AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s okay. I understand why you did what you did.”
“While I appreciate you accepting my apology, I still shouldn’t have put you through that.”
Gaby took one of my hands in hers. “Look, we can talk about all of this later. You need to get out there for your next event.”
“Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m done, Gaby.”
She pinched her eyes shut. “Don’t do this. Don’t make me be the reason why you give it up.”
“I love you, and I want to be with you. I can’t think of a better reason.”
“I’m afraid that our love won’t be enough.” She swiped her eyes. “I’m afraidIwon’t be enough.”
“How could you ever say that?”
“Just listen to me for a minute, okay? Years and years from now, I feel like you’re going to snap out of it, and resent that I cost you your dream.”
“Itwasmy dream. And I’m not totally giving up on it. I’ve had an amazing career. I came further than the vast majority of competitive swimmers. Hell, I even have a gold medal to show for it.”
“But you always say it’s just a team medal. Maybe if you really work hard, you could get an individual one this next time around.”
Gaby’s words were the same ones I’d argued to myself over the last few weeks. But then I’d been hit by the same realization Kevin had argued.
Iwasgetting older.
“I’m not getting any younger, Gaby. By the time the next games roll around, I’ll be close to twenty-eight. The kids coming up the ranks are faster and more driven. They have their eye on the prize like I did years ago.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Gaby threw up her hands in frustration. As she paced around me, she argued, “Don’t you get it? I would rather you end it with me right now than worry you’ll have regrets.”
Agony ripped through my chest at the thought of losing her. “There isn’t any scenario I could ever imagine where I would resent you.”
“But there’s better women than me. Ones who could make you happier and support your swimming.”
“You are everything to me, Gaby. Your smile, your laugh, your sassy mouth, your incredible body. Your absolute loyalty. Your convictions. But it’s more than that, too. I honestly had no clue how lonely my life was. There was swimming. My family. My friends. But I hadn’t foundmy person.That’s you, beautiful girl. There is nothing better than you. I don’t want to do life without you by my side. Daily.”
She hiccupped a cry. “It’s your dream,” she protested meekly.
I smiled down at her. “It’s time for a new dream.”
“But I’m not a dream—I’m your reality.”
“I’m not just talking about you. There’s more to me than just swimming, you know.”
“Of course, I do. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. When we first met, I never would have imagined you could be the man that you are.”
“You are a dream come true, believe me.”
“I do. Because you’re mine.”
“Noah,” she sighed. I pulled her into my arms—where she belonged—and breathed deeply.
Home.
She was home.
“Love you, Gaby.”
“Love you too, Noah. So much.”
