Page 15 of The Choices I've Made
“Your mama said you’d found yourself a nice fellow and a local boy? Big day coming soon?”
I nodded. “You remember Dean Sutherland? He used to run around with—well, he’s always been a good friend,” I said, clearing my throat. “We haven’t set a date yet, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
“Ah, yes,” he said, “I remember Dean well. Tall, lanky thing if I remember right.” He chuckled. “Haven’t seen him in ages, has he grown into a decent young man?” he asked, sounding more like a father than a houseguest.
I laughed. “Yes, he’s great—hardworking and loyal.”
He made a sound, something between a grunt and a laugh.
“What?” I asked, glancing over in his direction. I could see a smile creeping up his face as he looked out onto the bay.
“Sounds like you’re describing a dog, not a lover.”
My cheeks reddened. “Mr. Lovell!” I laughed. “I didn’t know you could be so crude.”
“I didn’t know you were such a prude.”
A snort escaped my lips as his smile broke into a deep laugh. The two of us filled the entire backyard with our laughter. Tears were running down my cheeks.
“I just feel sort of responsible for you in a way. You’ve always been special to Anne and me, and I don’t want to see you make the wrong decision. Marriage can be the most wonderful journey a person can take. Or it can be the most devastating. Whom you choose to share this life with truly makes all the difference.”
“And you think my hardworking, loyal fiancé doesn’t fit the bill?” I asked pointedly.
“I can’t say. I haven’t talked to the guy since he was a kid. But, even if I had, it wouldn’t matter what I thought of him. It’s what you think of him that matters. Is he worthy of you? When you look into his eyes, do you see the years melting away? Do you see a lifetime of happiness? Or years of struggle?”
“I-I—” I stammered as his ancient eyes found mine.
There was only one man in my life who had ever made me feel whole.
Not a man, I corrected myself.
A boy.
A boy with unrealistic expectations that had demanded he walk away.
From his home and from me.
“Yes,” I answered. “Yes, I do. See happiness, I mean.”
His gaze continued to bore into mine before a single blink broke our connection.
“Well then, good,” he said softly. “I wish you nothing but the best, and I look forward to visiting you both next year.”
I nodded, bidding him farewell, and he went back inside to find his wife.
No doubt, they’d stay up late into the night, laughing over cards, while the moon rose high in the sky.
When was the last time Dean and I had done something so simple?
I couldn’t remember, but it didn’t matter.
Dean and I had made a life together, one that made sense.
One that would last.
Or at least, that was what I told myself.
But, as I walked back into the house, wine glass emptied long ago, I couldn’t help but remember the boy with the unrealistic expectations.
