Love's Destiny (Love Trilogy #2)

by Tracey Smith

Tyler

  February 25th

  Dear Tyler

  You didn’t let me go! I’m yours, no matter how far apart, no matter how long. I am and will always be yours. You have my heart. You always have, you always will.

  Please don’t worry about me. It’s not so bad at Carrie’s, except that you’re not there. One of the girls in her dance troupe broke her ankle and went back home to Connecticut to recover, so I’ve been upgraded from the couch to a real bed, which is nice.

  I spend all my time on campus practicing anyway. I’m working night and day on my solo for the graduation ceremony. I’m so nervous about performing a piece that I’ve composed! The song I’m going to play I wrote for you and I wish you could be here to hear it. I need you in the front row! I miss you! I LOVE YOU!

  With all my heart,

  Destiny

  March 13th

  Dear Destiny

  I just found out an MP position may be coming open at Camp Pendleton, which means I might be coming home to San Diego soon! Either way I’ve put in a request for leave in May so that I can come to New York for your graduation.

  It’s a long shot, but I will have been here 5 months by then, so they may let me come home, especially if I get the MP position because I would be shipping back anyway. I want to be there more than I can say. I want to be there for you.

  I can’t wait to see you again, to hold you again, kiss you again. I miss your smile, your laughter, your warmth. I miss everything about you. Every night I close my eyes and imagine you are right there in the room with me. But it’s not the same, not even close. I miss you so much! If we can survive this, we can survive anything! I love you!

  Love

  Tyler

  March 30th

  Dear Tyler

  I am trying so hard not to get my hopes up, I know it’s a long shot but I want you here so badly. I need you here. It’s your song, our song. You have to be here to hear me play it for the first time. I almost wish I had picked a different piece for the ceremony because this one is so personal, but it’s too late now. I can’t change it. I have to play it, and I want to play it for you.

  My finals are coming up and I have one last big show this month with the Juilliard String Quartet, but after that I’ll be able to devote all my free time to rehearsing for the graduation ceremony. I have to bury myself in my music to survive the loneliness without you. I miss you. I LOVE YOU!

  With all my heart,

  Destiny

  April 15th

  Dear Destiny

  Happy Birthday! I know it will be passed by the time you get this, but I want you to know I was thinking of you and hoping that you took a break from rehearsals to celebrate. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. I promise once I’m home again I’ll never miss another birthday!

  I saw this CD at a little used shop I found and it reminded me of the summer you spent with us in LA when we were teenagers. You had asked me if any of the rock music I listened to had violins in it. Well here is Metallica’s S&M album: Symphony and Metallica—proof that our worlds can blend. I hope you will listen to it and think of me.

  I think of you every night and dream of holding you in my arms again! Until that day comes I will continue to dream.

  Love

  Tyler

  April 30th

  Dear Tyler

  Thank you so much for the CD! I love it I listen to it every night as I fall asleep! But I don’t need anything to remind me of you, you are always in my thoughts, always in my dreams.

  Carrie is performing just off Broadway now, and the other night at one of her shows I met the conductor for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra! It was so exciting, I told him that I was planning on moving back home after graduation and he gave me his number and told me I should audition! Can you believe that? Wouldn’t that be amazing if I could find a seat on a symphony in San Diego and you could get stationed at the base there? It’s like all the pieces are coming together. It’s all going to work out, I know it is! It has to! Until then we will both continue to wish, and dream. Until all our dreams come true.

  With all my heart,

  Destiny

  May 10th

  Dear Destiny

  I’m coming home! I just found out today. They granted my leave. I fly out in 5 days. I’ll be in New York for your graduation. I can’t wait to see you again! To hold you again! It’s finally going to happen. It doesn’t even feel real. It won’t be real until I see you with my own eyes and feel you in my arms. These will be the longest 5 days I’ve spent in the last 5 months! I’m coming home!

  Love

  Tyler

  Chapter 27: Graduation

  Graduation was tomorrow. I had done all I could do to prepare. This was going to be one of the biggest nights of my life. My first public performance of a piece I’d written myself, a solo performance in Carnegie Hall during the graduation ceremony. I had never been so nervous. To make matters worse Tyler still hadn’t arrived.

  His flight should have come in yesterday, but a late spring snow storm had hit Chicago and he’d been stranded. My parents had flown through Dallas and had arrived this morning.

  “I can’t do this without him.” I cried.

  “He’ll make it Destiny.” Mom assured me

  “I hope you’re right. He has to. I need him.”

  “I know.” Mom soothed “But staying up all night worrying won’t help.”

  “How could I possibly sleep?” I wailed. “We haven’t heard from Tyler since this morning. The news is saying that all flights from Chicago are still grounded. What’s he doing? Why hasn’t he called?”

  “Destiny, get some sleep.” Mom pleaded.

  “I can’t.” I insisted.

  “Your Mom’s right.” Dad said from the bedroom door. “I’m sure Tyler is fine and is doing everything in his power to get here, but staying up all night isn’t going to do anyone any good. You need your sleep, you have a big performance tomorrow.”

