My heart raced at the possibility. “I don’t know. We didn’t keep in touch. I think we both knew it would be too hard. He also has MJ to think about. It’s complicated. But, yes, I think there’s a possibility he’d fallen in love with me.”
He was quiet for a few minutes. The wildflowers that grew around his yard filled the air with a sweet perfume.
“Did you like it in San Diego?”
I chuckled to myself at his short questions and answers. Enzo was in protector mode again, but he was trying hard to be my brother and not my father.
“I loved it. It reminded me of home in some ways. But, yeah, I did. I could see myself living there again.”
He took in a deep breath and took my hand. “Then I think you know what you have to do.”
My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at his stoic face. “What do you mean?”
“I think you need to go back and find out. You owe it to yourself to know for sure.”
“Know what?” I said, my voice shaking.
“Whether he was the love of your life and if there’s still something there. You were brave to walk away from what you felt was true love. You’ve accomplished more in these last two years than I ever thought you could. Not sure why I’m surprised,” he said with a chuckle. “You’ve grown, Vicky. Go. Go back and see if there’s something there worth pursuing. Not going to lie. I wish it werehimpursuing you, but Corinna reminded me of something.”
“What’s that?” I asked, tears flowing freely.
“If it were just Ruby and me, I’d put her first, too. But besides being a great father, Corinna believes Miles is in love with you, and it’s why he let you go. A selfish man would have asked you to stay. He’s proven how he loves MJ. And if she’s right, he’s proven how much he loves you, too. You told me once that the Bible says love is sacrificial. He sacrificed what he felt for you so you could follow your dreams. So, go back and see if you can make him a part of those dreams.”
“Oh, Enzo,” I sobbed, lunging for him. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“This stays between us, though. Got a reputation to keep. And if you put up another post about me needing a hug, I will shave your eyebrows in your sleep,” he warned, making me laugh and cry at the same time.
The next morning, I told Mama everything. She said she knew something had happened but was waiting for me to open up about it. She and Enzo had kept their promise not to overtake my life, and I appreciated it.
“Vicky, I don’t believe in coincidences. Miles may have come into your life for a season or for a lifetime. There’s only one way to find out. God will let you know. Either way, I’m happy you’ve experienced love. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.”
So, with shaky hands, I sent a text that could possibly change my life.
Me:Good morning, Elena. I think we need to talk.
twenty-two
. . .
Vicky
When the lights in the harbor came into view, I inhaled deeply.
I’m home.
In the last two years, I traveled to several countries and seen sunsets that took my breath away, waterfalls that seemed otherworldly, and historical sites that brought me to tears. But this reaction surprised me so much that I had to swallow a sob.
“Ladies and gentlemen, from your flight crew. Welcome to San Diego.”
An excitement swelled inside me, overpowering the tears. I wiped them away discreetly and reached for my sketchpad and journal. Pressing a kiss to my journal, my constant companion, I held my breath as the plane touched down.
This was either the best or the worst decision I have ever made.
Ren and my family supported my decision to fly back and see Miles and MJ. I wasn’t sure about the unannounced part, but I could always decide in the morning to give him a call.
Oh, hey, Miles. I know it’s been two years. We shared some deep feelings that were never actually voiced out loud. But I did give you my first kiss, so will you love me, marry me, and spend the rest of your life with me?
When I laughed louder than expected, my seatmate raised her eyebrows at me.
