Page 117 of The Moment Promised

I know the former would’ve been the easiest approach, but she’s going the hard way of uprooting her life and finishing rehabfor me.

She’s taking care of everything down here. I’m taking care of everything in Authensville. I’ll make sure there is a good support group for her there and look for someplace for her to live.

Chloe and I talked about getting our own place together, and it was the first shiver of excitement I’ve felt in a while.

Her and Charlie don’t know I’m their long lost sister and daughter, and I’m hoping the news doesn’t drive a wedge into our easy relationships.

I take a seat on the hard wood floor, a double edged sword of happiness and heartbreak pierces through me, and I let it.

My whole life I pushed away the pain and memories of what I’ve lived through as a child, but I won’t do that now, because the pain means I experienced a love that usually only exists on the pages of a novel. Our story happened, and it was beautiful. He taught me what real love is.

I won’t force the pain to let up because the moment I do, it becomes a distant memory instead of a vivid one.

I want to always remember the way my heart dropped to my stomach when he kissed me for the first time in Pete’s, the way his voice was strong when he told me he loved me, the way he tasted when we made love. I want to find Finn in every moment promised, so the sharp pain is a reminder and a blessing.

“Here.” My mother sits beside me, squished together since my suitcases take up most of my bedroom. She hugs the scrapbook to her chest before placing it in my lap. “Your mom started this when she was pregnant with you,” she whispers, tucking my hair behind my ear.

I grasp her hand quickly, giving it a squeeze. “Youare my mom.”

I can tell my statement puts to rest a fear she’s been battling my whole life. Her eyes redden and shine immediately. “I’m so proud of you, puffin.” She sniffles.

“Oh, Mom,” I say, my emotions quickly surfacing. I pull her to my side in a tight embrace. If young Adeline could see this moment, she’d be taken aback. This isn’t a place I ever thought my mom and I would get to, but it is something I’ve spent years dreaming of.

I open the scrap book; the first page is full of ultrasound pictures. I run my finger slowly over the pen ink at the bottom of the page. In loopy handwriting, it says,I got to see you for the first time today, my baby girl. I already love you so much! I cannot wait to squeeze you.

Everything I could’ve had rains down on me.

The perfect family. A dad who loved me, who didn’t yell and abuse his family. One who would’ve given me the moon and the stars and the whole world.

I have to go.

I tuck the scrapbook into my carry on, grab my suitcases and let my mom drive me to the airport.

I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder throughout the line at security, walking to my gate, and even when I stepped onto the plane.

He wasn’t there the first time I looked, and he isn’t here now as I check the completely clear aisle of the plane.

Everyone has boarded.

I don’t know why I’d hoped Finn would show. We agreed it’d be too hard to say goodbye.

A part of me selfishly wishes he’d leave with me, but a much larger part of me knows his life is right here.

A muffled voice zips through the aisle, passing the flight attendants that are getting in place to do their safety demonstration. “Excuse me. Sorry. Coming through.”

Someone’s late for their flight, and I judge them a little since it inconveniences hundreds of people if the plane waits on one person.

I check my carry on one last time, feeling like I forgot something…but I know the feeling isn’t something, it’ssomeone.

I jolt as a tall body suddenly appears in the aisle, hovering over me. I stare straight ahead, ignoring the person, hoping their seat isn’t the one next to mine. Maybe if I don’t make eye contact, they’ll leave.

But my hope goes out the window the second a finger taps gently at my shoulder.

I glance up and my heart stops beating in my chest.

Eyes of amber and a dimpled smile.

“Finn—” I say, the wind knocked out of me.

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