Camryn
I WOKE UP feeling a sense of contentment wash over me that I haven’t felt in a very long time. Today is our last full day and night here in Aruba. The thought makes me a little desolate. This trip has been remarkable and really what we both needed. If two people can fall back together so quickly, after being apart so long, that says something to me. Trystan has been very honest about the fact he has always loved me and his love never wavered over the years. There is a reason things have never worked out with another for me. The bottom line is my heart has been spoken for since I was a small girl. Truthfully, it has always belonged to Trystan, and I would be crazy to deny that any longer. Stretching out and rolling over, I find the spot next to me empty. On the nightstand, an iced coffee sits with a bag filled with food, I presume, and a note sits atop an envelope. The smile gracing my face is massive. This man thinks of everything.
“Cam, I went for a run, then to the hotel gym for a quick workout. I was given this envelope with instructions to give it to you when we found our way back together. Take your time; I will be here when you finish.”
Instantly I recognize the writing on the letter; it belongs to the only mother I have ever know. Tears prick my eyes instantly. Clutching the envelope to my chest, I know there is only one place this can be opened. The beach. My and Gigi’s spot. It may not be Tybee Beach, but the sand, water, and salt air surrounding me always make me feel closer to her. Throwing on a maxi skirt, a tank, and some flip-flops, I toss the essentials in my bag and make my way down to the water.
It is still early and the beach is fairly empty, which means I have some time alone with whatever is in this envelope and my thoughts. I opt to go right out in front of our room, in case Trystan finishes up and looks for me. I know he said he would give me time, but knowing him, he will search me out. I plop down on a lounger, and peer in the bag Trystan left me. A blueberry muffin awaits me, and my mouth waters. Tearing off a hunk, I shove it in my mouth and moan in appreciation at its flavor. I take a sip of my coffee and tear into the envelope from Gigi. Before I even read a word, tears spring to my eyes. Wiping them away with the back of my hand, I try to gain my composure. Without reading, I know this holds something profound in it. For her to take time to write this, and then give it to Trystan to give to me, speaks volumes to me about the contents.
Unfolding the letter with trepidation, I prepare myself for what is held within.
Camryn – my sweet girl,
If you’re reading this, it means two things. One, I am no longer physically there with you. And two, you and Trystan have worked things out and are finally in a good place together. It’s about time, by the way.
In regards to the first thing, I miss you. I miss you so much, my sweet girl. There was never a day that went by in your life I was not filled with pride at what a beautiful, loving person you were. You were a gift to me and your Gramps, and we were forever grateful for that gift. You made us proud so many times in your life and you were our greatest blessing. Our hearts were filled with so much love and you were the reason for that. You could have been bitter at being raised by your grandparents, at the fact your biological parents made poor choices that did not include you. But you never were. You were filled with so much love and gratitude, and we were showered with both often. Thank you for being the best daughter to us, because that is what you were in every sense of the word.
Onto reason two for this letter, Trystan and you. If you’re reading this letter, know I am overjoyed with happiness that you two have found your way back together. Life threw you both a curveball, which caused you to swerve off your path. But your path is clear and full of direction now. In our lives, we are very lucky if we ever find our one true great love. You found yours as a little girl. There was never a doubt in my mind that he was it for you, as much as you were it for him. That man is filled with so much love for you. I watched him battle for years with the fact he thought he lost you forever. And over a misunderstanding. As long as you were happy in your life, he did not want to interfere. Your happiness meant more than his own. Nothing shows pure, true love like putting someone else’s happiness above your own. He doesn’t know this, but I knew the whole story, as I am sure you now do also. It is a shame it kept you two apart for so many years. But, my sweet girl, true love often has a way of finding its way back.
You may be asking yourself why I never got involved or told you. It wasn’t my story to tell you, sweetheart. For you guys to truly be happy, you needed to find your way back together on your own terms and at the right time. And that time is now, sweet girl. So I need you to promise me a few things. Let all your walls down and truly let him in. If you fall for any reason, he will be there to catch you. Do the same for him. Get rid of the guilt you are harboring. Give him your heart without abandon. He will take care of it; I know this. Love him hard. And let him love you just as hard. Love like you two share doesn’t happen for everyone. Some people never find the other half of their heart. They never find the one who makes them whole. They will search a lifetime and be left incomplete.
