It was a night to remember. A bond I hope to never forget.
Now, we’re naked under the thickness of the blankets keeping us warm as I run a lazy finger in circles across Easton’s chest. For some reason, I woke up wondering about all the things. Feeling incredibly blissful, but curious.
“What do you think you’ll do when you get back to Alaska? I mean, after everything that happened. Will things just go back to normal?”
I wonder if he feels the same way I do about the end ofthis? Sad. Anxious. Dreading the end of our time here because it’s passed far too quickly for my liking.
There’s a calm between us, and I can tell Easton isn’t triggered by my question. I’ve noticed him become much more relaxed lately at the mention of his future.
Maybe that’s peace from his decision finally settling in?
He tucks me further into his arm before kissing the top of my head. “To be honest, I’m not really sure what to expect. I know things won’t be the same. But I hope they’ll be better. I still need to have a conversation with my parents. Although I know they saw this coming. They practically encouraged me not to marry Sydney. Not because they don’t love her—they do. I think they just always saw what I didn’t. That we weren’t each other’s person.”
“That must have been such a difficult moment for you. Calling off your wedding like that. I can’t imagine ever being put in that kind of position.”
He’s much stronger than he gives himself credit for.
“I’m not sure I even processed what I was doing before I actually did it. Sydney knew right away. Talking to her made it better. But to answer your question, I’ll probably do what I can to make the changefeelnormal. Get back to work. Snowstorms usually start rolling in around this time of year, so I’m sure work will be slammed with travel. I’ve thought about buying myself a place near the riverbank, selling our condo since Sydney doesn’t want to live there, and finding something I know I’ll love more. I’ve got options.”
“I’m happy for you, Easton. I know how hard putting yourself first can be when all you know how to do is take care of other people.”
He brushes the hair from my forehead before peppering kisses down my face. I’m not sure how someone could ever pass up this kind man. Is he broody? Yes. Hard to read at times? Yes. But so damn easygoing and thoughtful.
“You mean your sister? Capri?”
I nod. “She’s six years younger than me. Ended a shitty marriage a while back. She’s just been through so much. Her relationship with our mom has been mending since her divorce. Not that it was ever bad, but my mom can be very…difficult, as you know. She has this picture in her head of what our lives should look like and isn’t afraid to persuade you to make that happen. From the way Capri sees it, I’m the favorite. At least, that’s the show my mother puts on for people to see. God forbid she show her humanity. Knowing Capri would defend me in a second, she saves face around her, leading her to believe I am the favorite. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Capri always has a plan. She knows step-by-step what she wants her life to look like. But not me. I appreciate change and challenging myself with the unknown. To my mom, I’m nothing more than a disappointment. She gave up on me a long time ago. I’ve never been what she wanted me to be, so she fought hard to make it happen with Capri.”
“I know I haven’t known you long, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth, from what I’ve learned about you.”
“Exactly. Just because I prefer to be alone—not dating, all the things—it doesn’t mean I don’t need love and affection from my mother. I don’t know. It’s shitty, but I’m used to it.”
“I’m sorry,” Easton tells me, and I appreciate that he doesn’t try to make me feel better. He knows what it’s like, and this is him relating. “You and your dad are close, right? I’m just relieved you have him.”
I nod. “My dad is the most loving, Southern soul. Still to this day, we have movie dates once a month. When I was a kid, we would make plans to watch all the old Western films on a big screen and spend the day in a sugar coma together. Root beer for me, cream soda for him. It’s our thing.”
I can’t help the smile that comes across my face just thinking about my dad and the way he loves me so big. He always has. Amidst my lack of a love life, he’s been the greatest love of them all.
“He sounds like a great man.”
“He’s the best.”
I know there’s still so much we want to say. So many open-ended questions, like what’s next? Will we be okay just saying goodbye to each other tomorrow and never speaking again?
I don’t know if I have an answer for that. Not after this incredible trip together. The most unexpected and memorable time.
“Oh!” Easton blurts. “Almost forgot.” He turns to his travel bag behind us, urging me to hold on while he searches for something.
“What is it?”
“Got you something. If I could just find it…”
He got me something?
“Here it is. It’s nothing much, but it made me think of you.” Stealing my breath away, Easton hands me something that I would never expect to receive from not only a man, but one who was recently a stranger.
“A message in a bottle.” Tears fill my eyes as I sort through the overwhelming waves of emotions I feel. “How…? When?”
“I ran into the little souvenir shop by the hat place we went to. You were on the phone with Capri, and I wanted to give you some space. I couldn’t believe they actually had one.”
