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My hand flies to my heart. My gaze connects with his.
“You’re doing it for me?” I repeat.
“Yes, Savannah. If you said that the Appalachian Mountains were too damned jagged, I would do my best to smooth them all out, even if it took the rest of my life. Don’t you see? There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do for you. I love you.”
My heart is in my throat. I feel the first tear break free and run down my face.
“Really?”
“Really,” he assures me. “If I thought that you would say yes, baby, I would drop to my knees and ask you to marry me.”
My eyes bug out. “What?”
“I’m serious. I’m trying to show you that I’m all in.”
“That’s not… I don’t want a proposal. Don’t do that. Please.” I tug at my hand, but he doesn’t release me.
“Not yet. Maybe in time.” He squeezes my hand. “There’s more, if you want to see it.”
I’m far too emotional to speak without crying like a baby. I just nod my head and brush away a tear that hits my cheek.
Cole places a hand on my back, and guides me up a skinny corridor that I now realize is probably the fire exit. When he opens a second set of doors, I see the dingy red theater seats. I step in and look around. The theater lights are dimmed, and the big room is empty. The projector is on, but nothing is playing on the big screen. It’s just white.
Cole ushers me to the front row, sits me down, and offers me a huge bowl of popcorn. I accept it, stunned.
Did Cole go through with all this planning for me? I know it benefits his family in the long run, but it sure feels personal right now.
“Are you ready to see a show I put together?”
I gaze at him like he’s an alien descending from a UFO, and I’ve wanted to believe for my whole damn life. Is he for real? Sniffling, I nod.
“Uh… yeah?” is all I can think to say.
Cole sits down and looks to the back. “Cue the show!”
On stage, two volunteers lift the projection screen and awkwardly carry it off stage. The projector flicks on, and a wobbly light washes over the stage.
A group of children run out. One boy is dressed as a thundercloud and carrying a lightning bolt. Another girl is dressed in a bright yellow outfit, and carrying a large rainbow. Charlie comes out dressed normally, beaming so hard it looks like it hurts his cheeks.
My heart squeezes painfully. I love Charlie. I love his energy, his imagination, and his big toothy grin. Losing Charlie is one of the things I’ve struggled with the most ever since I found out his dad was really moving away.
Giving a little gasp, I put my hand over my mouth. Cole grabs my other hand and gives it a squeeze.
“Thundercloud and sunshine fell in love,” Charlie announces. “Thundercloud was grumpy. He was mad and sad.”
The little thunderstorm runs around in circles, waving his arms and yelling.
Charlie laughs. “Sunshine was lonely. She thought no one saw her.”
The little girl skips around the stage, making sure that everyone sees her grinning. I give a startled huff of laughter.
Is this supposed to be about Cole and me? If so… they are doing a really good job.
“Sunshine and Thunderstorm….” Charlie starts, then stops. “Daddy? I don’t remember.”
Cole pats my hand and rises, jumping up to sit on the stage. “Let me help. Come here, Charlie.”
Charlie runs to him and Cole catches him in his arms.
