Page 100 of Bursting With Love
He opened his eyes and squeezed Savannah’s hand. “It’s time to say goodbye once and for all. It took me a long time to believe this, and with Savannah’s help, I can now see clearly what you, Dad, and everyone else who loves me, was trying to tell me all along. Linda’s death was not my fault.”
He felt his father’s large hand on his shoulder.
“That’s right, son. Leave it all behind.”
Jack nodded, hoping his father was doing the same. He turned and stood eye to eye, man to man, and for the first time in his life, truly felt like his father’s equal. “Dad, I think you can leave the guilt of your past here, too.” He knew his father would interpret his words to be related to the conversation they’d had at the apartment, and that was good enough for him. His father had carried more burdens than any man he knew, for too many years, and just because he didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve didn’t mean they didn’t exist. He hugged his father and whispered against his rough cheek, “Let it go, Dad. I love you.”
Savannah was as selfless as ever, offering him support and strength while giving him the grace of silence to say his goodbyes. When the air around them lightened and Jack felt the oppression of the past ease, he said, “Dad, I needed you here with me.” He covered his heart with his hand. “Thank you. I think I’m okay now.”
His father nodded.
“Please go see Mom and tell her that we’re okay. She’s been so worried.”
His father didn’t utter a word. He pulled Jack into another hug, tighter than before; then he put his hands on Jack’s cheeks and kissed his forehead. His paternal touch infused Jack with so much love that he could not hold back the tears that streamed from his eyes, and he didn’t want to. Jack was finally ready to feel everything life had to offer.
He watched his father embrace Savannah, then kiss her forehead in the same sweet manner.
“Thank you for helping us both,” his father said.
Jack watched his father drive away, and then he and Savannah mounted his motorcycle. Savannah’s body pressed against Jack’s back as they rode up the steep driveway. Jack swore he could feel the remaining claws of the past ripping from his body and mind and freeing him from its confines.
Chapter Forty-One
SAVANNAH STEPPED FROM the bike, finally understanding why Jack had hidden away in the mountains for so long. Not only had he lost someone he loved, but he had the added stab of a daily reminder just down the road. How many times had he driven by before he snapped and decided he never wanted to go back? She didn’t quite understand everything that had transpired with his father, but she trusted that Jack would fill her in when he was ready. She trusted everything about Jack, from his understanding of what he needed to make it through his days to the safe and real love he felt for her.
He came to her side and looked up at the house. “This is where I live.”
The way he said it was not convincing, as if he’d said, “The earth is square.” Savannah knew what he was really saying. This is where I lived when it happened. It was obvious that Jack hadn’t really lived anywhere after the accident…until these past few days when he’d begun living again.
Savannah stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “I’m right here, Jack, and no matter what happens, I’m not going anywhere.”
He looked down at her and furrowed his brow; then he placed his warm hands on her cheeks and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I know you’re not, and neither am I.”
Jack opened the door and they stepped inside. The house smelled woodsy and masculine with a hint of cedar. Kinda like Jack. He motioned to the open living space.
She took another step inside and looked at the warm furniture, the expansive fireplace, the mix of textures: woods, stone, granite. “This is very nice,” she said. “It looks like a place I could envision you spending time in, reading in front of the fireplace, sitting on the deck.” Her eyes caught on a photograph on the bookshelf next to the fireplace. She moved closer, and recognized Jack in his cap and gown. “Your college graduation?”
“Yes. That’s my family.”
She realized that the blond woman beside him was probably Linda. She was very pretty and was looking up at Jack adoringly. Who wouldn’t? He is worth adoring.
“And Linda,” he added. “If it upsets you, I can put it away.”
“No need. I feel like I know where her life ended, and I know she had a life with you, so it’s nice to put a face to the woman who loved you. I’m glad you kept it.”
