Page 35 of Promised Love

“Lukas!” she gasps.

“I know I shouldn’t think that way, but it was too much to bear. Plus my injury made me of no use to the Navy.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going through so much?” Her cheeks turn red, and her eyes shine with unshed tears.

“Do you remember the time we watched that movie together?”

She’s quiet for a second, as if confused by the change of our discussion, and then she slowly asks, “That was the day?”

I nod. “You’ve been with me for all the important days of my life, Autumn. You were there.”

She’s quiet for a while and then asks, “So you agree it’s the best movie ever made?”

And my mind goes back to the day when she sent me an email about it.

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

What is your favorite movie?

Mine is A Walk to Remember.

It’s about two people who are complete opposites and fall in love, but she’s got cancer. She has these really sweet wishes, and he makes each one of them come true.

It’s beautiful. I can’t stop crying every time I watch it.

You should definitely see it.

~ Autumn

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

I only watch action movies and thrillers.

But only a few weeks later, I sent her another email.

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

I’m ready to watch that movie. But I won’t do it alone. You’ll have to watch it with me.

- Lukas

I’m lying on the bed, still not recovered completely. The crutch propped up on the side is mocking me. My brain screams at me to call the therapist whose card is lying in my nightstand drawer, but for some reason I know this is what I need right now.

11

AUTUMN

Mom holds my hand as we stand next to Dad’s car. Grandma and Dad are already seated inside, waiting for her. “Are you sure about taking over the inn now? I can keep helping you until Lukas is back on his feet.”

“Mom, you agreed. And I did well the last week, didn’t I?”

“You did. I’m so proud, and so is Dad and your grandparents. But, Autumn, Lukas—”

---