Текст книги "Next"

Автор книги: Rachael Brownell

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 15 страниц)

MY FLIGHT LANDS in Raleigh just after five o'clock local time. With the time difference, I'm getting in later than I originally planned. I should have booked an earlier flight. I'll have to remember that next time I fly east. I pick up my luggage and rental car in record time. It's almost six by the time I leave the airport and head to my hotel to check in.

I'm back on the road as quickly as the elevator ride allows. I follow the turn by turn directions my phone is giving me and pull up in front of a small blue house only five minutes outside the city. It's a cute little cottage-style house with a bay window in the front and white shutters. It doesn't look anything like the houses we grew up around. It's quaint and fresh. I love it. It fits Luke's personality perfectly.

I slowly get out of the car, grabbing the white envelope out of my purse in case he's not here. I make my way up the sidewalk and then the front steps. They creak and give away the houses age. The front porch has character. There are two white wicker rocking chairs and a small table between them. I picture Luke sitting in one of those chairs, a beer in his hand, as he watches the sun set below the tree line.

The thought makes me smile. I would love to sit in the other chair and watch with him.

I take a deep breath and open the screen door. I knock twice and close the screen. It clatters against the frame as it slips out of my hand. I cringe at the loud noise until I realize that no one is here to hear it but me. I peek into the front window to make sure that he's not inside. I don't see movement inside the house so I put plan B into motion. I open the screen door back up and this time I close it slowly, trapping the envelope in the frame. It'll be the first thing he sees when he comes home.

Now it's a waiting game.

I make my way back to the hotel and sit in my room staring at my phone. I watch as the time passes by. The seconds feel like minutes. The minutes like hours. After two hours, I can't take the waiting any longer. I pick up my phone and dial his number. It goes straight to voicemail. Shit!

I didn't make a plan C. I didn't think I would need it. I didn't think beyond him either being home or not being home. He has to come home eventually, right? Maybe surprising him wasn't such a good idea.

I change my clothes and put on my running shoes. I need air. I need to get out of this hotel room and clear my mind. There's a park down the block. I'll run there and back. I stretch my arms and legs in the elevator on the way down.

The cooling night air hits my face and I smile. Yes, this is exactly what I need. I set off in the direction of the park. I passed it on my way back from Luke's house. I see it coming into view and let my mind start to wonder.

If he's not home, where is he? Maybe he went out. It is Saturday night. Maybe he had a date?

No. His final letter to me basically said that he would be here waiting for me. Well, I'm here. If he's waiting for me, I'd like to know where he's waiting. It doesn't matter. I'm not leaving without seeing him. He needs to know I'm here. He needs to read my letter. I won't give up just because he's not home. I waited ten years for him the first time. I can wait a little longer.

I turn into the park and keep going. It's beautiful. The trees are tall and in full bloom. In a few months, the leaves will start to change colors and eventually fall. I'm sure it's beautiful here when that happens. There's a water fountain up headed. Two mermaids standing tall, water flowing from their mouths. Just past that there looks like a small pond. I see geese roaming the lawn.

I take a left when the path split and head farther away from the hotel. The park is much bigger than it looked when I drove past. There's a playground coming into view now. The swings sit empty, moving slightly from the breeze. The glare of the setting sun bounces off the metal of the slide and temporarily blinds me. The parents have all taken their children home for the night. It has to be getting close to eight by now. I'm sure some of those children are laying their heads on their pillows right now and closing their eyes as sweet dreams invade their heads.

Felicity will be dealing with all of this soon. I'll be there to help her. We'll take it to the park. It. I can't keep calling her unborn child it. It feels weird. She finds out in a few weeks if she's having a boy or a girl. At least then I'll be able to say he or she. I wonder what Felicity will name it.

The Evans will be there to help too. They were more than excited to hear that Elliot's left behind a legacy. "His spirit will live on in his child," they said according to Felicity. Mrs. Evans was going to take Felicity shopping today for nursery furniture. By the time I get home, our spare bedroom will be completely transformed.

I take another left and head back to the main road. The temperature has dropped slightly, but the humidity is still hanging around. Sweat is dripping from parts of my body that I didn't even know produced sweat. My hair looks as if I've just jumped out of the shower. That's what I need right now. A shower. A very cold shower.