You are whole once again, Camryn Lynn. My only regret is I am not physically there to see it. But know this, I am always with you. Always. When you get married, I will be there. When you have babies, I will be there. For everything in your life that is of importance, I will be there in spirit. I love you so much, sweet girl. And I promise to check in on you, Trystan, and Caleb from time to time. Until we meet again…
All my love,
Gigi
Sobbing uncontrollably, I clutch the letter to my chest. I read it in succession a few times. Without even knowing, this incredible woman just gave me yet another gift in my life. Her words were just what I needed to read. And Trystan picked the perfect time to give this to me. I am sure he had no idea what the contents of this envelope were, but with just a few instructions from Gigi, he chose right. Thoughts are running rampant in my head. Silently to myself, I have been professing my love to him for a while now. But I have been scared to say the words out loud. Like somehow they make me more vulnerable. But the truth is, there is not another person walking this earth who will handle my heart with more care. I know this with absolute certainty. Gigi also hit the nail on the head regarding my guilt. So much time was lost because I was stubborn. Time lost with him, time lost with Gigi and Gramps, and friends. They say everything happens for a reason, and I hate the cliché of that phrase. But one thing my trip out West did for me was to bring Hunter into my life. I can’t imagine my life without him. So maybe that was my reason for leaving.
Staring out over the bright blue water, a sense of peace washes over me. For the first time in a long time, I feel confident I am right where I need to be and with whom I need to be with. Knowing I need to find Trystan and talk to him, I gather up my belongings and head back toward the room. When I turn from my seat, I am met the most beautiful sight imaginable. He is there, a few hundred feet away, waiting for me. Knowing he knew I would need him, but that he still gave me the space to decide on my own, brings more tears on. I take off in a sprint, dropping my belongings along the way and launch myself into his arms. Gigi said he would catch me and he does. My arms cling to him like a lifeline.
“Are you okay, Sunshine?” His voice is laced with concern. “I have been watching you for a few minutes, and it was killing me to stay away.”
“Excuse my tear-stained face and snot nose,” embarrassed by my state, I reply.
“Snot, tears, and all, you are still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.”
His tone, leaves no doubt he means that sincerely. “Can we go sit and talk for a few? I have a few things I need to say.”
He begins to carry me back where my I dropped my belongings. Bending down on the way, he picks them up, while carrying me effortlessly. He drops my things on the sand and sits in the lounger. Straddling his lap, I am still wrapped around him.
Looking in his eyes, I see the apprehension. Knowing I need to put that at bay quickly, I press my lips to his. Our kiss begins softly and then deepens. Without saying anything, I try to convey a million things with this kiss. Reluctantly I break away from it and begin.
“Please bear with me. I have a lot I want to say. First, thank you so much for choosing the perfect time to give me the letter from Gigi. I needed to read those words, and I didn’t realize just how much until I was finished. What made you decide to give it to me here and this morning of all times?” I curiously question.
He offers a smile and simply states, “Just seemed like the right time.”
“Well, it was. I will let you read it later, if you want, but I have some things I need to say first. I love you, Trystan Harrison.” He takes a huge gulp of air. When my eyes meet his, I see his eyes getting watery. Seeing this strong man getting emotional at my declaration drives home just how much this means to him. “I don’t think there has been a day in my life, since we met, I haven’t loved you. Even when my brain wanted me to stop, my heart has always belonged to you. I tried like hell to move on, forget about you. As you know I was engaged for a brief period of time.”
“Don’t remind me, Sunshine,” he bites out. “That shit makes me murderous.”
Placing my finger over his lips, I shush him.
“Let me finish, please,” I implore.
“Please finish. I am sorry for interrupting. Lips are sealed until you are done.” He makes a zipping motion with his thumb and forefinger.
“My point with mentioning the engagement wasn’t to make you mad. Or murderous even. Bottom line, he wasn’t you. As angry as I was with what I thought happened, my heart still belonged to you. The last few weeks have been like a dream come true, even with our limited time together. Perfect in every sense. This trip has been the best few days of my life. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. When I lost you once, it almost destroyed me, Trystan. I could never survive a second time.” My voice fades into a whisper.
“There will be no second time. No losing each other again, Camryn. We were meant to do life together. We have missed out on some time, but no more. My love for you knows no bounds. If you let me, I will spend every day, for the rest of our lives, proving that over and over again. You are it for me, Sunshine. My heart belongs to you and only you. Loving you is like breathing for me. There is no way for me to stop.”
The tears spring back to my eyes and I bury my head in his neck. His declarations of love for me overtake my emotions.
“I love you too, Trystan. So damn much it hurts sometimes. But I am ready.” Peering up, I capture his gaze. “I am ready to do life with you. Who knows that looks like, but we can figure it out together. A wise woman told me love like ours doesn’t happen for everyone. Some people spend a lifetime searching and end up being incomplete. You make me whole, Trystan.”
He stands up with me still in his arms, with my legs wrapped around him, and spins me around several times. When he stops, his lips capture mine. We have shared many kisses since reconnecting, but this one is different. This kiss is laced with emotion. I feel the love pouring through it. It’s a silent promise to each other. It represents our hearts finally being whole once again.