Page 46 of Until We Weren't

Destiny took it and chuckled. She let Faith lead them around the corner of the building to a small sitting area. They could just see the sunset through the trees.

“I think we made it,” Faith said, pulling Destiny down to sit next to her.

Destiny couldn’t help but get caught up in Faith’s excitement. This had been one of the best days she’d had in a long time. It’s funny how being with someone you love made the simplest things even better.

They hadn’t done anything special today. Being with Faith, doing these simple things they both liked, that’s what made it special. Destiny couldn’t help but squeeze Faith’s hand as they enjoyed the sunset like they’d done so many times before.

She sighed and smiled. Faith was definitely showing Destiny that she was not giving up on them. But what would happen if they didn’t win the bid? It was such a longshot. What about the doubts? Destiny could feel them at the back of her mind. Stop!

Destiny took a deep breath and pushed the doubts away. There would be plenty of time to think about them later. Right now, she wanted to end this date surrounded by the happiness of spending the day with Faith.

“That was a nice sunset to end this day,” Faith said. “I was afraid we were going to miss it.”

“It wouldn’t dare mess up this lovely day you planned for us,” Destiny said as they walked back to her apartment.

“I hope you had a good time,” Faith said when they stopped outside Destiny’s front door.

“I had a wonderful time,” Destiny replied. Her heart began to pound a little faster in her chest. “Would you like to come in?”

Faith shook her head. “Not this time.” She smiled. “Thank you for today, Des. Will you go out with me again?”

Destiny chuckled. “Yes, but shouldn’t it be my turn?”

Faith shrugged. “Not necessarily.”

Destiny felt Faith’s lips softly touch her cheek. She momentarily closed her eyes and committed the sensation to memory. Oh yeah, she’d be thinking about that later.

“Have a nice weekend,” Faith said. “I’ll see you on Monday.”

Destiny smiled and watched Faith walk back to her truck. She waved as Faith got inside and Destiny opened her front door. Once it was closed she leaned up against it and let out a deep breath.

“What just happened?” she murmured.

There were times throughout the day when the last three years seemed to disappear. It was just the two of them doing what they loved and being together.

Destiny sighed and reached up to touch her cheek where Faith had softly pressed her lips.

“How do we start over?” she whispered.

They couldn’t take up where they’d left off because so much had happened, but the love was still there. Destiny felt it and couldn’t deny it. She’d tried to tell herself that it didn’t matter that they still loved each other, but it did.

Destiny felt like she was falling in love with Faith all over again. She’d met Faith’s parents only once, but she understood why Faith gave them chance after chance. They were personable and outgoing, but broke her heart over and over.

She remembered wishing Faith could have parents and a family like she had. She wondered if it would give Faith a sense of relief because it always felt like she was waiting for them to hurt her all over again.

Maybe Faith letting her family go was the next best thing. It was hard to explain but Destiny could feel that hint of underlying tension that was always a part of Faith. It was just there. Sometimes it was stronger and Destiny did everything she could to ease it.

She furrowed her brow as she thought back over their conversations since being trapped in the shack. Faith said she could see everything clearly now and since then she seemed lighter. Come to think of it, Destiny hadn’t noticed that unease in Faith since their night in the shack.

It was almost as if Faith’s confidence was growing before Destiny’s eyes.

“Ahh, this is too much.” Destiny fell down on her couch and covered her face with her hands. “You were never easy, my love,” she whispered. Her eyes sprang open when she realized she’d just called Faith my love.

Her phone beeped with a text, pulling her out of her head.

Thanks for the wonderful day. Let’s do it again soon.

Destiny smiled as she read the text from Faith.

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