Walking through the lobby of the hotel people stare. I don't really care. I'm not here to impress them. Plus, I'd like to see what they look like after a long run in that stifling humidity. I'm sure they wouldn't look any better. I do feel horrible for the man in the elevator with me. I can't smell good.

The spray of the shower rinses away the sweat and grime. I feel like a new woman as I turn the water off and step out. I wrap one towel around my hair and another around my body. After brushing my teeth, I head to get dressed and check my phone. If Luke hasn't called me yet I'm going to call him.

I have three missed calls, none of them are from Luke.

Hey, girly. I hope you made it there safe. Call me if you need me. I'm going to hanging out at the house tonight looking at paint samples. How do you feel about a soft green? Is that a neutral color or should I wait until I know what I'm having. I'm sure it's a boy, but you never know. Call me later.

She sounds happy. Happier than she has in months. I know that these have been the most trying months of her life. She's dealt with things one day at a time, the best that she can. To hear the joy in her voice again, to watch as her smile lights up the room, makes me smile too.

Reagan, its James. Give me a call when you get a second.

He tries to sound nonchalant, but I can hear the panic in his voice. I wonder what's going on. I'll have to call him back first.

Reagan, it's James again. Call me back. I need to talk to you.

Now he's not trying to hide the panic. I quickly dial his number and listen as it rings and rings. I hope everything is alright. My thoughts immediately go to Felicity and the baby. Her voicemail was from an hour ago. She must have called right after I left for my run. James left me two messages while I was in the shower, the last one from only ten minutes ago. Why is he not answering? When his voicemail picks up I hang up and dial again.

I leave him a voicemail this time and call Felicity. She picks up on the second ring.

"Hey!" She sounds ecstatic to hear from me.

"What's going on? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?" I cut to the chase. I'm talking a mile a minute but I can't help it. Something is wrong and I need to make sure that she's okay, that everyone I love is safe.

"Yeah. We're good. Uncle James is here to visit right now. He brought me food."

"James is there? Can I talk to him?"

"Sure. Hold on." I hear muffled voices and then James is on the other end of the line.

"What the hell? You had me freaked out. Is everyone okay?"

"We're all fine. You should bail on the rest of your business trip and come home. We miss you." All? Business trip? Where is he going with this? He knows where I am. It's almost as if he's speaking in code. Why would he be speaking in code unless...

"He's there?"

"Yeah. So we'll see you tomorrow then?" I smile even though I know James can't see me, no one can see me.

"Maybe sooner. Love you little brother."

"Love you too sis. See you soon."

I pack my bags and check out on my way to the car. I head to the airport but not before making a pit stop at Luke's to grab my letter. The nice lady behind the airline counter finds a way to get me home as quick as possible. I have to change planes a few times, but it beats waiting for the earliest flight tomorrow morning.

THERE'S AN UNFAMILIAR car parked in my spot when I pull into the driveway. As quietly as possible I let myself in the house and head to my room. I drop my bag on the floor and stare at a sleeping Luke in my bed. I have the sudden urge to jump in and cuddle up to him. Instead, I drop my letter on the pillow next to his head and head to the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. I slept a few hours on and off, but I'm exhausted.

I sit on the back patio and drink my coffee. As the sun begins to rise I start to get nervous. I know that Luke will be waking up sometime soon. He'll see the letter. After he reads it, he'll figure out that I'm here and come looking for me. I'm not scared that he doesn't want what I want. I'm not scared that he'll turn away from me. The simple fact that he's here speaks volumes about how he feels about me.

Why is he here?

It took ten years and Elliot's funeral to bring him home last time. What brought him home this time?

I hear shuffling behind me. I look over my shoulder and see Felicity in the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of coffee. I look to the spot her coffee ended up last time she had a cup. I'm guessing it was morning sickness and not the coffee that caused her to puke.

"Welcome home," Felicity says in a sing-song voice. She sure is happy.

"Thanks. How are you feeling this morning," I ask, gesturing to the cup of hot java in her hand.

"I feel amazing. How are you? You look tired." Yes, I probably look like shit.

"I am. And I'm a little nervous. When did he get here? Why?"

"All I know is that he came for you. He was here waiting for you when Mrs. Evans and I came home from shopping. I didn't know what to tell him so I lied and said that you were on a business trip. I snuck into the bathroom and called James. He said he'd call you. I'm guessing you guys just missed each other." She takes a sip of her coffee and I mimic her. I'm going to need a refill in a minute.

