Driving to the airport this time feels different. This time I know how Aiden feels about me. The broken heart is the same but I also know I will survive it. I have to.
12
“Aiden, hello. What can I do for you?” Ella Mae asks as she opens the door the next morning. “Karlie isn’t here if that’s what you were hoping. She left late last night for LA.”
“She didn’t….” I say with so much emotion Ella Mae flinched. “Why did she leave so quickly? She didn’t tell me she was leaving.”
“She went to find you last night but saw you at Tracey’s. She knows you picked Tracey, Aiden.” Ella Mae says with tears welling up in her eyes.
“But she is wrong. I was breaking it off with Tracey. I love Karlie with all my being. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.” I say wiping my own tears away. I never cry but this whole situation just rips my heart out again. She left me again. How could this be happening again?
“Oh you two are hopeless!! Always having the wrong assumptions. I don’t know what happened between you two the night before she left eight years ago but I have never seen her so happy and miserable at the same time.”
“I have always known that I loved your daughter and was going to marry her but when she left without a look or call back I thought that was what she wanted and that she didn’t feel the same about me.”
“She was afraid of getting stuck in this town and being a nobody. Little did she know she was a very special somebody. Especially to you.” Ella Mae says lightly as she pulls me into a hug. “Isn’t it about time you tell her that?”
“I’m going to right now.” I say quickly as I head out the door. “And I won’t come back without her!” I see the smile spreading across her face and hands me a piece of paper with Karlie’s LA address on it. She is as happy as I feel. I just pray her daughter feels the same.
“Aaron, can I use your company jet to fly after Karlie? She left for LA last night. Yes, again. I know. This time I am going after her with a little surprise, well maybe not little, from that jeweler on Booker Ave. in Tulsa.”
***
Home Sweet Home. Isn’t that what they say? For some reason this apartment doesn’t feel like home. It just feels empty and lonely. How did I live here for eight years? Alone. Maybe I spent too much time at Mom’s and this feels so foreign because of it.
Speaking of Mom, I need to call her to let her know I got home okay. “Hi Mom, I made it home. I think you should come stay with me for a while. Going to miss you too. Love you.” That was a quick conversation with Mom. Quickest ever. Strange. She must have been busy at the shop. I usually can’t get her off the phone. Maybe she has had enough of me.
I know someone who will be happy to hear from me regardless. “Hey, Gerry. Yep, I am back. Fiji huh? Yes, I will do it. When do I leave? Wow so soon? Ok. I’ll be looking for the email. Bye.”
I’m going to Fiji for my next shoot tomorrow. That should be far enough away from Colvin and this hurt. Far enough away to help get Aiden off of my mind and out of my broken heart again. Will I ever get far enough though?
I change my clothes and unpack before checking my answering machine. I have one message. That’s it? I just laugh. Of course one. Who would call me at home? Only one person ever did.
“Hello babe. I know you said you couldn’t marry me but I think you are just upset about your Dad. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Please give us another chance after you get home from Oklahoma. I will be at the condo until the 16th then I head to Boston until the 1st. Hope to see you soon.”
I replay the message a few times before erasing it and sit on the bar stool in the kitchen. I wait for the tears to start falling but none seem to come. Wow. What a sweet man and a sweet message. Probably one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me in my lifetime. But I don’t feel as affected as I should. Maybe I am just upset about Dad. Maybe I should at least go talk to Jeremy. It’s only the 10th so he should still be in LA.
I have got to eat first. I haven’t eaten since lunch yesterday with Mom.
So, after scarfing down a yogurt, I decide it’s time to face this with Jeremy. He might just be the man I was meant to be with forever. I could at least give him a chance right?
I walk to the front door of my apartment and open it with keys in hand. As I look up into the most handsome blue eyes I have ever seen I know that my previous thought was completely off mark. This is the man I was supposed to spend my forever with. This one standing on my doorstep in LA. Not in Colvin, OK. Wait, in LA? Aiden is on my doorstep in LA? I must be dreaming. If this is a dream don’t wake me up.
***
“Hi Karlie Mae. You look shocked to see me.” I say smiling because I am so happy to see her.
“Wha- what are you doing here Aiden? I just got home a little while ago from Colvin.” I don’t remember her ever stuttering so I must have really surprised her. And the look on her face is priceless.
“Can we talk? I think it’s way overdue.” I say gesturing inside. She steps aside and lets me in a little reluctantly.
“Of course, would you like something to drink? Not sure what I have after being gone so long but I can sure look or run and get us something down the street if you want.” She says rambling on. Yep I surprised her socks off. Good. She will know I mean business.
“Were you going anywhere important?”
“No, not really.” I see her say knowing it is a little bit of a guilty look but I don’t care. We have got to talk this out this time.
“Okay then, sit down.” I motion for her to sit beside me on the couch. “I flew all the way here to clear up a little misunderstanding we had last night.”
“What misunderstanding are you talking about?”
“I was at Tracey’s when you went by.”