  I knew my parents were right but they just didn’t understand. This performance was so personal for me. I had written this song for Tyler. No one else had heard it yet. It was his song, he had to be there the first time I played it. He just had to, I couldn’t do it without him.

  I had a restless night’s sleep, but was still awake by the crack of dawn. My nerves just wouldn’t let me sleep.

  Tyler didn’t arrive. I anxiously watched the door all day, jumped at every phone call, but never heard from him. Mom finally made me dress for the performance, but I still waited until the very last minute when we absolutely had to leave before I’d let them pull me from the hotel room.

  My heart sank lower when we arrived at the hall and I was ushered off with the other performers and my parents and brother went to find their seats. I had reserved them all seats in the front row and was filled with dread at the thought of looking down into Tyler’s empty seat from the stage.

  I just couldn’t do this without him.

  I took my seat in the orchestra and waited anxiously for the curtain to rise. At first the lights were blinding and I couldn’t see the audience beyond the edge of the stage. I kept my eyes on the conductor and found my cue. I played in concert with the orchestra, avoiding looking toward the front row seats for fear of what I’d find.

  Finally as the first piece drew to its conclusion my eyes were uncontrollably drawn to the front row. I looked over the proud faces of my parents, the broad smile of pride and admiration beaming from Chance and then finally let my eyes drop on the empty seat where Tyler should have been. I felt like I was going to be sick and then the curtain was drawn.

  I stood and allowed the stage hands to rush around me as they prepared the stage for my solo performance. How could I do this without him?

  My heart was racing and my palms sweating, I had never before experienced stage fright like this. Thousands of people were on the other side of that curtain waiting for my performance and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it without him. Every night as I’d p
racticed I’d closed my eyes and seen him in that front row. I needed him there.

  But the time had come. I was moved into position. I wiped my hands on my dress and then held my violin in position. This was happening whether I was ready or not.

  I heard the applause as the curtain was drawn. The stage lights momentarily blinded me again and I stood in the spotlight waiting for the applause to die down.

  A hush fell over the crowd as they waited for me to start. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly I opened my eyes again and found my gaze drawn to the front row. And I found Tyler staring back at me.

  He’d made it, somehow he’d made it in time. I smiled as our eyes locked across the auditorium and I began to play.

  The song started out light and playful, dancing across the notes in the carefree way of childhood. Then it took on a darker tone, deep commanding notes expressing the loss and confusion of our adolescence. Finally building back up to the rich fluid notes of joy and true love.

  My eyes never left his as I played and were blurred with tears as I brought the song to its conclusion. Tyler was the first to his feet clapping and cheering, soon the whole concert hall followed. It was my first standing ovation in Carnegie Hall, but it could have been just the two of us in the room he was the sole focus of my attention.

  The curtain closed and the sound of applause drifted through even as I left the stage.

  The awards ceremony was to follow and we were all cloaked in cap and gown and urged back to the stage. I couldn’t wait for this part of the evening to be over. All that mattered now was seeing Tyler again.

  Chapter 28: Happily Ever After

  I didn’t think I was going to make it. The snowstorm that had delayed my connecting flight was still raging outside when I gave up on the airport and rented a car. I had just enough time to drive to New York and make Destiny’s performance.

  The roads were crowded and I almost didn’t make it. When I finally reached the hall I could hear the audience applauding and feared I’m missed it. I rushed inside and showed the ticket Destiny had mailed me. The usher showed me to the first row where I found Mike, Katherine and Chance.

  “Did I miss it?” I whispered as soon as I took my seat.

  “No, you’re just in time.” Chance assured me, and then the curtain opened.

  Destiny stood alone on the stage, her violin in position and her eyes closed. As the roar of the audience fell to silence I willed Destiny to open her eyes, to look at me and know that I was here.

  A beat of silence passed before she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Immediately her eyes found mine. I saw her smile at me and then she began to play, eyes still fixed on mine.

  Her song brought tears to my eyes as it took me through the journey of our lives. I knew instinctively when it had reached its end and was immediately on my feet cheering as the tears I’d been holding back flowed freely down my cheeks.

  The awards ceremony followed and I was relieved when it finally concluded. I couldn’t wait to grab her up into my arms. Her family and I exited the auditorium together and moved to wait near the entrance to the hall that led to the performer’s dressing rooms.

  The crowd was thick and I searched frantically for her face. Despite my scrutiny I didn’t see her until she was right next to me. She reached out and grabbed my arm and I immediately swung her up into my arms spinning around with complete abandon as I kissed her fervently. She kissed me back with equal passion and for several seconds the crowded room was forgotten and all that existed was the two of us.

  I finally set her on her feet and kissed her one more time before releasing her into the arms of her parents. Everyone kissed and hugged as we shuffled through the crowd and out of the hall.

  “I was so afraid you wouldn’t make it.” Destiny told me over dinner.

  “I promised you I’d be there.”

  “Yes well I knew you’d try but with the snowstorm and all...”

  “Nothing could have kept me away.”

