Chapter Thirteen
Caroline
The road stretches out ahead, leading me back to Charlotte. I blink the tears that blur my vision away. I ignored his text, ignored his call. Why? Because Tom didn’t want more. He didn’t want me.
His words echo in my mind, haunting me.
“I’m grateful for the time we’ve had together.”
A far cry from a confession of love that I thought he was going to say. And with a heavy heart, I hit the road. I had to leave for home today. I’m not running from him…I just may have left a little early because of him, before any more humiliation can happen on my part.
My house welcomes Aurora and me back with the sterile silence of a life put on pause. Everything is as I left it, but somehow, it doesn’t feel like home anymore. I drop my bags by the door and crumble onto the couch, my energy spent.
That only lasts for a few minutes before I get the urge to do something.
So, I dive into mundane tasks. Pay bills, send work emails, and update my schedule.
On the surface, I’m back to being Caroline Tate, event planner extraordinaire.
But beneath it all, I’m Red, the girl who left her heart in a small coastal town.
After a few hours, Rory barks at the door, telling me she needs to go out.
I stand up from my desk and stretch. A walk seems like a good idea, maybe it’ll help how I’m feeling by getting some fresh air.
I pull on my sneakers and grab Rory’s leash.
I catch a glimpse in the entryway mirror and shudder.
My eyes are puffy and my hair a bit wild.
A sigh escapes my lips. I look every bit the picture of a heartbroken, rejected woman. And that’s certainly how I feel.
“Come on, girl.”
The familiar streets of Charlotte feel distant.
Maybe it’s just because I’ve been gone for four weeks.
I usually love the city life, the coffee shops on every corner, the lights that never dim.
But now, it seems…too much. Especially with everything covered in heart-shaped décor and couples walking hand in hand, their faces glowing with the kind of love I want for myself.
I’m just sad, and as I get over Tom, I’m sure my love for Charlotte will return. I chuckle at myself. I’m pathetic. I didn’t want anything serious to begin with. I told myself, “Just have fun,” and now look at me…upset because he didn’t want more!
I shake my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts. One step in front of another. That’s all I need to do right now.
As we round the corner, heading back toward my house, something catches my eye. A familiar figure in a familiar stance. My heart stutters. It can’t be…
My heart leaps in my chest at the sight in front of me. Tom’s cherry-red truck is parked outside my house.
I squint and watch as Tom walks away from my house to his truck. Then he turns back around, looking at the house. He’s turned away from me, and I can’t see his face. What is he doing here?
Summoning every ounce of courage, I draw in a deep breath and start walking toward him. The closer I get, the louder my heart and thoughts get. Rory tugs on her leash, wagging her tail. She recognizes him before he sees us.
Just as I’m about to call out to him, he pulls open the door, hesitates for a moment, and then climbs in. The truck roars to life, and he drives away. I wave my arm and start running down the sidewalk. He turns the corner, and I’m left, out of breath and alone.
As we approach the porch, I notice something on the welcome mat. My favorite flowers, a beautiful array of sunflowers and baby’s breath, alongside a box from Alder & Crumb Bakery, and a to-go coffee cup from Driftwood Diner. My heart skips a beat. What is all this?
There’s an envelope tucked in between the flowers that catches my attention. On the front, in Tom’s handwriting, it reads, “Dear Red.”
My hands quiver as I turn it over and tear open the envelope, revealing a folded piece of paper. I unfold it slowly.
Dear Red,
I realize I may have left things clear as mud back at the wedding, and for that, I apologize. I meant every word I said, though. But maybe I wasn’t clear enough about which words meant the most.
You are the most loving and selfless person I know. And, Caroline Tate, I am grateful for all the time we’ve had together. The laughter, the banter, the stolen glances, the dance…all of it.
But here’s what I didn’t spell out clearly enough. I haven’t been honest with you. I’ve been holding back because I was afraid of what it might mean, afraid of the unknown, and mostly, afraid of losing you before I even had a chance to have you.
There’s no denying the way my heart beats when you’re near. Since the day we met, I’ve tried to take it slow and let you make the first moves on your terms, in your timing. But, sweetheart, I can’t wait any longer.
Caroline Margaret Tate, I have fallen in love with you. And I don’t want our time to be a thing of the past. I want more of it.
I want you. Not for a summer, not for a season, not just for Valentine’s Day, not only texts or phone calls. I want to wake up to you, lie next to you at night, and everything in between.
I have no idea how you feel, and I understand if you’re confused. Everything I did was because I care about you, even if I did a poor job of showing it.
This is my way to set things right. I’ve bared my heart to you, and now, it’s your call.
My heart is yours. I love you, Caroline. I’d be the luckiest man if you would say yes to being mine. Forever.
Yours,
Tom
I read the final lines over and over, the words blurring together as tears well up in my eyes. He loves me.
“Red,” a familiar voice calls out from behind me.
My heart jumps as I twirl around to see Tom standing there, looking nervously at me.
“Did you read it?” he asks.
I nod my head, words escaping me.
“I mean every word, Caroline. I should’ve told you sooner, in person. I was scared to lose you.”
“I was so sure…so sure you didn’t want more. That you didn’t want me.”
He shakes his head vigorously and places his hands on my shoulders.
“No, Red. I’ve wanted everything with you since the day we met.
Since I saw that fiery hair and those sparkling green eyes.
And every time we talked, I realized how badly I wished for a future with you.
I didn’t want to rush you. I wanted to give you the freedom and time to choose, without any pressure from me. ”
I stand there frozen. He drops his arms and runs his hand through his hair.
“And if you need more time or space. Or you need to take things slow…or you’re not interested at all, I understand—” He starts to turn around, but I reach out and grab his hand.
“I—” My heart is pounding in my chest, each beat echoing Tom’s confession. He loves me.
He’s looking at me, waiting for me to say something. The words are there, right on the tip of my tongue. But they’re big and important, and this will be the moment that changes everything.
I take a deep breath. “Tom,” his name is a whisper, a plea, “I don’t need more time. Or space. Or to take things slow.” His facial features start to turn to worry, and he looks down. “Tom.” I reach out with my other hand and lift his chin. “I love you, too.”
“You do?” His voice is soft, filled with hope.
“I do.”
A broad grin spreads across his face, lighting up his eyes. He reaches up and cups my face, his touch gentle. His thumb brushes against the corner of my lips. He kisses me softly, then pulls me into a fierce hug.
And in his arms, I feel at home. My heart is full of joy and love for the man holding me. Whatever is next, as long as Tom is with me, I know we can face it together.