“Yes, I was headed to find you. But you chose Tracey. So I left Colvin. Nothing there for me anymore.” She says wiping tears from her eyes and looking away from me.
“That’s where the misunderstanding started. I was at Tracey’s breaking it off with her Karlie. I love you with all of my being and always have. I want to be with you forever.” I say taking her hand in mine and feeling her tremble.
I kiss the back of her hand and she still hasn’t said a word. Maybe I am wrong about her feelings. Could I really be that wrong? I just flew all the way to LA to profess my love for a woman who once again doesn’t want me.
“Say something Karlie. Please.” I plead almost scared to hear her answer. As I proceed to let go of her hand she squeezes it harder.
“Aiden I love you too. I have loved you my whole life and always will. I was so hurt that I left knowing I couldn’t do it again. When I left you eight years ago I left part of my heart there in Colvin with you. I didn’t realize that until I went back and saw you again.” She says tears filling her eyes but with the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.
“Karlie Mae you are the best part of me.” I say getting down on one knee in front of her. “You are the piece that makes my life whole and makes me who I am. Will you continue to be that piece and be my wife and love me forever?”
“Yes Aiden yes!! I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life as your missing piece because you are that same piece for me.” She says getting down on her knees in front of me too and throwing her arms around me and squealing.
“Well then it’s settled! But first I have something I have wanted to do for over eight years.” I say taking her in my arms and wrapping her hair around my fingers. I press my lips against hers and feel the world right itself. She lets out a little whimper and I know this was meant to be forever. As I carry her into the bedroom I look down at the woman in my arms knowing that she will forever be mine and no one else’s. I know that this is what was missing and know now that I will forever be whole.
13
Looking over at a sleeping Aiden I feel like I am whole. Finally. I just need to tell Gerry. That ought to be a fun thing to do. I talked to Mom last night
and she says the space above the store is perfect for KAB and will have it all cleaned out before I get home. Which I don’t doubt. Something for her to do to keep herself busy. It feels as if that’s what I am supposed to do now. The next step for me and my career. It may not be Fiji or London, but wherever Aiden is I will be more than happy to be.
“Where are you going?” I hear him come up behind me as I pour a cup of coffee. I have gotten dressed and am trying to be quiet and not wake him.
“I need to go talk to Gerry and break the news to him that I’m relocating to Colvin and not doing the Fiji shoot.” I say waiting to see Aiden’s reaction.
“I was so hoping you would want to do that. This long distance thing was going to kill me.” He says with a big smile and kisses me while wrapping me in his arms.
“Aiden, I really need to go. If we are ever going to get things done and go back to Oklahoma, I need to get started. I will go talk to Gerry. Do you want to go too or what do you want to do?”
“I’ll start packing things up here if that’s ok.” He says and steals my cup taking a big swig.
“That’s fine. I should be back in a couple of hours. There is a packing store around the corner if you want to go get boxes. Or just call a moving company and they can do it for you. I don’t care either way.” I kiss him again and head for the door. I turn to make sure this is real. Aiden is really in my apartment in LA. And with nothing on but pajama bottoms. Good thing I called Gerry already and he's expecting me or I wouldn’t be anywhere but in bed. With Aiden. That makes a grin cross my lips that seems to be a common occurrence these days.
***
“Gerry, I know it’s not what you would want for me, but it’s what I want and need. I love Aiden and I actually fell in love with my home town while I was there too. Look at these pictures I have been taking.” I hand him a folder full of the photos I had taken in the town square and at the fundraiser.
“Wow Karlie! These are great. You might be onto something here. So, no more location shoots? Really? I thought you wanted to be a big photographer all over the world?”
“I used to be that person yes. You can still call me with opportunities but don’t expect me to drop it all and run. I don’t want to lose that easy spirit I had before while gallivanting around the world, but I do want to settle down. And marry Aiden.” I say smiling and playing with the newly placed ring on my left hand.
“You look and sound so different Karlie. I really am happy for you. I hope you know what you are doing. This is going to kill your professional side but just might help your personal side flourish. Good luck sweetie.” He says and gives me a hug. “You need to get going and get your stuff packed up I am sure.”
“Aiden is home doing that. Do you know of a good moving company? I still need to get to KAB and pack things up there too. I think I should hire someone for my personal stuff and do KAB myself. A lot of memories there that I need to deal with. Thanks Gerry, when you feel like a quiet vacation, come to Oklahoma!” I say and hug him one more time before walking out the door. Maybe for the last time. I really don’t feel upset about it like I thought I would. I feel at peace.
***
“Well, this is it! This is KAB! I fell in love with the exposed brick on this wall and the modern ceiling to floor windows on this wall. What do you think?” I say with all the excitement I did the first time I saw the space.
“It’s gorgeous Karlie. Are you sure you want to let it go?” he asks letting go of my hand to walk to the windows. “This view is amazing.”
“Yes, the view is amazing, but it’s not what I need or want anymore. If I could do this to the space above Mom’s store, I would be perfectly happy. And you will be there. You aren’t here.” I say wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him down for a steamy kiss that will definitely show him how serious I am about this move.
