He cups my face with both hands, gazing at me like I’m the only thing that matters in the world.
“Baby, we were always going to get here. I just needed to be sure you were ready. I want us to go the distance, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure we do.”
He pulls me into a warm, lingering hug, and I allow myself to melt into him. For so long, I didn’t believe I deserved this. But with Aiden, it feels possible. Like maybe I do deserve to be loved this deeply.
We finish packing, grab a quick bite at the hotel, and then get back on the road. Another long day of driving lies ahead, but this one is different—kisses at gas stations, hands held across the center console, and the steady, confident knowing that we’re both all in.
The next three days fly by in a blur of motion and happiness.
We drive, laugh, play road games, and belt out our favorite songs at the top of our lungs. We spend the nights making up for lost time, wrapped in each other’s arms. I don’t want the trip to end, but I know it’s inevitable.
By Saturday afternoon, with just a few hours left of our journey, reality creeps in. The Columbia River glitters to our right as we cruise along I-84, the late-day sun shimmering over the water. I reach across the console and take Aiden’s hand.
“Hey,” I say softly. “We should probably talk about tomorrow. Do you still want me to return the van to Portland?”
“Oh, right,” he says, glancing over at me. “Yeah, you probably should. I wish you didn’t have to leave, but I know you’ve got work.”
A new project starts for my team on Monday, and I have to be in the office for at least a few days. The thought of going back to that dreary, cold apartment alone fills me with dread.
“Me too,” I say softly. “But I’ll see you next weekend?”
“Of course. Do you want to come to Astoria, or should I go to Portland?”
“I’ll come to you. I can help you get settled, and maybe we can hit the beach or something.”
He smiles. “I like that idea.”
We arrive in Astoria completely exhausted. After unloading only the essentials—just his mattress, linens, and a few boxes—we order dinner from the restaurant downstairs and then collapse. Neither of us has the energy for much else. We fall asleep before even kissing goodnight.
I wake up the next morning wrapped in Aiden’s arms, his breath warm against the back of my neck.
The weight of reality presses heavily on my chest as doubt and uncertainty swirl in my gut. I have to leave him today and go back to my lonely life. We just got each other back, and now I have to walk away, even if only for a few days.
After breakfast and a little more unpacking, the clock catches up to me.
“Hey,” I say reluctantly, “I’d better get going.”
He walks me to the van, and the silence between us speaks louder than words ever could. We’ve always been bad at talking about feelings. We’re just two guys who’d rather joke or flirt than admit we’re afraid of losing what we’ve just gotten back.
At the driver’s door, Aiden stops me. He cups my face with both hands, his eyes searching mine.
“I love you, baby. Never forget that.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper, and then he kisses me, slow at first, then deeper and hungrier.
I run my fingers through his hair, trying to memorize the feel of him. It still doesn’t seem like enough. All too soon, I pull away.
My chest aches as I start the van and drive off alone, watching him disappear in the rearview mirror.
I coordinated with my mom to pick me up after I returned the van, so I’d have a ride home. I’d been texting her throughout the trip, keeping her updated on our progress and sending photos from the road.
When I toss my duffel bag into the back seat and slide into the passenger side, she reaches across the console and pulls me into a firm hug.
“It’s so good to see you, sweetie. I’m glad you’re home safe.”
“Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate you picking me up.”
“Of course,” she says, smiling. “It gives me a chance to catch up with you before your busy week. So…” She glances over at me. “How did things go with Aiden?”
