Page 79 of Happy Trails & Honey Pots

“She didn’t have the best childhood. Not that I’m making excuses for her, but you know, sometimes there are reasons people behave the way they do.” I’d told her about my childhood with my mom but not that much about my grandfather.

She tilted her head to the side as if she were considering it, then she exhaled. “Yeah, I guess that’s true.”

I took another step forward. I couldn’t help myself when she was near. She had a magnetic pull that I was powerless to resist. “Thanks for coming.”

“I’m glad you asked.” A smile spread across her face, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I wanted to say goodbye, too.”

“That’s not actually why I asked you to come here.”

A wrinkle appeared between her brows. “It’s not?”

“No.” My lips curled in a lopsided grin. “But I knew you wouldn’t come if I told you what I really wanted to say.”

She took in a deep breath as if she were preparing herself to hear bad news. I hoped that wasn’t the case. I truly hoped what I was about to tell her did not fall into that category.

Her mossy green eyes lifted to mine. “What do you really want to say?”

“Can we sit?” I asked, pulling out one of the chairs at the conference table.

She looked down at it, and I could see that she was considering saying no. That she wanted to stand. Finally, she nodded, walked over, and lowered into the seat.

I sat across from her so I could look into her eyes.

“What did you really want to say?”

I noticed she kept her purse on her shoulder. She definitely had one foot out the door. Even if that was the case, I still had to put all my cards on the table.

“I want to say that I love you, Zoe. I think a part of me fell in love with you the second you opened the door wearing a T-shirt and sweats. When I saw you, it was like a jolt of lightning struck me. I was speechless. I couldn’t remember who I was, where I was, or what I was doing. I’ve never felt like that before. It was more than just attraction. It felt like I recognized you, or my soul did. I know that sounds crazy, but I was drawn to you in a way I’ve never been before. I can’t stop thinking about you. And the more I’ve gotten to know you, the deeper my feelings have gotten for you.

“I love what an amazing mom you are. I see the sacrifices you have made for AJ and continue to make. And I love how sweet of a granddaughter you are to Walter, the support you give him. And what a loyal friend you are. You show up for people and are a living example of the meaning of unconditional love. Everyone who knows you is better for it.

“And it’s not just you that I love. AJ is the best kid. I want to be there for him during his teenage years. I want to be there when he learns to drive a car and when he graduates from high school. I want to be the one who stays up late with you when he breaks curfew and the one who sits on the bleachers at hisgames. And who is visiting colleges with you if he wants to go to college.”

“He is going to college,” she stated firmly.

“Okay,” I grinned. “And Walter is an incredible man and role model. I only ever knew my mom’s dad, and he was a mean, abusive alcoholic. I could sit and listen to Walter talk for hours. I would love to go to bingo with him or go fishing with him and AJ. I want to be a part of your guys’ lives if you’ll have me.

“You always put yourself last, and I understand why you’ve done that. But I want to be the person in your life that puts you first. You deserve that. If you let me, you will always be my first. You, AJ and Walter will be my first.”

“You live in California—” She rose out of the chair, gripping the strap of her purse handle so tight her knuckles were white.

“I don’t have to.” I stood. “I can live anywhere.”

She was shaking her head and backing away toward the door, which I did not take as a good sign. “You’re saying that now, but what about when the novelty wears off? What happens when you get bored? This would never work. We’re from two different worlds.”

“I’m not going to get bored. This isn’t a whim. I love you, Zoe. And we can take this as slow as you want. I know that the only way to prove myself, for you to trust this, to trust me, is time. That’s all I’m asking for. Just give me time.”

She was still shaking her head. Even harder now. “I can’t.”

“Do you love me?” I asked as I took a step forward.

I could see tears forming in her eyes as they dropped to the ground.

“Look at me, Zoe.” I took another step forward, closing the distance between us, and her gaze lifted to mine. “Do you love me?”

“I don’t know,” she answered as her shoulders lifted in a shrug.

“Yes, you do,” I countered.

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