"So, you finally got to meet the infamous Luke Evans. How was that?"

"I recognized him right away. You can tell he's an Evans boy. Not to mention he has the same look in his eye that Elliot did when he proposed. That boy is madly in love with you, Reagan."

I smile at my best friend. She hasn't been able to say Elliot's name without breaking out in tears until now. She's healing and it warms my heart. "I know. What's he think about being an Uncle?"

"He's excited. We talked a lot while we waited for James to show up last night and then we talked even more until the wee hours of the morning. Those boys are going to be asleep for hours still."

"James is here?"

"Yeah. He slept in the guest room. We should cook them breakfast. In a few hours, anyway."

I nod. That's a great idea. In a few hours. When the boys wake up. I take a sip of my coffee and watch as the sun finally breaks the horizon. Today is going to be an amazing day. I can't remember the last time I had that thought.

"Reagan." Luke's sleepy voice washes over me. I close my eyes and soak it in.

I guess we should start breakfast.

Luke,

I've been thinking about you a lot the last few months. I've been thinking about the last ten years. I've been miserable. The last happy memory I have is of that day in the woods. I've held onto that memory of us, the feelings and emotions that came along with it.

I've compared every man I've ever met to you. Every kiss. No one has measured up. No one's even come close.

I think there's a reason for that. I knew, deep down, that they weren't you and that was the only thing I wanted. You. It's the only thing I've ever wanted. Since before we kissed. For as long as I can remember.

Life is short, Luke. Much shorter than any of us can even imagine. I'm sick of wasting my life away looking for someone that isn't you. I'm tired of being disappointed. I want the real thing.

You told me to take as much time as I needed, but then you asked me not to make you wait ten years. I had to laugh. Then you said you wouldn't be able to survive another ten years without me. Well, I feel the same way. That's why you're reading this right now.

I wrote this letter to you in case you weren't home when I came by. I'm here. In Raleigh.

Always in my heart,

Reagan

LUKE IS STANDING behind me, my letter in one hand. I get out of my seat and walk to him, stopping only inches away from his naked chest. I admire the view for a few seconds and he lets me. I hear Felicity clear her throat, but I keep my attention trained on Luke's incredible torso.

"I'm going to let you two talk. I'll start breakfast." Felicity starts giggling the second she crosses the threshold into the house.

"You were in Raleigh."

"I was. You weren't home."

"I was home." I look up at him and am met with his devious grin. I know where he's headed with this.

"Really?"

"Yes. Really."

"How long are you home for?"

"As long as you'll have me."

"How does forever sound?"

"Perfect."

I close my eyes and let it all sink in. He's here. He's staying. He's mine. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. A smile breaks across my face and I can't hide it. I open my eyes and look to the sky. Elliot would be proud of me, of us. We put our fears aside and are allowing ourselves to be happy. Together.

"Don't you think you should ask first before hopping in a girl’s bed?" I ask, looking back at Luke.

His devious grin is still firmly in place. I love this side of Luke. I could playfully banter back and forth with him all day. As long as he takes a break to kiss me every now and then. Like right now. I wouldn't object if he were to kiss me right now.

"Well, since she was out of town on a business trip I thought she wouldn't mind. It was kind of lonely, though. I was hoping that she might share her bed with me tonight."

"She'll think about it. There might be conditions you'll have to agree to."

His lip rises up on one side, his smile widening. "Conditions?"

"Yeah. For instance, you should probably kiss her. You should tell her you love her. You'll have to hold her tight while she sleeps. All of that after you show her how much you love her. Do you think you can agree to those conditions?"

"I think I can do that."

"That's good to know." I raise up on my tip toes so that we're face to face. "You could always get started right now with that kiss."

Luke grabs my ass and lifts me so that I can wrap my legs around his waist. "I could, but Felicity is cooking breakfast." He sets me down on the table, unwraps my legs and stands between them. "If I start kissing you now, Reagan, I'll never stop."

Breakfast is awkward. Felicity is talking about the baby. James is watching Luke like a hawk. I'm watching James watch Luke because I can't look at Luke without smiling like a school girl. Luke is holding my hand, staring at me, a sexy smirk plastered on his face. I wonder what he's thinking about. I'm sure I could guess but if I think about it then I'll be thinking about that too and won't be able to hold my conversation with Felicity. It's already been a challenge.

