Page 79 of Forever Fickle

“Nope – not at all. It’s like you are beside me and I feel the connection.”

“I understand what you mean. I love you, Karen.”

“I love you, too. I’ll be waiting for you to call,” she replied. “Get some rest, Jace.”

Hanging up the phone, she sighed heavily, closing her eyes. Slumping down in her chair where she was sitting, she imagined that he was sitting right beside her.

There was this way he tilted his head, giving her that shy wide smile that could be so playful, yet so loving. His eyes would light up and sparkle when he was excited about something… and grow so deep when he was serious.

Last night, she lay on the couch watching television and imagined he was right beside her, practically picturing his comments to the news or the way he would lean over for no reason and drop a kiss on her temple. He was so affectionate that it was incredible… and she loved it.

She loved everything about him.

Flipping open her phone, she saw he replied via email and copied everyone, which surprised her. There was a second email from his family, which made her wonder at what he’d said…

* * *

Karen,

I think you are the most incredible being I’ve ever been blessed to have met. I will be waiting for you at DFW and never letting go of your hand for as long as I live.

Love,

Jace

* * *

She staredat the screen tearfully, replying back immediately before she read or did anything else.

* * *

Jace– my hand has been yours since the moment I was born, and I’ve been waiting this entire time for you. See you soon…

Love,

Karen

* * *

Clicking send,Karen opened the other email and smiled happily seeing his family’s response. They were so open, so outgoing, that she couldn’t wait to meet them. She was curious to see which parent Jace was more like, to see where he got his smile, those dancing eyes, and couldn’t wait to meet his sister.

* * *

Karen,

The challenge is on! I’m calling ‘dibs’ on the shoe…

Where are you, young lady, because we cannot wait to meet our son’s better-half… he’s already a spectacular boy, so if you are the better-half? We know we are going to love you!

We have two amazing children – and you are going to fit right in!

My daughter is right beside us at the kitchen table and we are currently having a hot cocoa because the temps are already getting cool here… so yes! Hot cocoa night and a new family tradition sounds incredible. Thank you for the suggestion and the new addition that you bring.

Jana says hello – and we girls are going shopping for Black Friday specials – just the girls!

Jace – you can’t go. You and your dad will have to stay at the house or do your own thing. (Mama loves you…)

Take care of yourself, honey… and do not be a stranger!