No loose ends.
I’m closing this chapter for good.
What I need is a fresh start back home, hopefully with Faith. It gets me thinking about finding a piece of land on Mirror Lake and building our dream house. Well,herdream house. Whatever she wants, we’ll build. I want her to have everything she desires in her life.
It feels like it’s going to be an uphill battle, but I’m up for the challenge. This is another way to show her I’m serious, and I want a future with her, no matter what. We can figure it all out. All of it. I’m proving it by selling this house and moving across the country.
I take a few minutes to jot down a few words in my lyric book.
I’m coming for you, my love, my soulmate. It’s our time to lay everything on the table and have a future together. You and me forever. I’m not giving up on us.
FORTY
FAITH
It’s Sunday and I’m getting ready for my date with Kai. I spent yesterday sorting through all my feelings, worries, and doubts about Jude. Lots of writing in my journal. When I take care of myself, it soothes my soul. It was what I needed. Although there was no miracle transformation, my mind is in a place that is allowing me to filter the thoughts better than a couple days ago. I’m making headway on the other side of this, which is better than feeling stuck.
Deciding I need to get back to my life here, I decide going on a date with Kai will be a pleasant distraction. He seems like a great guy, judging by the text messages we’ve exchanged, so if nothing else, it will be a nice date.
The doorbell rings, and I’m still getting ready. A quick look at my phone shows I have at least twenty minutes to get ready. Don’t tell me he is early—likereallyearly. My heart rate is pumping, thinking he is here. My robe is on the door. I grab it, put it on, and make my way downstairs to answer the door. I open it and see a man. It must be Kai.
“Hi. Kai?”
He’s dressed in a polo shirt and dark gray pants. His hair is a little too short for my liking, but he seems to be fit.
He sheepishly shakes his head. “Yes, am I too early?”
“Well, I’m not ready, but give me fifteen minutes and I will be. Come in.” I motion to the living room as I open the door wider.
He steps in and strides to the couch. “I can sit right here and wait for you. Sorry I’m so early.” He lowers himself to the couch and pulls out his phone.
“I can grab you something to drink.”
As he looks up from his phone, a sparkling smile lights up his face. “No, I’m good.”
Okay, that’s my cue, I say, “I’ll be right back.”
My slippers scuff along as I head upstairs to finish getting ready. I picked out clothes, but now seeing him, I’m switching it up. The closet is full of clothes—so many choices. A sweater and a pair of black leggings are the outfit I’m putting on for tonight. I grab my tall boots to finish the look. The hair needs some help, so I use my curler to do a quick once over. Then I swipe on my lip gloss that has a coral tint. There’s just enough to add some color to my tan face.
You got some color while you were away.
I do one last hair fluff as I walk down the stairs and into the living room. “Ready.”
He shuts his phone immediately and says, “Okay, let’s go.”
I detour to the closet and snag my winter coat. He comes over and helps me put it on. We leave the house, and when we get to the car, he opens the door for me. What a gentleman. The gesture makes me feel special and worth the effort. Once we are in the car, he turns on some soft music.
“How are you doing after coming back from Aruba? I enjoyed the text messages you sent. It was like I was there with you.” He glances over at me as he drives.
“Aruba is a place I’d go back to every year. The weather is perfect. I highly recommend booking an all-inclusive resort, ifyou can. The restaurants were top-notch. I could go on and on, but I’ll show you some pictures when we get to the restaurant.” Talking about the trip instead of how I’m doing feels like the angle I need to take.
As we drive down the road, I gaze out the window, reminiscing about all the fun we had while planning Kendall’s wedding. And once more, Jude fills my thoughts. He invades my thoughts, and a sudden ache strikes my chest. I need to concentrate on the present.
Stay in the moment
“Faith? Faith?”
I notice Kai attempting to attract my attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was daydreaming about Aruba.”
