Page 176 of One More Kiss

Epilogue

Tori

WE SATIN THE AIRPORT waiting. Just waiting for the time when we had to say goodbye to one another. It wasn’t only us sitting, but Phoenix’s mom and stepdad. They were waiting to say goodbye to him as well. I wasn’t ready and didn’t think I would ever be considering I was selfish and wanted more time with him. But Phoenix made a vow. He promised to enroll and protect our country, and even though I was heartbroken, I couldn’t fault his passion.

After Phoenix and I made promises at homecoming, we spent every waking moment of our time together. Every day at school, he’d walk me to my class. In between classes, we’d meet up and sneak kisses and touches before going to the next class. Surprisingly, we were never caught. I doubt he cared, considering it was our final year anyway.

He promised me as soon as he was done in boot camp, and his leave was accepted, he would come back, and we’d get married. So, he told me while waiting, his mom would help me, and my mom plan the wedding. I told him I didn’t want anything fancy or unaffordable. He told me I could have whatever I wanted but in reason. I laughed because I knew if given the opportunity, he would provide the biggest wedding I wanted. I wasn’t that selfish. I just wanted him and only him and was more than willing to seek a Justice of the Peace and have it completed.

Phoenix didn’t want to upset our parents with a quick marriage. He wanted to make sure I was willing to wait for him, considering this wouldn’t be the first time he’d have to leave me hanging. His words were that I was going to be a military spouse and I had to be prepared for the solitude of his absence. It didn’t deter me from wanting him.

Another promise he made me was saving myself for him after boot camp. It wasn’t to say we didn’t try to get some alone time to consummate our relationship, but it never happened. His promise was saving ourselves for that night. Though, he was no virgin. I hated that fact but that was way before our relationship and according to him, meaningless.

I was jolted from my thoughts as the announcement on the speaker mentioned Phoenix’s flight.

He looked at me. Tears seemed to well in both of our eyes, I knew he would miss me just as much as I’d miss him. “I love you, Tori.”

I allowed him to hold me, knowing he had to catch his flight soon. “I love you too, Phoenix.”

Tears fell from my eyes and soaked into his cotton shirt. “SSH. Before you know it,” Phoenix cooed, “I’ll be here to make a life together. Just three months. That’s all.”

“I know,” I replied, sniffling and hiccupping. I hated the ugly cry look but was clearly showing it.”

“Be good. And I’ll be back soon,” Phoenix said, gripping his palm on the back of my head. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, then trailed those kisses all the way down to my face. “I love you so, so much.”

Between kisses, I replied, “I love you, too. Now go before I change my mind and hide you away, so the Navy doesn’t take you.”

He chuckled, even in the sad state we were in. “I believe you’d do it, too. I’ll see you soon, Tori.”

I didn’t reply, only nodded because I seemed to have a clog in my throat, not allowing words to exit. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. I didn’t know what he was doing, but suspected he’d written me a note. It reminded me of the first couple of times he wrote to me.

“Something for you to read while I’m gone,” Phoenix said as he slipped the note into my outstretched hand.

I stuttered, thinking I wouldn’t be able to hear from him. “B-b-but won’t I hear from you in boot camp?”

He smiled. “Of course, but this is our way. On those lonely nights when you think negative thoughts, open it and read my words. It’ll calm the storm raging in your brain.”

I ran up to him and he held me again, kissing my lips before I backed away. “I love you, Phoenix.”

“I love you too, Blue Eyes,” he responded, and then walked up to his mom.

I watched him hug his mom, her tears soaking his shirt. His stepdad gripped his hand, and they shook before he pulled Phoenix into a hug and said he was proud of him. I watched the display knowing my heart was going on that plane along with Phoenix.

He was my love, my life. And I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of our future together. Three months was what I told myself. I could wait, hell I’d waited this long for my heart to fill to the brim, I could wait a little longer.

So, I strolled the opposite way of where Phoenix went. I wanted to look back but knew he was already through security and gone. My chest ached and I felt empty, but I held on to the hope that he would return to me.

When we loaded into Phoenix’s mom’s car, I decided to open the letter and see what he wrote. I figured I could’ve waited until the loneliness consumed me and I wanted to be close to him, but I felt lonely already. I needed more of his time. I needed more of his hugs and kisses. I just needed more of him.

Dearest blue eyes,

I promise you that before you know it, I’ll will be home and bugging you. You’ll be begging for free time and space because I’ll constantly be a presence in your life. I never expected to meet you. I certainly never expected for you to own my heart and soul, but here we are, fully owned. I love you, Tori. I’ve known it since the night we met at the fair. If you don’t believe me, just ask my mom. I’m sure she’d love to tell you the story of our conversation after the fair. When you’re feeling alone, or those negative thoughts taunt you, just remember I’m one less day away from being home, cradling you in my arms.

Xo P

(Your future husband).

I clutchedthe letter to my heart, tears welled in my eye blurring my vision. I knew then without a shadow of a doubt, Phoenix would return to me.

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