AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Maybe the real work is in finding a way to be brave enough to live every bit of the life that’s left.
Will’s expression grows thoughtful, and his eyes search mine. “She certainly understood what I needed long before I understood.”
“What was that?” I ask, my words edged by the unsettled rumble in the sky.
“The courage to stay and find home.”
My throat tightens. “She knew I needed the courage to live and lose. I’m leaving for LA tomorrow—to see you.”
For too many heartbeats, for a lifetime, neither of us says anything. There are so many words I want to say, so many more things I want to admit, but I don’t know how to start. There’s no tea for that.
Behind my ribs, a thousand little butterflies begin to flutter their wings. “Say something.”
“What about the garden?”
It’s my turn to breathe an awkward laugh. “Not what I was hoping you’d say either.”
His hands take mine. “I just mean—you loved the garden. You lit up when you were in that garden. I couldn’t ask you to leave it for me.”
The smell of rain fills my lungs. “I’m not leaving the garden for good. I’m—my whole life I thought I had to go from point A to point B. That didn’t work out. Then, I thought if I just stayed on point C, I’d be safe. Now, I don’t think I want a point. I want—nursing school and the garden to help people and Greece and LA. I want to live all of it with all that I have.”
His gaze anchors me in place. “More than one dream. I understand the feeling.”
Thunder cracks, and this time a bolt of lightning streaks through the sky.
“How did you make the Ferris wheel work that day?”
He laughs. “What?”
“The Ferris wheel. It shouldn’t have worked, but you made it work. You said it was magic.”
“Magic,” he says, a slow smile spreading on his face, “with a little help from a friend of Darren’s who trained as an electrician. About ten years ago, he—”
“You know what?” My hand reaches for his. “Maybe magic is all the answer I need.”
Heavy, drenching rain pours down.
Within seconds we’re soaked. Will looks stunned, and I start to laugh. A moment later, he’s laughing too and shaking the water off his hair. It’s Maeve’s last bit of magic.
A heartbeat later, Will’s hand slides across my waist.
Rain pours down around us, and he holds me closer.
“I love you, Hope,” he whispers. “I have for as long as I’ve known you. Whenever you’re ready for me, if ever, I’ll be here.”
I owe him the truth.
I owe myself the truth.
I owe myself the chance to do more than survive. To live. To love. To thrive.
“I love you too.” I lean forward and kiss him, and it feels like fate and promise and home.
THE END
