right.” I put my hands on my thighs and close my eyes.
Why is it so hard to say how I feel?
“Hey.” I open my eyes as Victor cradles my face in his hand. It’s comforting, and makes me smile. “I’m listening Sally, take your time.”
Say it, say you love him. He’s not an ex. He’s your forever.
“I wanted to tell you that I like living in Kastle Harbor.” I look at the floor and take a deep breath. “And that I don’t mind your work schedule and if you were willing to overlook the infertility bit, then I would want to give this,” I raise my head to look directly into his eyes, “an honest shot. Because I think I’m in love with you, Victor.” My pulse flutters as I wait for him to respond.
He stands up, taking me with him, and pulls me into a full hug. He holds me tight. My face is against his chest, I can feel his heart pounding.
“I love you, Sally Leone.”
“My maiden name is actually Catimore,” I say.
He pushes me away slightly, chuckling as he puts some space between us now. Only I would fall for a guy who knows his coffee beans.
“Yes, like the roast but with an e at the end,” I explain, letting him know I understand why he’s laughing in this moment.
“The perfect blend.” He kisses me deeply. The kind of kiss where I feel like I’m about to be devoured whole but without a care in the world.
“I love you, all of you Sally Catimore.”
“I love you too, Victor Brunes.”
I smile to myself knowing that our old wounds and broken hearts are healing.
For once, I’m excited to see what my future in Kastle Harbor holds.
EPILOGUE