"Why don't you two get a room already?" James cuts Felicity off mid-sentence, his words causing me to blush.

"That's a good idea little brother. I think we will." Luke tugs on my hand, but I'm not moving. I can't let him take me to my bedroom, our bedroom, with people home.

He bends down and whispers in my ear. "I will carry you, Reagan."

That's not going to happen. He's given me no choice. I stand and follow Luke into the house. I look over my shoulder at my friends, my family, and they're both smiling at me. They know what's about to happen and they couldn't be happier for the two of us. Neither could I.

FOR TEN YEARS, I felt like I was running towards something, someone that I would never reach. It was an uphill battle that I was losing. No matter which path I chose, it never led to my destination of choice. Fear was holding me back. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear that I would end up somewhere I wasn't meant to be.

Today I stop running.

I'm walking toward my future. A future that I thought would only be possible in my dreams. The idea that it would ever be a reality was far-fetched. I held on to the dream long enough to make it my reality. So did Luke. Now that we're on the same page, both of our dreams are coming true.

The music changes and I take my father's arm. The church is filled with only the important people in our lives. All except one, but Elliot is here in spirit. I can feel him. I know he's watching today and smiling down on us.

I dreamt of him last night. He gave us his blessing. I cried because I'm a bit of a crier these days. His blessing means more to me than anyone else's. After all, if it weren't for my friendship with Elliot as a child, I never would have known Luke. I would never have spent as much time with him. I would never have fallen in love with my soul mate. I thank the heavens every day for the time I was given with Elliot. His time on this Earth may have been short, but he's left a lasting impression on every life he touched.

As we reach the beginning of the aisle my eyes find Luke’s. He's staring at me with love. It's the same look he gave me when he proposed three months ago after moving in. He'd only been home for a week. I didn't hesitate. He is the only man for me. He's always been the only man for me.

Felicity is crying by the time I reach the end of the aisle and my father gives me away. She's about to pop, in more ways than one. Her dress fit her perfectly last week. Not so much anymore. She's one of the most beautiful pregnant women I've ever seen, though. She's glowing right now, a smile on her face, as she cries happy tears.

I was afraid that our engagement would be painful for her. If it was, she's never let on.

I take Luke's hand and step up to the alter. The minister starts speaking, but I don't hear what he's saying. My focus is on Luke, his beautiful smile and the feel of his hands caressing mine. I'm smiling too. My smile is so big that my cheeks are starting to hurt. That doesn't stop me of course.

Time for our vows. I get to go first.

"Luke. I've loved you since we were kids and that love has never wavered. There has never been a man that has made me feel as special and as loved as you do. You were the first boy I ever kissed and you will be the last. I'm so glad I waited for you, for us, for this. I would do it all over again as long as it meant that we would still get our happily ever after. I love you, Lucas Robert Evans. With all my heart. I can't wait to start the next chapter of our life together."

I'm keeping my emotions in check until I hear Felicity sniffle behind me. The first of many tears falls and Luke catches it before it lands on my dress.

"Reagan. I'm still trying to pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with you, but I don't think I'll ever be able to. I can't remember a time when I didn't love you. That love has grown and blossomed over time. It's the one constant I've always had in my life. To know that you love me as much as I love you, that you always have, fills my heart with joy that I'll never be able to put into words. I'm ready to spend the rest of my life trying though. I promise to show you every day how much I love and cherish you. I promise to spend the rest of my life making up for the years we spent apart. I promise to love you until the day I die and probably beyond that. The next chapter in our life starts now. Get ready, baby. It's going to be one hell of a ride."

Someone whistles. There are a few people hollering. Most of the crowd laughs along with me. Only Luke could say something like that in his wedding vows and get away with it. That's what makes him special. He speaks from his heart and no matter what words come out, you can hear the passion and love behind each one.

Damn him, though. His vows were better than mine.

When the minister finally allows Luke to kiss his bride and announces us as husband and wife, I jump into Luke's arms and let his mouth devour mine. It feels the same as it did the first time he kissed me. He's soft and gentle yet passionate and demanding. My body is flooded with desire. Luke is officially mine.

He was the first boy I ever kissed. He'll be the last man I ever kiss. There will never be a next person in line. I'm taken.

The End