“I’ll always listen to you in the future. That’s a certainty.” Cal sniffs. “I don’t know what’s up with me today. Maybe it’s the hormones making me so emotional, but I don’t think it is. I think it’s just I’ve never wanted anything so badly. This has been the longest three months of my life. Being without you has been awful and I never want to mess this up again. I’m scared I will.”
“Shh, Cal. Please. I get it, I really do. Don’t you think I’m scared too? You and me, we’re the same, which is why we love as hard as we do.”
“Yeah, I know.”
We’re silent for a beat, then I say, “Look, we can take this as fast or as slow as you want, but whatever you choose, we will be together. I’m not leaving here without you. From now on, we spend no more time apart unless we really have to. I know it’s going to take us time to work out?—”
“But I don’t want you to feel any pressure, Ash.”
“I won’t; I don’t. Believe me. We can do this any way you want, as long as I get to take care of you and our kid. Okay?”
Her head rests against my shoulder while her arms wrap around my waist. I kiss the top of her head, feeling her bodily warmth against me.
“You’ve got us, Ash. We’re all yours. We always have been.”
Jesus, it feels good to hear her say it. For the first time in a while, I think we can get through anything life throws at us. We can survive the paparazzi by communicating better, and we will ignore the Dani’s of this world who try to come between us.
I take Cal’s chin in my fingers, tilting her head towards me and kissing her again. This time, it’s deep and slow, although I’m slightly more conscious of anyone who might be watching. It’s time to move this reunion away from prying eyes. “I’m taking you back to my hotel room right now. Remember that thing you wanted earlier? It’s happening. As soon as humanly possible,” I tell her as my lips slide from hers.
“Thank God. You took your time,” she says, making me smile.
I help Cal up from the lounger and our fingers lace together as we head away from the beach.
I know we have a long road ahead, but I’ll never lose sight of what’s waiting for me at home. I’ll never put myself in a position where I could lose Cal again. Not ever.
Drown in Blue
Nothing that I seem to say
Could ever take the hurt away
and heal you
And if I tried a million times,
Could you let this love of ours
continue
Tell me how this works,
am I wrong
I didn’t lie,
yet now we lie all alone
(Chorus)
Can you believe in me
like I believe in you
Can you see through the veil
Of lies they want you to
Can you believe in me
