Page 85 of Taming Georgia

I saw her standing there, her heart wide open as she told me everything, and I fell more in love with her. Now that I know that these worries fester within her, it’s my job to make sure that she knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that I’ll never leave her. She might not be perfect, but she is one hundred percent perfect for me. I could never love anyone as much as I love her.

“So, what happened when you were in Mexico?” I ask.

“Well, I made it to Colima and checked in with Kylie. She told me that the human trafficking ring that had been working with them under the pretense of selling them children got wind that something might be off. So, the human traffickers broke off communication with Kylie and her group. They’re going to try to pose as different people and set up another exchange down the road, but it will take time. And I didn’t have time. I realized what I’d left behind, and I had to get back to it.”

“And you’re okay with that? Just leaving before everything was resolved? You’re not going to have regrets?” I ask. A small part inside me is still afraid she’s going to choose to leave again.

“The truth is, it might never be completely resolved. It’s a huge problem all over the world. I called my dad, and he gave me the name and number of one of his Mexican business associates who is very invested in stopping human trafficking in Mexico. Kylie spoke to him, and they’re going to work together. He has more money and connections than Kylie and her team do, so I think, together, they can make a real change. And you’re right; I can’t fix the whole world. I’m only one person. But I regretted leaving you, and losing you would’ve haunted me forever.”

She props herself up on her elbows and runs her fingers through my hair, her gentle blues gazing into my eyes. “This is all new territory for me, Wyatt, and I’m not promising that I won’t mess up again. But please try to love me anyway.”

I chuckle at her request. “Same. We’re like the blind leading the blind here.”

“That seems to be a pattern with us.” She smiles. “I promise to love you even if you royally screw up,” she tells me before kissing my lips.

“And I promise to love you even if you royally screw up,” I tell her, and she kisses me again. When her lips leave mine, I say, “Those are some crazy-ass vows.”

Georgia’s eyes open wide. “Vows? Slow down there, buddy,” she says with a shake of her head, and I laugh. “We’ve been good for, what?” She pretends to look at a nonexistent watch on her wrist. “Four hours. Let’s get out of the fast lane, shall we?”

“We need time, of course, but I’m letting you know that I’m going to marry you someday, Peaches. You’ve always been the only girl for me. You don’t have to fear me leaving you because it won’t happen. I saw what it was like without you in my life this past week, and I hated it. I will never leave you.Ever.” I put emphasis on the last word so that she hears me, down to her soul. I don’t want her to live in fear that she’ll lose me because she won’t.

“Okay,” she says softly.

“Okay.” I nod.

“When did we do a one-eighty?” She laughs. “I used to be the confident, lovey one, and now, you’re reassuring me.”

“I felt what it’d be like to lose two people I loved this week, and it made me realize that only an idiot would keep someone they loved at arm’s length. Real love is rare, and it’s not something everyone gets. So, when someone is fortunate enough to be loved, they need to cherish it because it could be gone tomorrow.” I run my fingers up her back. Pulling her down to me, I kiss her. “I cherish you. And I promise that I will always cherish you.”

She sighs contently. “And I promise that I’m done running, Wyatt. I don’t need to search the world for happiness. I already have it right here with you.”

I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Georgia Wright, have I tamed your free-spirited, world-traveling ways?” My lips tilt up in a smile.

She grins back, so much love radiating from her face. “Wyatt Gates, your love freed me, and for the first time in my life, I’m home.”

26

“Family are those people who fill your life with joy, have your back, and love you unconditionally.”

—Georgia Wright

“Do we really need all of this? She’s just one person,” Wyatt says of the plethora of groceries spread across the countertop. He’s right. It’s enough to feed a large family for at least two weeks.

“We just got what the recipes called for.” I shrug. “We can always freeze them in portions, so she can use them later.”

“I just had surgery. I’m not dead. I’m capable of making my own food,” Ethel calls from her recliner in the living room.

“Hush it!” Wyatt calls back. “Watch yourWheel of Fortuneand pet your cats. We’re making you meals.”

Ethel grumbles something in retort, but I can’t make it out over the clicking sound of the wheel coming from the television.

Wyatt and I sat down last night and planned out a week of meals for Ethel. It was his first experience with Pinterest, and it was hilarious. We laughed hard and had a ball, planning these dishes. Scanning this mess of food, I have a feeling that making them all isn’t going to be quite as fun.

“We just need to start. Let’s pick one of the meals,” Wyatt suggests. “You want to go with the pasta?”

“Yeah, pasta is always easy, and she loves it.”

Opening my Pinterest app on my phone, I pull up the recipe for the eggplant penne with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a garnish of gremolata.

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