Page 91 of Risks

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I’m sitting in bed, re-reading mymom’s letter for the thousandth time, wishing she could see how well I’m doing,when my phone starts ringing.

I reach over to the nightstand, anda smile instantly curves my lips after checking the screen. “Hey, babe. Isn’tthis early for you?”

“Yeah, but we have to catch thisflight.”

I shoot forward. “What?”

Toya giggles. “I’m in Baltimore. Atthe airport.”

Confusion immerses me. “Wait, what? Ithought you weren’t coming until tonight?”

“Babe, I need you to quickly pack abag and get here by ten. We have a flight to catch. Destination Edinburgh.”

I could almost cry. “Are youserious?”

“Yes!” She laughs. “Hurry!”

“Unbelievable.” I scurry from thebed, staying on the phone while I race to stuff clothes into my duffel bag. “Ican’t believe you did this. But how did you get the flight?”

“I used the money Daniel sent mesince you already canceled the tickets.”

“Babe...”

“It’s okay. Let me treat you foronce.”

I shake my head in awe. “I just...Ican’t believe we’re going.”

“Well, if you don’t get here in time,we might not. But best believe I’m getting on that flight.”

“All right.” I laugh. “See you in abit.”

I’m almost out the door when asudden feeling stops me. I look back at the closet, and the urge to retrievethe box propels me toward it.

This might be the time after all.

I can’t believe my girlfriendsurprised me, and now we’re on a flight to the place where we became braveenough to make our love public.

It’s night by the time we land inEdinburgh, and I instruct the driver to the cottage I initially wanted us tostay.

It’s down the road from mygrandparents’ and on the same property, and it is just as beautiful.

Toya looks around when we enter thestone house, smiling from ear to ear.

I thank the driver with a generoustip and send him on his way once I set our bags inside.

“What do you think?” I ask Toya,locking the door.

“It’s really nice.”

“My grandfather’s old place. Theykeep it maintained. I told them we’re here for the week.”

She beams at me. “What did they say?”

“They would have loved for us tostay with them. But they understand either way.”

She edges closer and locks her armsaround my neck. “Why couldn’t we stay with them?”

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