explains. “But I’m told I’m lucky to be alive, so I must count my blessings, despite all I’ve missed.”
“Yes, for sure. I’m sure there are lots of pictures and video footage.” And as I say the words, I wonder about the photos and videos of Jonathan. Will she show him those too? The mind has a way of healing itself. The heart has a way of finding a way out of the deepest despair.
My eyes prick and my throat tightens at the memory of the conversation we had when he told me all about the hole in his heart, the child he had lost.
The memory almost brings tears to my eyes. I swallow hard and stand. “Thank you for having me. I should get going.”
“Well, thank you for coming and hopefully we’ll see you soon.” His words trail off with a question mark. I can tell he’s curious about me.
I smile at both him and Bridget. “I’m afraid you won’t be seeing too much of us. We’re actually moving to Phoenix in two months.”
I catch Bridget’s expression — a weight seems to lift off her shoulders — she’s practically floating.
Weston doesn’t seem too disappointed either. “Well, who knows then,” he says with a smile.
I smile back, a very polite smile. “Yes, who knows?”
I turn my gaze away, knowing there’s not much more to say. We can’t exactly reminisce. “I should go.”
He nods and smiles.
I smile at Bridget as I head toward the door. She practically throws herself at me and holds me in a big bear hug. “Thank you,” she whispers.
“Take care of him,” I say as I let go.
He smiles and waves at me as I make my way out. I wave goodbye, the tears already working their way up.
My last memory of him will always be of him all bruised up, sitting on his bed, holding Claire’s drawing, smiling at me. Happy.
I fall into sobs as soon as I leave the room.
Gabe holds me tight. “What’s wrong, Ella?”
My face his buried into the grey cotton of his sweater. “He didn’t remember me,” I cry. “It was like I was a complete stranger. It was horrible.”
I can’t explain the heaviness I felt, the hole in my heart. But deep down, I knew it was for the best.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, still holding me tight.
I pull away from him and reach for a tissue in my purse. “Don’t be. This way, we know he’ll never come after me.”
Gabe studies me and doesn’t say a word. But I can see something in his eyes. It’s the same expression I saw in Bridget’s eyes when I told her we were moving, when I told them we would most likely never see each other again, pure, unfiltered relief.
“This is finally over,” I promise him.
Gabe and I are huddled together on our bed, under a cozy plush throw. I feel safe there, in his arms. I feel cherished, cared for…loved. In the past few weeks, I’ve realized I made the right decision.
What Weston and I had was never quite real. It was never held by a strong foundation, like the love between Gabe and me is. This love affair with Weston started because I craved excitement and he longed to escape…to forget. Having him suddenly taken away from me made me think more clearly, see the situation objectively.
Gabe is flipping through the movie selection on the On-Demand channel. I tell him I’d like to watch a comedy. He and I have always enjoyed watching comedies together. We have the same twisted sense of humor, another reason we belong together.
“I think we should watch a double feature tonight. I’m way too excited to fall asleep.”
He laughs. “Me too.”
Tomorrow, we’re going to Phoenix to check out a property we’re very interested in; a gorgeous ranch style bungalow with a charming Tuscan style kitchen. When I saw the photos, it was love at first sight. The kitchen is lined with a colorful tiled backsplash and rustic wooden beams trail the ceiling. An old barn wood rustic island grounds the space, topped by a gorgeous wrought iron light fixture. An apron sink and traditional light blue cupboards finish the look — it looks like a picture straight out of a décor magazine.
But enough about the amazing kitchen. There’s also four gorgeous bedrooms, a yard full of beautiful greenery; cactuses and the like. And the crowning jewel; a lovely kidney shaped pool.
I know I’m getting too worked up. Gabe tells me to not get too keyed up until the