Page 178 of Champagne Nights

“Ben, I had to go away for a while. I want you to know that I’ll miss you and I’m sorry. You’re an amazing man, and you deserve so much more. Please don’t respond to this message. I just wanted you to know that I’m away, trying to figure life out.”

I took my laptop out of my bag and set it on the desk. Before I left, I took Kenny out to lunch and explained to him why I had to leave but that I’d still keep up with the columns every day. He smiled and told me he wasn’t worried and knew I’d work everything out. I was happy that everyone else had so much faith in me because that was something I didn’t have myself.

Ben

I sat on the edge of the bed, reading Paisley’s text message over and over again. I wanted to text her back and ask her to please come home so that we could work it out together, but she asked me not to respond, so I was going to respect her request. Leah woke up early and asked me what was wrong.

“Paisley went away somewhere to try and figure her life out.”

“I’m sorry, Ben. I wish there was something I could do to help.” She signed.

“The only thing we can do is wait and pray to God that she figures things out soon. I miss her so much.”

Leah walked over and wrapped her arms around me while I tried to fight the tears that stung my eyes. It killed me knowing that in a couple of days, it was the anniversary of her husband’s death, and I couldn’t be there for her like she had been for me. It angered me, but at the same time, I needed to realize that this was what she needed to do. I went out to the garage and looked at the pile of wood sitting on the floor. I was going to build that sofa table for Paisley and give it to her when she came back.

A few hours later, as I was cutting the wood, I heard the door open, and when I turned around, Keaton was standing there with his hands in his pockets.

“Hey. I thought you should know that Paisley left town for a while.”

“I know. She texted me and then told me not to respond.”

“Sounds like Paisley.” He smiled. “What are you building?”

“A sofa table for her.”

“She’ll love it.”

“If she ever sees it,” I said as I examined the piece of wood I had just cut.

“She’ll be back, Ben. She can’t be away from me for too long.”

I looked at him and smirked. “I hope so because I miss her.”

“If I hear from her, I’ll let you know. Anyway, I came to pick up Leah. We’re going to go to dinner. Would you like to join us?”

“Thanks for the invite, but I have dinner plans already.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I have my usual Friday night date with some great fish and chips.”

Keaton raised his brow. “Have fun with those fish and chips.”

“I fully intend to.” I smirked.

Keaton and Leah left, and I continued working on the table for another hour. I showered and headed to the Sunset Bar. I was surprised that David wasn’t sitting there when I walked through the door. I took my usual seat and asked Damian if he’d seen him. He shook his head and grabbed my beer.

“Nope. I haven’t seen him yet. I’m sure he’ll be in.”

I scrolled through my phone, looking at Paisley's past messages and staring at her picture. I hadn’t felt this way about anyone since I first laid eyes on Amy. I ate my dinner, and David still never showed up. He sure acted strange that day at the pier, and how he just took off was weird. As I sat there, I wondered if I’d ever see him again.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Paisley

“Good morning, angel,” I heard as I felt warm lips caressing my temple.

I rolled over and into his arms, snuggling tightly against him. We left the sliding door cracked so we could hear the sounds of the waves crashing over the shore and feel the subtle early morning breeze sweep across us when we woke. It was a beautiful morning, and the sun was shining. His grip on me tightened.

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