Page 90 of Missing Pieces (Men of Manhattan 3)

Hails,

When we first met, I was broken. I wasn't looking for someone to put the pieces of my life back together, but you did. I don't know how I can ever thank you for that. All I really have to give you in return is my heart. And that's what I'm giving you. I love you, Hailey Shaw. I love you with everything that I am.

Before I met you, I thought I knew what love was, but I was wrong. I promise I have never felt the way I feel about you with anyone else. Because I love the warmth of your brown eyes and the freckles on your nose. And I love your laugh. Your real one, the one that bubbles up from your stomach and makes your eyes twinkle. I love how stubborn and determined you are. I love how you always tell it like it is. I love how strong you are, not just for yourself but for the ones you love. And most of all, I love that you see goodness in the world in spite of everything. That you see goodness in me.

Unlike in our song, I wasn't doing just fine before I met you. Because before I met you, I had given up. I signed up for the marines with the intention of starting over. But really, I think deep down, maybe I thought it might be the end. As much as I wish that wasn't true, that thought was there. The idea that I could at least go out in a way I could be proud of. That maybe people would remember me better than I was. But I don't want to die. Not now. Not now that I've found you. You saved me.

But I need you to think about what being together would mean. I love that you make rash decisions like climbing into strangers cars. But I don't want you to make a rash decision about being with me. This is going to be hard. You'd be making an incredible sacrifice, one I can't ask you to make. But it's your choice. I hope that you make the right one for you. I'm all in though, Hails. I need you to know that if you choose me, that's it for me. You're it for me.

My new address is on the back of this letter. Write to me if that's what your heart truly wants. I promise I'll always write back. I promise that you can always count on me. No matter how many miles apart we are, you're not alone. Ever.

I know you're probably fuming right now because I didn't stay to say goodbye. But I didn't stay because this isn't goodbye. It's only just the beginning. If you'll have me. I'm going to come home. And I mean to Indiana, not New York. You're home to me, Hails.

Love,

Tyler

P.S. When you board the plane check the front pocket of your duffel bag.

He didn't know me as well as he thought. I wasn't mad. I was bawling my eyes out like a baby. Being with him wasn't a sacrifice. It wasn't rash. It was just how it was supposed to be. We were supposed to meet. I knew that. He needed to know that too.

I grabbed my phone to call him. But I realized that I never even got his number. The thought just made me cry even more.

When I finally composed myself, I took a deep breath. He wanted letters. I could respect that. He'd be adjusting to his new life. Hopefully he'd change his mind soon. I wanted to be able to hear his voice. I thought maybe we could even Skype so I could see his face.

I wiped away the remaining tears in my eyes. I'd write to him right away. He'd probably get it tomorrow if I mailed it before I got on the plane. I didn't need to wait to think about anything. I loved him. That was all that mattered.

***

As soon as I stepped onto the plane, I opened up the front pouch of my duffel bag. It was another envelope with my name on it. I found my seat and shoved my bag in the overhead compartment. I was already tearing open the envelope before my butt hit the seat. There was another letter inside.

Hails,

This is every cent I have to my name. I know you said you didn't want it, but I'm giving it to you anyway. You faced your fears of visiting your mom. You didn't let pride get in the way of what truly matters. So don't let it get in the way now either. Maybe I was the answer the whole time. I think we were meant to find each other.

You don't get to say goodbye to me, and you don't have to say goodbye to your dad either. No goodbyes. Do whatever it takes. And stay strong. I can't wait to meet him.

Love,

Tyler

I looked back in the envelope. There were two credit cards with Tyler's name on them. And there was also a check for $24,000.

I closed the envelope and held it to my chest. Tyler was the answer to my prayers. He was the miracle I had been looking for. I was going to be able to save my dad.

Chapter 48

Tyler

Friday

I watched the sun set, casting yellow, orange, and purple shadows across the water and turning the sky into a masterpiece. This was it. My last few minutes of freedom. I took a deep breath.

All I wanted to do was hear Hailey's voice. I had purposely not left her my phone number. It was better that way. Because I was scared. I didn't want her to be able to hear it in my voice because I didn't want her to worry about me. She had enough on her plate. If she could be strong, so could I. Letters would be better. At least at first, until I settled in.

But for some reason, I found myself pulling out my phone anyway. I stopped when I found the picture of Hailey and me in front of the end of Route 66 sign. She had already told me she wanted to be with me. But I hoped she was really thinking about what that would mean. Three years apart was a long time. I wanted her to be happy. As happy as she was in this picture. I smiled down at her smile. The sun was setting behind us, creating almost a halo around her face. No matter what happened, I'd always have this summer. I'd always have the memories of her. That could be enough if I knew she was happy.

Like with Penny. The thought of her crashed through my mind like an unwelcomed guest. If I really was going to treat this as a new beginning, I needed to make sure everything was wrapped up in my past. I needed to know that the dust had settled. Because even though I didn't love Penny, she was still my friend. And I'd always care about her. But it was time to put thoughts about her to rest once and for all. It was time to say goodbye.

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