“Nah, just wanted to see you.How’d the interview go?”
“I got the job, if I want it.”I expect him to launch into questions to assess my interest and, perhaps, dissuade me from it.
“Of course you got it.You’re brilliant and deserving.Sounds like future Vee has much to consider.”He pushes off the wall and edges closer, slipping his hands around my waist.“Congratulations,” he whispers before he kisses me.
His reaction relieves me, and not just because kissing Henry is always a pleasure.The decision feelsmine.Safely in my hands without the need for him to offer feedback.Because itismy choice.And I already know what Henry wants.
In this moment, perhaps every moment, he wants me.
The kiss deepens in a breath as I yank him inside, shutting the door behind him.
CHAPTER36
Henry
Venus dragsme into the office, and thoughts of New Zealand are quickly forgotten.I allowed what I thought would be enough time for her interview to end before dropping by to see how it went.I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it’s hard not to listen to words likeNew Zealand, 5-year project, andcall me anytime.
I’m worried.If I thought there was even the tiniest hope that she’d stay, it’s obliterated now.There’s no way she’ll turn down her dream job for us, and I wouldn’t ask her to.
But damn, I wish she’d stay.I want her for more than a summer.I want her for always.
Still, I don’t offer feedback on New Zealand, except to say the obvious—that it’s an incredible offer, and she deserves incredible.I refuse to add pressure, or even hint that I don’t want her to take it.One negative remark from me about the distance or anything else might dissuade her from an amazing opportunity.I want what’s best for her, especially since her entire life until now has been about what’s best for everyone else.She deserves to explore whatever jungle, mountainside, cave, ocean, or swamp her heart desires.
And I want to bethatguy—herguy—supporting her every step.
That’s what this summer is about.Us.Now.Me being there for her as many times as she needs.I don’t want to make the same mistakes I made back then by designing a future for us that we weren’t ready for and that wasn’t right for her, forus.
If she stays, it needs to be because it’s whatshewants.Not what I want.
So, we set aside thoughts of the future for now.
The following afternoon, Olly bounces in his booster seat as I turn the Jeep into the dirt lane that leads to the fairy house.He’s not used to taking treelined, dirt driveways, and laughs like this is a game and we’re about to step into an enchanted forest.
I suppose we are—there is no place in Wilmington like this.
Sunset glows through the trees and over the house, creating shadows and dim corners.When the fairy house comes into view, Olly gasps with awe, as the place lives up to its name.The houseisenchanting, from its triangular roof to its pops of blooms and greenery, to its endless string lights, which fill the dark pockets in a delightfully intentional way.The place glows and makes you wonder—is this a house in the woods or did the forest grow a house?Wood, glass, and light nestle amongst the trees and wild landscape as if nature intended it to exist there.
Olly unbuckles and slides out of the Jeep as soon as I park.“Come on, Dad.”
From the passenger seat, I grab the bouquet that Olly and I picked out together—bold purple irises, delicate lavender, and, my favorite, brilliant sunflowers.
Venus appears almost goddess-like on the glittering front deck, all smiles and beauty.Buster looks up from her feet and yaps sharply.
“I told you—we’re having guests for dinner.Olly and Henry are here,” she says to him, in her level tone.
Olly stops abruptly and retreats to me, but only to grab the flowers.“Venus, look!We brought you these.It was my idea!”
Arms full, he bobbles up the stairs and thrusts the arrangement at her.
“Helianthus annuus, lavandula, andIris versicolor,” she lists, admiring them.
“Latin!”he identifies triumphantly.“I call ‘em flowers.”
She smirks.“These are some of my favorites.Thank you.”
“I knew you’d like them.”He yanks his new treasure from his pocket and holds it up.“I brought Mango, too.”Then, he drops to his knees to play with Buster.
I stroll up the steps behind him, catching Venus’s green eyes in mine.Her soft smile makes me ache to touch her.
