Page 144 of All I Ask
I call Mr. Sterling as we get close to the town limits.
“I’d like to thank you first and foremost. You have no idea how honored I am that you chose me.”
He clears his throat. “But?”
“But I can’t come there. I have something here, in Virginia, that’s more precious to me than anything. You see, I painted those pieces because I never felt like I was on land. I felt as though I were drifting out to sea, looking for the shoreline and the person who sat on that beach. Well, after a very long time, I finally found him.”
“You’re a romantic, Ms. Berkeley.”
“I guess I am,” I say with a small laugh.
“I understand. I’ve been married to my wife for thirty-seven years. I hope you find your happiness.”
“Thank you,” I say before hanging up.
The car turns down Sycamore Street and my heart is racing. The cabdriver turns left, and Derek’s outside, walking to his car.
“Stop here!” I yell and the driver hits his brakes.
I don’t wait for the vehicle to stop. I throw the door open and I’m running toward him.
“Derek!” I call his name.
His eyes widen as he sees me rushing toward him. “Teagan?”
The tears that fall now aren’t sad. They’re tears of relief and happiness. My happiness. I keep moving, crashing into him, and his arms wrap around me.
We stumble a little, but he keeps us upright, just like he’s always done. He steadies me when I waver.
“What are you doing here? What about your flight? What about the job?”
“I’m not going. You’re what matters to me. You, the girls, this house, I can paint from here. I can paint anywhere, but you’re here and you are where I’m meant to be.”
He brings his lips to mine, holding tightly and kissing me with his whole heart.
I watch his blue eyes fill with love and contentment.
“I love you,” I tell him.
“I love you.”
My thumb brushes his cheek and I rest my forehead to his. “Tell me something real.” I utter the words that are his and mine alone.
Derek lifts his head, his eyes trained on mine. “I’m really going to marry you.”
“Is that you asking me?” I ask with a huge grin.
“No, I already know the answer, it’s just what’s going to happen.”
“Well, I like a man with confidence.”
Derek chuckles. “I’m glad.Now, let’s go inside so I can show you how much confidence I have.”
Epilogue
Teagan
One year later
