One year later
We said goodbye to Edith, smiling at the group of fishermen who passed us on their way inside the bait shop. The smell of food grilling and the sounds of children laughing as they chased each other with water guns floated along the breeze. It was the Fourth of July weekend, and while we had several cookouts to attend back home, we’d decided to carve one day out for just the two of us. So, we’d promised everyone we’d be back in time for their parties the next day and took off for one of our favorite places, Bradbury Lake.
We’d been back a few times over the last year, the first time to pack up all of my things and get my truck, and then after that, just to visit with Edith. We’d even brought Isaac, Hudson, and Matt with us a few times. They’d enjoyed the quiet the lake offered, and Isaac had been particularly fond of the deer.
Jeremy wrapped his arms around me, walking behind me as we slowly made our way around the lake. Every so often, he would lean in and place a soft kiss along my neck or behind my ear. It was dark already and the fireworks show would be starting soon.
“Do you ever regret leaving here?” Jeremy asked suddenly.
I stopped walking and turned so I could see him. “What would make you think that?”
Jeremy shrugged and looked out over the lake. “You haven’t had much peace in your life and I know that you love being near Isaac, but I guess I just wondered if you ever miss the peace you’d found here,” he said quietly. I touched his cheek and he turned back to me. I could see the concern in his eyes and it made me fall in love with him even more.
“You’re right. This lake brought me the first peace I’d ever known, but my heart is with you, wherever you are. You are my peace now and next to you is the only place I want to be,” I answered honestly. His smile was immediate, and I leaned up to kiss him before we continued on our way.
We walked around to where we’d parked the truck in Edith’s driveway. I pulled the tailgate down while Jeremy looked behind the front seats for a blanket. We’d talked about it over our dinner of barbeque chicken, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese and decided that we’d rather watch the fireworks from the bed of the truck. That way we could make out all we wanted to without any interruptions.
I sat down on the end of the tailgate and looked out over the water. Glow sticks floated along the surface and all around us, fireflies lit up the night sky. I couldn’t believe everything that had happened over the last year. Isaac and I were closer than ever. Rarely did a day go by that we didn’t stop at each other’s houses for a visit or talk on the phone. I’d met all of his friends, as well as all of Jeremy’s, and they’d all welcomed me with open arms.
Jeremy had officially asked me to move in with him the day after we made up. I said yes, of course, and then we’d gotten to work, christening every available flat surface. Jeremy made more than enough money with his job to support us, so he’d told me to take my time and figure out what I wanted to do.
I already knew what I wanted though, so I did some research, and a month later, I was enrolled in an EMT training program. I passed with flying colors, and soon began working as a certified EMT. I loved the work I did, and it brought me a new level of peace every time I was able to help someone.
Jeremy came back a moment later with a blanket. I helped him spread it out across the bed of the truck and then we both climbed on top of it, settling in next to each other along the back window. Jeremy took my hand in his, and we stared up at the stars.
“This has been the best year of my life,” he said softly. I smiled as I turned to look at him. He was staring back at me, a serious expression on his face. That’s when I noticed the ring he was holding between two fingers. I gasped as my eyes flew back to his face.
“I came to this lake a little over a year ago because I was told to search for a man. I knew I was looking for Zane Wilkinson, but I had no idea that my search would end with me finding my best friend and the love of my life all in one person. You are every single thing I’ve ever dreamed of, but never thought I’d find. You make me laugh more, try harder, and love stronger than I ever knew I was capable of.” Tears were swimming in my eyes and I brushed them away as he held the ring up, presenting it to me.
“Zane Wilkinson, will you do me the honor of spending your life with me? Will you marry me and be my husband?” he asked.
“Yes,” I answered, crying and laughing at the same time. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Jeremy slid the ring on my finger and then brought my hand to his lips, kissing the cool metal band and my skin. He pulled me into a tender kiss and then we lay beside each other, kissing as the fireworks flashed over our heads.
In that moment, I finally let go of the last bit of anger and pain from my childhood. My mother’s abandonment and my father’s abuse no longer held any power over me. Isaac and I had come out the winners. We had each other and we’d both found loves that would last a lifetime.
I smiled as I gazed at the ring on my finger and snuggled into Jeremy’s side. He’d said such beautiful things to me, but it could all be said about him too. Jeremy had given me more than I could ever repay. He’d given me his love, my brother, and a new life that I couldn’t wait to live. He was everything I never thought I’d find. But, then again, I hadn’t found him; he’d found me.
The End