Page 101 of Rewrite Our Story

I look at the flowers in front of me, a question popping into my mind. “When did you plant these?”

His finger continues to trail along my skin. “This year or last year?”

This catches my attention. I turn to face him. “What do you mean this year or last year?”

Cade cups my cheek. “It means they need to be replanted each year. The first time I planted them was when I got back from Chicago. I needed something more than just the house to remind me of you. It was a way for me to distract myself. Maybe if I could take perfect care of these marigolds, in my fucked up head, I thought it meant that maybe you’d come back.”

“Cade…” I try to comprehend the meaning behind his words. It’s still hard to imagine, knowing all the things he did while I was left believing he never loved me at all.

“This year, I planted them a little more angry. It really hit me that you weren't planning on ever returning and yet I felt this need to plant them just in case. I put it off for weeks, but eventually, I was out there delicately taking care of each seed, the smallest part of me hoping that one day you’d see them. That you’d see the house and the flowers and me and know that despite my fuck ups, I really have always loved you.”

I press a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you, Cade Jennings.”

“I love you, my Goldie.”

I laugh. “I love my marigolds, too. They’re so beautiful.”

Cade pulls me into his chest. “That’s the thing about marigolds, they’re all beautiful.”

55

CADE - PRESENT

“I’msorry I have to go.” Mare looks up at me with the smallest frown. I hate the sad look in her eyes. I swipe my thumbs along her cheeks, not caring that we’re standing in the middle of the airport while people hustle around us.

“Stop apologizing,” I demand, pressing a kiss to her hairline. “Don’t apologize for having to work, for working toward your dream.”

“I just…” Her eyes look at the crowded airport around us. It’s far more busy than I was expecting, but with summer coming close to an end, it makes sense that more people may be out traveling.

“Things aren’t like last time, Goldie.” I hate how nervous she looks. I hate knowing that the last time we stood together in this position made her feel this way. “Last time we were here, we were both far younger. I was stupid and didn’t know how to deal with my feelings. I didn’t know how to keep you and let you have your dreams. But this is different. My love for you won’t falter. I’m in it, baby. No matter where you are. No matter how long we’re apart.”

She nods, reaching up to grab both my forearms. My hands cradle her cheeks as we stare at each other for a few moments.

“I know you have to go finish the book and you’ll be busy, but don’t forget about me here in Sutten, okay?”

She laughs. “Pippa has made me swear to call her every day.”

“I don’t need every day. Texts would be nice. Hearing your voice, maybe seeing your face on FaceTime now and then, but I respect your job. Do what you need to do to finish this book so we can be back together again.”

“When will that be?”

I shrug. We don’t have everything figured out. There’s still a lot I have to do at the ranch since Mom’s death. We’re slowly catching up on work and getting more customers again, but it’s a slow process. “I’ll try and come out to Chicago as soon as I can.”

“And I’ll try to finish the book so I can come back to Sutten as soon as possible.”

“I love you,” I say, just needing to say the words. I want to repeat them over and over again. I know I can’t erase the damage that was done last time we were in this position, but maybe if I tell her I love her enough this time, the old memory will become a little less prominent in her mind.

“I love you, too.”

When her bottom lip trembles slightly, I pull her body into mine. My arms wrap around her, caging her in and pressing her to my heartbeat. Her tears don’t hurt the way they did last time. They still hurt, but it’s different. Last time it was so heartbreaking to see her cry it felt like a piece of my soul died having to hurt her. This time, it feels like a piece of my heart is leaving, but I have the comfort and assurance to know that it’ll return.

“I don’t want to go.” Her words are muffled as she talks into my T-shirt.

“You have to, baby.”

“I know. It doesn’t suck any less.” Her shoulders shake as she cries. I just hold her. She cried while saying goodbye to Pippa before she left for the airport. She bawled when my dad hugged her goodbye and told her Linda would be so happy to know Mare finally came back. I comforted her both times, and I do the same right now. I hate the thought of her leaving, but it’s something I’m at peace with. We won’t be apart forever. Either I’ll visit her soon or she’ll come see me. Being apart will be fucking hard, but we’ll do it. We’ll make it through this.

“Promise me this won’t be the end of us?” The look on her face is so vulnerable. The shakiness to her words about kill me.

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