“Sure do. The parents and their youngest son moved across town to a nice one-story home that’s easier to get a wheelchair around in. Their eldest, William, moved just around the corner.”
My lips parted, my breath caught between an inhale and exhale as I looked up and then down the street, wondering what corner he was around.
“Where?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.
The woman pointed. “Take a right at the stop sign up there and it’s the fourth house on the left. He—”
“Thank you,” I said, cutting her off. “Have a good day!”
I hurried to the cab and jumped in the back seat, giving directions as I shut the door. A moment later we were off, my eyes staring straight ahead, willing the driver to go faster. At the stop sign we paused and then he took a right. I scooted across the seat so I was on the left side of the car, staring out the window, counting houses.
“Stop,” I said, and the driver pulled off to the side of the road.
It was a quaint brick Tudor, the yard neat, the door painted white with a floral wreath hanging from it, the curtains in the front window open and welcoming. For some reason I felt suddenly afraid. I slid back to the right side of the car and placed my hand on the handle, but didn’t open the door.
“Do you want me to stay again?” the driver asked.
“Yes, please,” I whispered.
I took a breath, opened the door, and stepped out, facing the house but not moving. As I stared up at it, a car pulled into the driveway.
William.
And as I watched, he emerged from the car.
He was just as I remembered him. Tall and strong and so handsome. My heart nearly leaped from my chest as I watched him walk around the car. I was about to move from behind the safety of the cab when I saw him open the passenger-side door, his hand reaching down to catch a woman’s. He helped her from her seat, a smile on his face as she emerged, the little pale blue hat on her dark brown hair perfectly matching her dress.
She could’ve been anyone. A friend. A cousin. But then he did something unmistakable. He placed a hand tenderly on her belly, and then kissed her before leading her to the front door.
I wasn’t sure how long I stood there. I didn’t care that the meter was running. All I knew was that I was once again seeing glimpses of my life flash before my eyes. Precious moments I’d believed were leading me to something better—but instead had led to one crushing blow after another.
Ruthie.
Catrin.
And now William.
Each one beloved. Each one gone.
I crouched down and rested my forehead on the side of the cab.
“Miss?” the driver called.
“Sorry,” I said. “I just need a minute.”
I could still go. I could knock on the door. I could explain everything. But then what? I ruined the life he was clearly building with a woman he’d found after he’d thought me dead?
My breath caught, strangled on a sob, my body beginning to shake as the tears I’d held in for so long threatened to break free. I had waited for him. I had endured because of my memories of him and us. I had kept going, knowing it would all be worth it...because in the end I’d be with him again. But it was not to be. I would not go there now...or ever. I had to let him go.
Taking in a deep breath, I stood and steadied myself before opening the door and getting back inside.
“Please take me back to the hotel,” I said.
“Are you okay, miss?”
I sighed and looked out at the little brick house.
“Not yet,” I said. “Not in a long time. But I will be.”
