Beginning Again (Sweet Pleasures Series Book 3)

by Holk, VM

  Anne is going through some things right now, I can tell. We talked a little, but not like we should have. I realize more that I shut everyone out of my life, I have to stop running.

  Hearing about Anne and Kyle's divorce, had my head spinning. I always thought they were perfect together, but like people always say, "You never know what's really going on in other people’s marriage". Plus when you only see people from a distance, it's easy to think all is great.

  Packing my bags is giving me a feeling of dreed. I had decided to give Izzy space, but now I know I have to see her before I leave. If only to tell her how I feel about her, even if she doesn't feel the same way about me. I can't go on anymore the way I have been.

  With my mind made up, I decide to go find Izzy. Driving through town looking for her car, I try the obvious places first, home and work. Not sure where else to look, I simply drive. Before I realize where I have gone, I park.

  Of course I end up at the Belle River Park, the place that was so special to Izzy and me. I walk to the river and sit. Lost in my thoughts, I don't hear anyone coming up behind me.

  "Why does it figure that you are here?" Izzy says with a chuckle and sits next to me.

  I look over at her with a wide smile, "I was looking for you and ended up here."

  "I had to think, so I ended up here."

  "Oh yeah, what were you thinking about?"

  "Us."

  "What about us?"

  "Everything that has happened. I don't know what to think anymore. So much has happened."

  "Look, Izzy there is something I want to say."

  She turns to me and I grab her hand. I gently rub my thumb across the top, trying to build up the courage to say what I need to say.

  I sigh, "I still love you, Izzy. I've never stopped, I was running away from everything. But I don't want to do that anymore. I'm so sorry you had to go through losing our daughter, alone. I should've been there."

  She puts her fingers to my lips to stop me from talking. "Stop, you didn't know."

  I look away, "That's no excuse."

  "STOP!"

  L look over to see that she is crying. I gently grab her and pull her into my arms. She wraps her arms around me and sobs gently into my shoulder. Gently stroking her hair, I try to console her the way I should've all those years ago. I feel a tear go down my cheek, before I realize I'm crying with her.

  I pull her face up from my shoulder and gently kiss her on the lips.

  "I know you have a boyfriend and I'm sorry. But I had to tell you how I felt about you before I leave. I love you Izzy. Nothing will change that."

  "Oh Jack, I love you too. I broke up with John this morning."

  It's been a month since I've seen Izzy. Her flight will land in four hours and I can hardly get through my paperwork. I can't wait to see her, I've missed her so much. It's crazy how things turn out.

  We have been talking a lot on the phone and getting to know each other again. Things are different this time. I'm never going to let her go again. Hopefully this week with her, will make our future the one we always deserved to have.

  I open the drawer to my desk and make sure that the ring box is still there. Some may think I'm crazy because we have only been a couple for a month. But I've loved her since high school and nothing will change how I feel about her. Hopefully she feels the same way.

  It's felt like a dream these past few days with Jack. I was so grateful that I could pull off a vacation. I had to do some favors, but it's worth it to be here.

  Jack has taken me sightseeing and its beautiful here. I don't know if I could leave Michigan, but for the right reason, I might.

  I check myself in the mirror and smile. I'm glad that I packed my black dress. I hear Jack call from the living room, our reservation is in thirty minutes.

  I hadn't realized how long I was in here and grab my purse. I stop when I see Jack.

  "Wow."

  "What? I clean up well, but not as good as you." He walks up to me and kisses me on the lips, "You look beautiful."

  "You too."

  We drive for a while and I don't really pay attention to where we are going. I don't care, as long as it's with Jack. We pull into the park and I look over to him.

  "I thought we could go for a walk."

  "Sure, but are we going to miss our reservation."

  "It's okay."

  Jack helps me out of the truck and takes my hand. We walk quietly. We come to a spot not far from where we parked. It's a pavilion that they obviously rent out to people for parties. I stop, my hand going to my throat.

  "Jack it's beautiful."

  The pavilion has strings of lights hung across the ceiling and single table in the center. Rose petals are thrown on the ground all around it. Jack gently pulls me to the table and sits me down.

  I watch as he gets down on one knee in front of me. My heart starts pounding hard, as he fishes a box out of his pants pocket. He opens the box, the ring is beautiful.

  "Izzy, my love. I can't imagine my life without. I know we have only been together for a month, but I have loved you for so long. I don't want to live anymore of my life without you. Izzy, will you marry me?"

  I look around at everything he has done and back at him. I never imagined that I would have this with Jack.

  "Yes. A million times, yes."

  He smiles at me, putting the ring on my finger, "You have made me the happiest man alive. I love you so much."

  "Oh Jack, I love you too."

  We fall into each other arms.

  THE END

  About the Author:

  Victoria lives in the small town of Richmond, Michigan. She lives there with her husband, Jason, who she has been with for 21 years. Her two daughters, Katie and Shannon. And, we can't forget about her beloved Weimaraner, Lucy.

  She is now a stay at home mom and writer. She worked for many years as a baker and then later as a bakery market manager. She spends her spare time crocheting, reading, baking and cuddling with Lucy. She loves having coffee time with her friends and uses those times as power meetings about her book. #lovemybookbabes