“Seriously, let’s get our focus back.” I throw him a hardened look. “Maybe I shouldn’t give her the chance, and I should just take the lead. End things to ensure I’m in control. It could soften the blow.”
Holden tips his head toward the ice. “You never stopped trying to win when you played hockey. Why stop now? There must be a realization that she hasn’t connected to yet that would be the gamechanger for her life.”
If only he knew.
Harlow has had things thrown at her. Horrible things…
…but amazing things too.
Our bond and attraction.
“You’re right. I’m just… out of ideas on how to handle this.”
“Don’t overthink it. Just lay it all out from the start. Accepting her answer isn’t an option. She’ll come around if you two are the real thing. If not, then I’m sorry to say that she’ll be the one that got away.”
Abruptly, I stand and grab my bag. “I should go simple is what I think you’re trying to say. Forget the dozen roses and romantic dinners on the rooftop of the Dizzy Duck. What I would write, I just need to tell it to her face.”
“I was not saying…” It drags out. “Yes, I was totally saying that. A great idea. One that I most definitely came up with myself and not you on your own having a realization.” He smiles tightly.
I snap my fingers. “I should go. I need to meet Harlow at the airport later.”
Yes. I’ll practice what I’m going to say the moment she gets off that plane.
* * *
Standing on the tarmac,I'm waiting for her with a present, a stack of letters in envelopes tied with string. I wait anxiously as the flight attendant opens the door. This feels like a moment from an old movie, because I know Harlow will probably have a cute little dress on with a sunhat, her hand trying to keep it down in the wind.
A subtle smile cracks on my lips when my theory is proven right, and our eyes meet for a moment that feels as though a key is turning in a lock between us, and I could be on either side of the door. The corners of her mouth tilt up, then she takes a few steps down the stairs, and it feels like eternity.
When she’s at the bottom, we both mosey and meet in the middle. Harlow glides the strap of her bag down her shoulder, and it falls to the ground.
It doesn’t matter what’s about to happen. Our arms of their own accord naturally find their way to wrap around one another, and I pull her tight, afraid to ever let go. I kiss the top of her head, inhaling every fiber of her body that I can.
“Stone.” My name escaping her lips sounds like a yearning that I wish she would let me solve.
Creating some space between us, we still don’t part ways; instead, our hands stay firm on one another near our elbows, with the envelopes hanging by a string on my finger.
“Harlow, we’re not going anywhere until I tell you that I don’t want you in my life as a lightning bug that flies away. You’re a light, but more a perfect little permanent star that deserves her own night sky. It’s just… I believe that I’m meant to be there too. This is nothing I planned to say in my lifetime to anyone. But damn, woman, you have me in knots, and I kind of hope I don’t unravel, because you’re wrapped up in that. I have no plans to let you go.” Her mouth parts open, and the way her eyes twinkle in daylight is all the more reason that I’m certain I make her feel alive. “So, you can say what you were planning to say. Stay at the Dizzy Duck Inn.” I notice her face puzzle, and she flutters her lashes. “And I know I told you that we have choices to make, but I’ve made mine, you know where I stand on us, my family, a future. Is it so bad that I plan on getting on my knees to beg you to see what we have?”
Harlow places her fingertips against my chest then gently pushes me back. “Stone… are you done yet?” A smile grows.
“I’m not sure. I’m kind of winging it here. I would keep talking if it meant that I don’t have to hear your words of disaster.”
She chortles a sound. “I believe you said you would get on your knees.”
I cock my head to the side. “True.” We both stand there, lost for a few seconds. Our eyes fixed with what I see as true love. Which is why I grab her arms to keep her firmly in place, adamant that we have to start the difficult days ahead. “Just say it. Tell me what you came here to do so I know what I’m up against, before I convince you that you should have known when we first laid our eyes on one another that we could never be just a fling. Tell me.”
Her eyes widen slightly, and her lips roll in, as if she’s suppressing humor which feels kind of cruel. “Well, as much as I loved hearing every word that you just said, I am afraid to disappoint you.” That’s it, my heart is hit with a bow and arrow. “I was just going to tell you that you’re going to have to buy me a winter coat.”
Huh, what?
“A winter coat?”
She nods, as if she is waiting for me to solve a riddle. “Also, I kind of need your muscles today. I packed a little heavy on the luggage front.”
“Heavy luggage?” My dry throat seems to ease.
Her head moves again in confirmation of my questions that are now clearly statements. I stand there trying to connect the dots, but Harlow can’t wait and bursts out in the brightest smile I’ve ever seen. “I’m moving to Lake Spark.” Realization hits me, and she playfully pushes me. “To be with you.”
