I had gone to such lengths because we needed to go cold turkey, so acting rash was not wise, but I couldn’t help myself. I was missing her so much, and I knew she was in pain. Our connection is intense. I often sensed her presence in a room before I saw her, and I was very attuned to her feelings. Like a form of twin telepathy. Stevie’s heart had taken another hammering this week, and I needed to see her.
I didn’t expect it to be so easy, but perhaps Nana was aligning the stars from heaven.
A sob breaks free of my throat, and Hadley rubs my arm as she continues reading.
It was early evening in mid-October and dark. The shop was closed. The farm was locked up. And Nana’s house was under the cloak of night. I knew where I’d find her. In her poppy field. On our bench. Slivers of moonlight cast her lonely shadow in scant illumination, and my heart broke anew as I watched her huddled in a ball, crying. It took every ounce of my self-control not to go to her. It felt cruel not to comfort her. The pain in my chest was so extreme I worried I might be having a coronary. She was lost, heartbroken, and miserable. I wanted to swoop in like her knight in shining armor and save the day.
But I knew I couldn’t.
This was one battle Stevie had to fight alone.
She needed time to fully heal. And she needed to do that without Garrick and without me.
Stevie has always been one of the strongest people I know, but she had lost a lot of her inner belief, and I couldn’t be selfish. I couldn’t run back to her without giving her the opportunity to do this herself. She needed it to believe in herself again. And I needed her to do it so when she came back to me it would be forever.
Walking away that night was one of the toughest things I have ever done. Right up there with sticking to the ultimatum I’d given her. I hated myself as I turned my back on her and headed to the airport. I cried as the plane took off. It felt cruel and cowardly to leave her alone.
But I had faith.
I have always had faith in her and in us.
So, I returned home and continued waiting.
Hadley has to stop because she’s crying too hard, and so am I.
“It’s so weird,” I say, sniffling as I pass the tissue box to Hadley. “But I felt him there that night.”
“It’s not weird.” Hadley mops at her eyes. “You two are true soul mates. It’s no wonder you were both sensing one another. I hope one day I find someone like Beck.” She blows her nose and shoves my book at me. “Now, hurry and catch up. We need to reach the end so we can get to your new beginning.”
We read until the early hours, switching wine for herbal tea as it gets late, and when I turn the last page, I’m filled with elation and more energy than I should have.
“There’s a special acknowledgment for you,” Hadley says, drinking the last of her peppermint tea before she reads it aloud.
Stevie, if you are reading this, I want you to know I’m waiting at our cottage. There is no rush. I will wait for you for eternity if I have to because there is no one else for me. I love you, honey. When you are ready, come home.
I hop off the bed and grab my purse, rummaging in it for my cell.
“What are you going to do?” Hadley asks, kneeling on the bed.
“What do you think?” I toss her a grin over my shoulder. “I’m booking myself a seat on the next flight to Perpignan. It’s time to get my man.”
ChapterEighty-Five
Beck
Ireturn from my early morning run and check my emails before planning to take a shower. I have another bunch of offers from foreign publishers, via my agent, and an updated sales report showing healthy US and UK sales.
I wonder if Stevie has seen the book yet. If she’s read it.
I miss her so much, and I’m praying she comes back to me sooner than later. I didn’t think our separation would be this long. I’ve been tempted to text her so many times, but I promised myself I’d give her all the space she needs. This will have been for nothing if she doesn’t come back to me in her own time, when she is ready. I trust in our love, and I know she will come to me when the time is right.
I grab a quick shower, and my mind wanders to my red-haired beauty like it does every day. Stevie is never far from my mind at any time of the day or night. She’s the sweetest addiction. I hope she is doing better and looking after herself, and I hope she is happy. Her happiness means everything to me. It’s why I made the ultimate sacrifice. Why I have put all my faith in our love. Someday, we will be reunited, and then we will never be separated again.
I dry off and throw on a pair of sweats just as someone knocks on my door. I’m not expecting anyone. It’s only six thirty a.m. so it must beGrand-mère, looking for my help with something. Throwing the wet towel into the laundry basket on my way out of my bedroom, I stall for a moment as all the fine hairs rise on the back of my neck. A familiar prickling sensation ghosts over my skin, and I know.
She’s here.
My baby has come back to me.
