He sighs. “But I will ask. No promises, of course.”
“Of course.”
“What will you do in Cedar Brook Falls?”
“We have a small hospital not too far from town. I’m thinking of starting a clinic out of it. Work with some rehabilitation patients just coming out of surgery.”
“Do you have an office set up?”
“No. Not yet. I haven’t even spoken to the hospital about it. It’s only an idea for now.”
“Well, feel free to put my name down as a reference. I’ll be happy to help.”
“Thank you, Garrett. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself, Sage.”
“Thanks. You, too.”
I exhale loudly after ending the call, releasing all the nervous energy I had stored in my chest, worrying that I was making a mistake. But Garrett only reaffirmed my decision. While my work is appreciated, I’m still replaceable to them. I need to find a place that makes me happy and works for me.
Before I change my mind, I write an email to one of the doctors I know at the hospital for his thoughts on my idea. Thereisn’t an integrated facility that combines medicine with physical therapy strategies near us, and I thought perhaps he might like to partner with me and be the first one.
Checking the time on my laptop, I realize if I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late picking Casey up from the airport. I asked his mom and dad if they wanted to come with me but they both said they’d see him at home. I think they’re just giving us some time to ourselves, which I’m grateful for.
While I know I was the one who told him to go, I can’t wait to have him back. I’ve missed his arms and his laugh. I even miss the way he teases me.
At the airport, I’m standing in the crowd. My heart leaps each time the glass doors open, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as soon as he steps out.
Finally, I see him. He’s taller than most of the passengers, and his athletic build makes him stand out even more. He’s wearing a tight black T-shirt and black pants. His baseball cap is low on his brow, nearly masking his eyes. But when he spots me, those blue eyes light up and he smiles from ear to ear.
He jogs down the ramp, and I run as fast as I can toward him. Without hesitation, I launch myself on top of him, arms clinging to his neck and my legs wrapped around his waist.
He drops his bags and squeezes my body against his, lowering his head to capture my mouth in a soul-consuming kiss.
We ignore everyone around us and kiss as though no one is around, as though we haven’t seen each other in years not days, and each time we stop to breathe, we come back to each other.
My heart beats like it wants to jump out of my chest and dive into his. I don’t know how long I am in his arms, but finally Casey pulls away and pushes my hair back with both hands. “God, I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
He kisses me gently this time. “I hate waking up and you’re not there. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”
I smile. “Good.”
He grabs his bag and my hand as we walk back to my car. “Is it just the two of us?”
“Yes.”
He swings me back into his arms and kisses me again. I melt into his chest and wonder how I got so lucky.
“Let’s go back to your place first,” he whispers in my ear.
I shiver but shake my head. “I promised your mother that I would bring you straight to town as soon as you arrive. I should warn you, I think they have a surprise homecoming set up because everyone in town’s been buzzing.
He groans but doesn’t argue. On the car ride back, Casey tells me all about the celebration shenanigans. “You should have seen Garcia, baby. He has some dance moves he’s been hiding for years.” He laughs. “I can’t wait for you to meet the guys and their families. You’re going to love them.”
I hadn’t thought about that step. For so long, I couldn’t even imagine being with Casey, and now I would be a part of his baseball life. It all seems so surreal. “Isn’t Garcia’s wife the woman with like a million followers?”
