Maverick: I want to show you the completed fountain.
Now the patio would look complete.
Belle: I can meet you after work.
I reread my messages to her.She thought this was just a business thing.I wasn't sure how I could rectify her perception.And from the tone of her words, I wasn't sure she'd see me for any other reason.This was my only opportunity to convince her that I deserved another chance, so I let her think whatever she wanted.
On Friday, I called my brothers to help move the statue.It was covered in a tarp, so I wasn't worried about anyone seeing it before the big reveal.
We lowered it to the fountain and secured it.
"The plumbing's working?"I asked Hudson.
Hudson nodded."You want me to fill it?"
"Can we do that and keep the tarp on the top?"I asked, not wanting to reveal to anyone what was underneath.That was just for Belle.
"Absolutely," Hudson said, filling the base with water.
Ford approached me."What's this about?"
I gestured at the tarp."'I made this for Belle."
He scrutinized me."Is this your apology?"
I grimaced at his characterization."I planned this before as a surprise.It's based on one of her drawings.It reminded me of her as a little girl.I thought it would be a nice addition.”
Ford pursed his lips."That's risky.What if she doesn't like it?You're stuck with a specific piece that only works for one person."
I chuckled without any humor."I guess I'll keep it in my workshop to be a reminder of everything I've lost."
Ford crossed his arms over his chest."You think this will be enough to win her back?"
"I'm going to have to earn her trust again."If I ever had it at all.
He nodded."I haven't seen it yet.But I know how much work goes into something like this.I can't even imagine carving a girl out of stone."
"You think it was a good idea?"
"I think she's going to love it, and I haven't even seen it yet," Ford said.
I raised a brow."You have a lot of faith in me."
He pressed a hand onto my shoulder."You don't always express your feelings, but you show your love through how you show up for people.And this was a thoughtful, meaningful gift.Even if it wasn't meant to be an apology, I think she'll appreciate it."
I let out a breath."I just hope it's enough, and I'm not too late."
"You think she loves you?"
I huffed out a laugh."She never said."
"I bet if you look back, you'll get an idea."Ford walked over to Hudson to help him.
I know she enjoyed my company, that she couldn't get enough of being together.But did that mean she was in love with me?
It seemed almost too much to hope for, but I did it anyway.
Hudson showed me how to turn on the water so that it would flow through the watering can.