“Ok, well I’m going to start taking the furniture apart in the back. You start putting the artwork and photos away. We can knock this out in no time.” And he walks away smiling. He no longer questions my decision. I think he is even whistling.
***
Karlie is in the front packing up her favorite place in LA while I am in back taking apart furniture. This seems surreal. I get to take her back to Colvin for good. As my fiancé. Will she be happy there? Will it be enough for her? That gives me a great idea so I dial Austin.
“Austin, can you call Aaron and have him go look at the space above Ella Mae’s store? Karlie wants to open up her studio in there. We are packing up her LA one right now and I see how much she loves it. I want to make the one there look just like this. I will send you pictures later so that you can get them to Aaron. His company would be perfect for the renovations with the upscale stuff they do. Thanks.”
I think I hear someone talking to Karlie as I hang up with Austin. I can’t help but smile at the thought of how surprised she will be when the space is done.
Wait, that voice sounds familiar. But I don’t know anyone here. Oh no, I remember who. Jeremy. What is he doing here? Do I stay back here or go up there and stake my claim like a caveman? Caveman it is.
***
Packing up the last big print off the wall, I look up to see Jeremy walking through the front door. Just like he used to with keys in hand. Crap. I forgot he had a key.
“Jeremy, hi. What are you doing here?”
“I heard from Dad that you were terminating your lease. You do know it’s going to cost you quite a bit don’t you? You leased it for another 18 months.” He says walking towards me.
“Yes. I don’t expect any special treatment. I already sent a check over to him for the difference.” I say not knowing what to do or say in this situation. Aiden is in the back and Jeremy is up here standing in front of me. How much more awkward can this get?
“Karlie I got all of it done except the big armoire in the far back. Oh I’m sorry I didn’t know you had company.” He says and looks at Jeremy then back at me.
“Aiden, you remember Jeremy? He stopped by to talk to me about the lease. His Dad and their company own the building.” I say stumbling with the words not really knowing what else to say.
“Nice to meet you again. I’m going to go down the street and get us some lunch. Give you guys a few minutes alone.” He says and kisses my temple and walks out the door without a glance back.
“Looks like you are happy. I take it he is the one you haven’t been able to get over all these years? I thought there was something there when we met in the café that day. And by the size of that rock on your hand, you are where you need to be.”
“Jeremy, I never meant to rub your nose in any of this. I was actually hoping to get in and out before you were aware I was here or that I was even leaving. I never meant to hurt you. You do know that right?” I ask truly hoping he knew that.
“I know. You can’t help who you love. Or who you don’t.” With that he walks away. That will most likely be the last time I see him. I just pray he will be happy one day.
Still standing in the same place as I was before, Aiden walks back in the front door and smiles. “You okay? That had to be tough.”
“Actually, I am good. I needed to close that chapter even though I never intended to have to do it.” Taking the bag from his hands and turning to walk to the only table left standing. “I’m sorry you had to deal with it.”
“I could have stayed back there but knew it was him so I wanted him to know he couldn’t give you a hard time. It was tough I won’t lie, walking out that door leaving you with him. But, I know you love me and not him.” He says winking at me and smiling.
“I do love you. What did you get us to eat? I am starved!” I say and dig into the bag not wanting to ever have this conversation again.
***
“Hey Aaron. How’s the studio coming? We are about ready to head out on the road. Yeah. We’ll stop in Vegas and then who knows where else. No, no Elvis wedding don’t worry. Both our mothers would kill us. We should be home in a few days. Will
the space be done? Oh that’s good to hear. She is going to love it. I appreciate you taking time to do this for me. And Karlie. Let me know what I owe you. Thanks again.”
Hanging up from the phone call with Aaron I can’t help but smile knowing how much Karlie is going to love the studio. I can’t wait to show it to her. I can’t wait to get her home to the ranch either. I can’t wait to just live my life with Karlie after wanting her all these years. And she is going to be my wife.
***
After hours of packing up and moving the boxes out to a moving van, we have my entire studio cleared out. I walk in the door and stand in the empty space and feel how unfamiliar it all seems now. I remember walking into it years ago when I first looked at it, but I was a different person back then. At the time I never expected to start dating the landlord’s son either. I never expected to be changed so drastically when my father passed away. Especially never expected to find Aiden again.
Just as my thoughts drifted to Aiden, I could feel him put his hands on my shoulders pulling me back against him. He leans down and kisses my temple and at that exact Moment I know all is right with the world. I ran away from him and Colvin but was only using LA as a band aid. I really should have gone back to Colvin long before now, I know that.
“Ready to go babe?” he says and wraps his arms around me. “If we start now, we might make it to Las Vegas before dark.”
“I can’t believe we are driving that U-Haul all the way to Oklahoma from here. With my car on a trailer? We must be crazy.” I smile and lock the door for the last time and drop the keys through the mail slot. I feel as if I am actually closing that chapter of my life and starting a new one with Aiden.
14
Down to the Creek- Book 1 of the Colvin Series Page 9