Page 56 of A Fowl Match

There are so many adjectives to describe what love entails. Just a word used to describe a feeling that is in your heart. Passion, kindness, belonging, bliss, forgiveness. There will never be enough ink or paper to express my longing for you. So that’s why I’m delighted that I made the grand step of telling you how I feel.

When you told me you always loved me but were too afraid to say something I knew it in my heart we were always meant to be. There may have been reasons why I didn’t follow this inkling, and why you kept quiet. None of that matters when we are free to be happy together once and for all.

With Love,

Darcy Burton”

I swipe back tears and look at Henry. His eyes are watery as well.

“So, you’re together? I didn’t know. I never read this one.”

“Yes, not until a few years ago before she was diagnosed with dementia did I find out about how she felt.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“She asked me not to say anything. Although, I’m not sure that was a good idea.”

“Why didn’t she want to say anything to me?”

“She didn’t want you to ever feel as if you weren't her most important priority. You had no one left but her in your life. Darcy thought that it would hurt you more at the time. You have to understand what she did was what she thought was for your best interest. She loves you.”

That, I know is true.

Chapter 40

Violet

Ihadtogetout of there as fast as I could. I know why she kept this a secret from me for so many years. And why she kept it from Henry as well.

I caused my parent’s accident and then I kept Darcy from years of being with her soulmate. She was always meant to be happy. Everything she does is selfless.

Henry’s words keep ringing through my mind.Not until a few years ago before she was diagnosed with dementia did I find out about how she felt.She had to have been holding back from telling him for thirteen years. Now that she has dementia everything is wrong, so wrong. The years she does have left with him, will she even remember them as the disease progresses? No, most likely not. The thought aches in my bones.

How can I not ruin a relationship with Dustin too? He deserves way more than the shell of myself I am offering him. I only have a small part of myself to give, and what’s left of that is broken. The more and more I think about it, the more I know Ineed to save him from the turmoil that is my life. I’ll only bring him down with me.

After making it back to my shop, I spend the rest of the day filling flower orders, watering plants, and organizing inventory. My phone continues to vibrate in my pocket every few minutes during the day, but I can’t bear to look at it. I know it’s Dustin. I know that he cares. I know that I will let him down.

It’s for the best.

Once afternoon rolls around, I slump on the couch dreading what I know is inevitable.

“Violet, are you okay? I was so worried about you, you weren't answering any of my calls or texts. Did something happen with Henry?” He looks so worried, and the sight makes what I am about to do hurt so much more.

“I’m okay.”

“You’re lying. I know you, darling. I can tell when something is wrong. Just tell me. I’m here for you.” He grabs my hand in his.

I shake my head. “I—”

“Whatever is hurting you, we can get through it together. You’re not alone anymore.”

“That’s the problem,” I say shakily. “I don’t think we can do this together. There’s nothing forcing us to be together anymore. Now that the competitions are long over there's nothing forcing this. You have to focus on the farm, and I have my shop to run. There isn’t time left for you and me.”I can’t handle losing you if I get any more attached.

I think I’m already too attached. It’s going to ruin me regardless of the outcome.

“You know that isn’t true. There will always be time for you and I.”

“I can’t do this.”

---