Page 127 of The Lies I've Told
“It’s been seven months.”
“You never were a patient one.” He smiled, stepping forward to place the figurine down next to its mate. “You asked for the impossible, love. I had to make sure I could deliver.”
I watched as he joined the two birds together, the two halves fitting together as a whole. Their necks slopped toward one another, like they were embracing. The craftsmanship was seamless, and I felt my eyes well with tears, knowing how much work it must have taken for him to do it.
“It’s beautiful.”
“No, you are,” he said as he stepped forward.
It was then that I noticed the walking stick, and my heart bled for him.
“Aiden.”
“It’s not as bad as it seems. My brother has put me on a medication that is slowing it some, and I have these ridiculous glasses that help in darker situations. But I’m adjusting—”
“But the bird,” I said. “It’s flawless.”
He smiled. “A requirement for me to come home, I was told.”
My eyes widened. “You’re staying?”
“Well, it was a hell of a jaunt to get here. I wasn’t planning on leaving—”
He grunted as I leaped over the counter and into his arms. He was here—in my shop, in my arms—and I was never letting him go.
My legs wrapped around him as he pushed me up onto the counter, his fingers finding my face as our eyes met. I could see his struggle to focus now, and I knew I’d find a way to make sure every single second of sight he had left was cherished.
Starting now.
“I love you, Aiden Fisher. Will you be the love of my life and live with me on this crazy, beautiful island?”
“Yes, but only if I can rent some space out in this lovely shop of yours.”
“What?” The look of surprise on my face wasn’t hard to miss.
He pointed to his bird. “You didn’t think that little guy was all I did, did you?”
My mouth opened, but I came up dry.
“You wanted me to rediscover myself, to figure out who I was with this disability. I couldn’t do that by carving just one little bird. So, once I finished, I kept going. And I did it all while blindfolded.”
“You what?”
“I knew I would one day be unable to rely on my eyes, so I took them out of the equation. It wasn’t easy at first, but slowly and with patience,” he said, giving me a hard look, which made me laugh, “I figured it out. Some of my stuff is a bit rougher than it used to be. I took more time and care with the bird because I wanted to impress you and earn my spot back in your bed. And your heart.”
I felt him squeeze my ass, causing shivers to go down my spine.
“But I think I can do it, and I owe it all to you.”
“No,” I said. “You owe it to yourself.”
He kissed my forehead. “Thank you for believing in my dreams. I love you, Millie.”
“Thank you for first believing in mine. Now, how about we go create one together?”
“I like the way you think.” He smiled, that single dimple I’d missed so much making an appearance in his cheek. “But, first, does that stockroom door have a lock? It’s been a long seven months.”
My eyebrow rose as he looked at me with lustful intent. “No, but the front door does.”
