Page 80 of Sunset Tides
He let out a laugh. “Right. You know, it’s not easy for me.”
“To not be a leech?”
She was smiling now, and Rob had to force himself to focus. It was hard to do when she just swooped in like that.
“No,” he said, “To change course. I have a lot of years of being wrong behind me. It took some harsh words to realize it, but I get it now.”
“Meanwhile, I’ll change course whenever the wind blows.” Lucy bit her lip. “We’re sort of a perfect match, aren’t we?”
A breath caught in his chest. “I’ve always thought so, yes.”
She nodded and slowly leaned forward, reaching for one of his hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot recently, and I decided I don’t want you to leave.” She flinched. “I think I like you.”
He gripped her hand in his. Her tiny fingers were cold and clammy, likely a lingering effect from her flight. Or perhaps from what she’d said.
“That’s good.” He dropped his voice. “Because I think I’m in love with you.”
She gasped. “Robert! You can’t just tell a girl you’re in love with her in the middle of an airport.”
“Yes I can, especially when she almost died getting here.”
Her stern expression melted into a laugh, and she hid her eyes behind one hand. “I really did almost die.”
He stood from his chair and knelt next to her, placing a delicate kiss on the back of her hand. “Can I help you get home safely, then?”
She shrugged. “I guess so.”
He leaned forward and broke his grin to kiss her.
Epilogue
It wasthethirty-year anniversary of the plane crash, and Lillian was surprised by how weepy she felt.
“Come on. Don’t go falling apart on me now,” Lucy said, stopping to apply some lipstick in the mirror. “We have to hold it together for Claire.”
She took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right. It’s just…” Her voice cracked, and she couldn’t finish her sentence.
Lucy turned to her. “Aw, Lillian!” She wrapped her arms around her and squeezed tightly. “It’s okay. Let it out.”
A hiccup caught in her throat, and after another deep breath, she felt like she could speak again. “It’s just crazy to think about how long it’s been, but at the same time, it feels like it hasn’t been long at all.”
“Yeah,” Lucy said. “It has been a while though. Thirty years. But now we’re all together – you, me, Mom, and Rose. Even Aunt Becca made her way back!”
Lillian tried to wriggle out of Lucy’s grip, but she wouldn’t let go. Just then, Rose emerged from the bathroom. “Am I missing a group hug?”
“No, I was just saying how – ” Lillian felt another sob coming on and forced herself to take a deep breath.
“Aw, Lil! Don’t cry.” Rose wrapped her arms around them both and squeezed tight. “It’s going to be such a nice day.”
“I know,” Lillian warbled, “I’m glad we’re all here.”
She felt ridiculous, but there was no point in trying to stop it. Lillian let out a few sobs and after a minute, she blew her nose, regained her composure, and they headed for the car.
Their first stop was to pick up Claire and Aunt Becca.
As soon as they pulled up to the house, Becca flung the door open and waved madly.
She had on a typically bright outfit – a red flowing skirt, a tie-dyed tank top under a furry looking coat, and a yellow straw hat, the brim flopping in front of her eyes.
