“But I loved you whether you were a famous model or not. I thought you knew that.” We shared a tender moment and I felt tears building behind my eyes. “Come here.” Mitch took my hand and led me to a blanket spread out next to the fire. He knelt down and brought me with him.
“I was sure you hated me.” The words spilled out as we faced each other on our knees.
“I did for a while, but then I realized I had some growing up to do of my own.” He stretched out, propped himself up on an elbow and I did the same. “I moved on with my life the best I could, worked every job imaginable, and put myself through school. But I never did forget you, hence the house behind me.”
“You didn’t?” My heart melted knowing he’d built his house here even though it reminded him of me, of us, and the obvious pain I caused him.
“Dad had purchased the land as a wedding present for us. When there wasn’t a wedding he held onto it until I got my head on straight and could pay off the loan myself, or sell it. I didn’t have the heart to sell so I built the house.” Mitch flicked a grain of sand off the blanket. “What about you?”
I rolled to my stomach, finding it hard to face him. Sifting sand through my fingers, I continued with the truth. “I took some time and seriously thought about what I wanted out of life. And you know what? All the fun and love I’d felt here in Cape Vincent with you and your family was what helped me decide.”
“How so?”
I turned back to my side, bracing myself on my elbow. His eyes held genuine interest and I was once more transported back to our youth and all of the talks we used to have about our futures. I’d missed having someone to talk to like this over the years. Sure, I’d had boyfriends but no one had lasted. They weren’t Mitch. I sighed, recognizing the strength of our connection while trying to keep our current lives in perspective.
“Your dad taught me about tools and the satisfaction of making something from scratch. So I went to school for architectural design, and wal-lah, Helping Homes was born. I think I had to go through everything I did, to become the woman I am today.”
“I think what you’ve done is far better than strutting your stuff on the runway, although I’d pay big money to see that.” Mitch grinned, and I swatted at his arm.
“Shut up!” I tried to whack him again but he caught my wrist.
Our eyes locked and I saw the passion that had never quite died for either of us boiling beneath the surface. He dropped my hand, placing his on my hip and pulled himself closer. His lips touched mine, so soft at first I thought I was dreaming. He became more demanding, and I let him explore with his hands and his mouth as the sounds of the shoreline muffled in my brain, bringing me back to a time long ago.
He tasted like a hint of cocktail sauce. The weight of his body as he guided me to my back on the blanket felt like we’d never been apart. My hands cupped his chin, and I kissed him deeper. He rubbed against me so I could feel his arousal through my dress, and when I heard a moan from deep in his gut, I lost myself in him.
The sun set behind us as we made bittersweet love. Memories of old collided with who we were right now, like the waves crashing the rocks at high tide. I thought of the house on the bluff, and although I didn’t see a ring on his finger, there could be someone special in his life. Mitch could have found someone who knew nothing of me or our past, someone who had taken my place and healed his broken heart, and who’d never understand the kind of relationship Mitch and I had.
Maybe Mitch was trying to close this chapter in his life too. We would work each other out of our systems and be free from all the old ghosts. We could move on and never look back. Eventually, years from now, we would forget as all ill-fated people do. I held in my tears, held on to this moment, and held him close to me one last time.
***
No one on my crew asked, and I didn’t offer any information. I could tell by their looks Kyle had informed them of my meeting with Mitch. My stomach clenched, and I swallowed hard to keep my breakfast from coming up. I’d be counting down the hours ‘til we could move out of Cape Vincent and on to the next job.
Mitch and I had made love all night and fallen asleep wrapped in the blanket. Every emotion imaginable had played through my head during our wonderful evening together. I came to my senses just before dawn and escaped back to the trailer before the awkward ‘morning after’. Walking away had been so much easier all those years ago. After what I felt last night, I couldn’t bear to hear him say good-bye for good.
Page turned, chapter done, book closed.
We all walked across the parking lot to where the mayor and his staff were setting up for the ribbon cutting. A transport van arrived and unloaded Jim, much to the delight of Kyle and the rest of the crew. I was about to join them, when a familiar tan hand grabbed my arm, and I sucked in a breath.
“I missed you this morning.”
“I couldn’t stay. Big day today, you know.” I removed his hand and kept walking.
“About last night...” he said as he kept pace beside me.
“Mitch, it’s okay. Let’s drop it.” If I talked about it, I’d never survive it. I smiled at my crew as we passed, giving Kyle “the look”, meaning I didn’t want to talk about it with anyone.
“I don’t want to drop it.” He turned me slightly, trying to look me in the eye, but I darted out of his way.
“Oh, look, there’s Mayor Risley.” I waved to the mayor, and Mitch was on my heels.
“Sidney, wait.”
“Doctor Case, Miss Edwards.” Mayor Risley welcomed us with outstretched arms. “Let’s move the two of you over here to cut the ribbon, and then we can all check out the inside.”
Mitch and I glanced at each other then back at the mayor. This went beyond uncomfortable. I mean, how could we have closure if we were going to be stuck together every time we turned around? This was Mitch’s moment. He should cut the ribbon on his own.
“Shall we?” Mitch gestured after the mayor, who must have assumed we were in agreement.
“Sure.” I gulped as newspaper reporters and TV cameras prepared for the story.
We stood behind the bright red ribbon, putting our hands on a pair of scissors. With the whole town watching, along with my entire crew, we snipped the ribbon in half and everyone applauded. As people filed into the building, Mitch and I remained outside.
I fought back my tears as I thought of something to say for our final good-bye. When I’d left twelve years ago, I didn’t have to face him like this. Facing him was so much harder, but I wasn’t a girl anymore. I was a woman, and I wasn’t a coward.
“Sooo... if you ever have anything else you need building, you know who to call.” I tried for a brave smile.
He stared deep into my eyes for a long moment and I couldn’t breathe. “Actually I do have something I’d like you to build.”
“Wh-What’s that?” I couldn’t image what else he’d need after this. Didn’t he realize how difficult it would be for me? All I wanted to do was to leave and feel sorry for myself. With me gone, he could move on with his life.
“A life with me,” he said, putting that notion to rest. “I love you, Sidney. I always have and always will. Say you’ll stay.” Mitch took my hands, dipped his head and kissed me like there was no tomorrow, because today was the start of forever.
“Yes,” I said, and meant it this time.
The End
About the Author
Barbara lives in upstate New York with her supportive husband and their three children. She’s been a writer for as long as she can remember. If she doesn’t have a laptop you can bet she has a notebook. Barbara loves to travel and hopes to one day take a trip to Ireland for “research.” But until that happens she will settle for an occasional getaway with her favorite alpha male.
Fun Facts
- Loves camping, hiking, anything that gets her outside and in touch with nature.
- Avid dog lover who at a young age claimed she was going to have a house full of puppies, not kids
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- Dreamed of being a professional ice dancer.
- Enjoys crocheting and scrapbooking.
- Will never turn down strawberry liquorice.
Extreme Love Makeover Page 3