  “How did you make it?” Chance interjected reminding me of her family’s presence at the table.

  It wasn’t the first time tonight that I’d forgotten them. I leaned back away from Destiny realizing as I did that we’d both reflexively leaned in towards each other as we’d spoke.

  “I rented a car.” I explained.

  “Oh, that must’ve cost a fortune.” Katherine exclaimed.

  “It was worth it.” I assured her and kissed Destiny’s hand.

  I couldn’t keep my hands off of her and couldn’t wait for us to be alone.

  “Do you mind if I steal Destiny away for a little while?” I asked as soon as we’d finished dinner.

  “Of course not, you two go on. We’ll just head back to the hotel and we’ll see you tomorrow.” Katherine told us as she stood to hug Destiny.

  “Congratulations, Sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.” Her mom said as they hugged.

  “You did a good job Princess.” Mike said as he kissed her on the cheek.

  “Yeah, it wasn’t half bad.” Chance teased and Destiny reached out to ruffle his hair before pulling him in for a hug as well.

  “I’ll see you all in the morning.” She assured them as we made our way out of the restaurant.

  “Where are we going?” she asked as we walked along the sidewalk hand in hand.

  “I thought we might take a carriage ride through Central Park.” I told her as I guided her across the street.

  “Really? I’ve never done that before, not in the four years I’ve lived here.”

  “Then tonight is a night for firsts.”

  We settled into the waiting carriage and pulled the blanket across our laps. There was still a spring chill in the air but the skies were crystal clear and the moon was full. Destiny snuggled against me as we rode through the park in silence, taking in the sights and the feel of each other.

  “I’ve missed you so much.” Destiny whispered

  “Me too.” I said pulling her in closer. I couldn’t hold her close enough.

  “Do you have to go back?” she asked quietly.

  “My tour is not over…” I let the silence drag for a moment. I felt her sigh against me.

  “Good thing I got the MP post at Camp Pendleton and I’ll get to finish it out in San Diego.” I finally said smiling.

  “Really?” she exclaimed pulling back to look into my face. Tears of happiness were glistening in her eyes.

  “Oh Tyler!” She cried as she buried her face against my chest and I wrapped my arms around her.

  “I love you so much Destiny.” I whispered into her hair as I kissed the top of her head. “It seems like we’ve spent our whole lives missing each other. It’s finally time for our happily ever after.”

  “Forever.” She promised still clinging to me as if she was never going to let go.

  Epilogue

  “Chance Michael Carter get out of that batting cage right now!”

  “Come on Mom, just trying to get a little practice in. The wedding doesn’t start for an hour.”

  “You’re already in your tux!”

  “You’re the one who made me put it on this early.”

  “Young man just because you’re as tall as me doesn’t mean I won’t put you over my knee.”

  I smiled as I walked towards my mom and kissed her on the cheek.

  “You’ve never put me over your knee a day in my life.” I reminded her.

  “Don’t think just because you’re 13 years old that it’s too late for me to start. Now go on in the house and see if Tyler needs anything. I have to check on the food, and I still have to help Destiny finish getting ready. Guests are already starting to arrive.”

  “Don’t worry Mom, we have plenty of time”

  I tried to smile my most charming smile. I could tell Mom was stressed out of her mind and I wanted her to relax. I put my arm around her as we walked toward the house together.

  As we came around from the side yard where my batting cages were set up and
rounded the corner of the house to the backyard it was like walking into pandemonium.

  A long white tent was set up covering the rows of chairs that were being placed on each side of the glass doors of the sunroom. The aisle that ran from the sunroom doors to the edge of the property divided the sea of chairs that were slowly starting to fill the backyard. Huge bouquets of white flowers were posted at the end of each row of chairs lining the aisle that ended in a beautiful archway of flowers and looked out over the ocean.

  Dozens of people were scrambling around adjusting the flowers, carrying clipboards and talking into small microphones clipped to their ears. Caterers were setting up long tables under the other large white tent that was closest to where we emerged.

  I noticed Aunt Amy directing the decorators who were setting up the chairs and flowers, just before Mom and I ducked in the kitchen door.

  Mom’s large kitchen was just as chaotic as the backyard had been, with people scurrying everywhere. Immediately I was assaulted by all kinds of wonderful smells and my stomach growled in response.

  Mom walked over to speak with the caterers and check on the food and I followed my nose over to a table loaded with delicious hors d'oeuvres.

  “Don’t even think about it Chance.” Mom called across the kitchen before I could reach for anything.

  “But Mom I’m starving!” I complained.

  “Out!” she shouted pointing toward the door that led to the dining room.

  Reluctantly I obeyed and walked out of the kitchen into the formal dining room. This room was also crowded with people bustling around frantically. I wished Mom had just left me in my batting cages. However now that I was inside and I could smell all the wonderful food being cooked, I couldn’t take my mind off how hungry I was. I knew Mom would have my head if I stepped foot back in the kitchen.

  I wandered into the foyer wondering how I was going to be able to get something to eat before the ceremony started and that’s when I saw Kenzie coming down the stairs.