Chapter 29
Sage
Casey tried calling me last night, but I couldn’t make out a word he said from all the cheering and loud music in the background.
I watched the celebrations on television back in my own home.
The Jets’ clubhouse was transformed into a nightclub fully equipped with a DJ, strobe lighting, and overflowing glasses of champagne.
The players poured most of it over their heads rather than in their mouths.
I couldn’t be happier for Casey. He did it. He lived his dream, and he shouted-me-out on national television. The little girl inside me squealed, for sure.
By the time he got back to his hotel room, it was three o’clock in the morning on the east coast and I’d fallen asleep. But I needed to get to bed because I have an important call this morning, one I’ve been thinking about since I was hit by that car.
“Good morning, Sage. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m doing a lot better, Garrett. Thank you for asking.”
“No problem. I’m glad to hear it. And I don’t want this to come across as insensitive as we are all concerned about your health. We’re just looking for a timeline of when you think you’ll be back at work.”
“I understand, and I’ve thought deeply about what I want for myself.
This accident put a lot into perspective.
” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be returning to the hospital.
I loved researching and contributing to the clinical trials, but I just never felt at home in the city.
Cedar Brook Falls is my home and it’s where I’d like to live.
That being said, if there’s any opportunity for remote work for these projects, I’d love to be considered for the job. ”
“Mmm… I’m sorry to hear you won’t be staying with us. You had some great insights to some of the recovery strategies, but as you know, it’s not just my decision.”
“Yes.”
He sighs. “But I will ask. No promises, of course.”
“Of course.”
“What will you do in Cedar Brook Falls?”
“We have a small hospital not too far from town. I’m thinking of starting a clinic out of it. Work with some rehabilitation patients just coming out of surgery.”
“Do you have an office set up?”
“No. Not yet. I haven’t even spoken to the hospital about it. It’s only an idea for now.”
“Well, feel free to put my name down as a reference. I’ll be happy to help.”
“Thank you, Garrett. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Take care of yourself, Sage.”
“Thanks. You, too.”
I exhale loudly after ending the call, releasing all the nervous energy I had stored in my chest, worrying that I was making a mistake. But Garrett only reaffirmed my decision. While my work is appreciated, I’m still replaceable to them. I need to find a place that makes me happy and works for me.
Before I change my mind, I write an email to one of the doctors I know at the hospital for his thoughts on my idea. There isn’t an integrated facility that combines medicine with physical therapy strategies near us, and I thought perhaps he might like to partner with me and be the first one.
Checking the time on my laptop, I realize if I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late picking Casey up from the airport. I asked his mom and dad if they wanted to come with me but they both said they’d see him at home. I think they’re just giving us some time to ourselves, which I’m grateful for.
While I know I was the one who told him to go, I can’t wait to have him back. I’ve missed his arms and his laugh. I even miss the way he teases me.
At the airport, I’m standing in the crowd. My heart leaps each time the glass doors open, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as soon as he steps out.
Finally, I see him. He’s taller than most of the passengers, and his athletic build makes him stand out even more.
He’s wearing a tight black T-shirt and black pants.
His baseball cap is low on his brow, nearly masking his eyes.
But when he spots me, those blue eyes light up and he smiles from ear to ear.
He jogs down the ramp, and I run as fast as I can toward him. Without hesitation, I launch myself on top of him, arms clinging to his neck and my legs wrapped around his waist.
He drops his bags and squeezes my body against his, lowering his head to capture my mouth in a soul-consuming kiss.
We ignore everyone around us and kiss as though no one is around, as though we haven’t seen each other in years not days, and each time we stop to breathe, we come back to each other.
My heart beats like it wants to jump out of my chest and dive into his. I don’t know how long I am in his arms, but finally Casey pulls away and pushes my hair back with both hands. “God, I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
He kisses me gently this time. “I hate waking up and you’re not there. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”
I smile. “Good.”
He grabs his bag and my hand as we walk back to my car. “Is it just the two of us?”
“Yes.”
He swings me back into his arms and kisses me again. I melt into his chest and wonder how I got so lucky.
“Let’s go back to your place first,” he whispers in my ear.
I shiver but shake my head. “I promised your mother that I would bring you straight to town as soon as you arrive. I should warn you, I think they have a surprise homecoming set up because everyone in town’s been buzzing.
He groans but doesn’t argue. On the car ride back, Casey tells me all about the celebration shenanigans. “You should have seen Garcia, baby. He has some dance moves he’s been hiding for years.” He laughs. “I can’t wait for you to meet the guys and their families. You’re going to love them.”
I hadn’t thought about that step. For so long, I couldn’t even imagine being with Casey, and now I would be a part of his baseball life. It all seems so surreal. “Isn’t Garcia’s wife the woman with like a million followers?”
“Yeah, I think so. She has a podcast or something. Who knows, she may have you on it.”
“I don’t think so. I never know what will come out of my mouth, so that’s not a good idea.”
He leans over and kisses me as I drive. “You’re right. I have better ideas for what to do with that mouth.”
I smack his thigh, and he grabs my hand. “Don’t tease me because after your last visit in town, you owe me a proper reunion.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
We don’t stop talking the rest of the way back to Cedar Brook Falls, and I even mention my idea to him about the clinic.
“Wow, that's great. And you’re sure you don’t want to be in New York, or even L.A.?”
The question seems innocent, but I wonder if my answer will affect our future. If I say yes to L.A., would that mean we would see more of each other? Maybe. But I can’t imagine myself in L.A. any more than I can New York.
“I’m sure. I’m glad I went to New York because it reaffirmed where I want to be.”
“And that’s Cedar Brook Falls?”
“Yes.”
Casey is silent, not angry, but his brow creases as though he’s thinking about what to say but changes his mind.
“I know that makes things a bit difficult for us, but like we said, we’ll figure it out, right?”
“Yes.” He smiles and reaches for my hand. “I don’t want to be apart from you for long. We’ll figure it out.”
I squeeze his hand and feel good about telling him honestly what I want.
I thought about sacrificing my career to travel with him, but I knew when I went to L.A.
that I wasn’t good at staying at home while he went to work.
Maybe I will someday, but not yet, and not when I have ideas I think will make a difference to this community and the surrounding towns.
There’s rarely any traffic in Cedar Brook Falls, but today’s streets are especially empty leading into town. There’s not even a car parked in the Mill when we drive by it. “Looks like your mom invited everyone to the homecoming.”
“I think you’re right.”
As we approach the downtown area, leading to the water fountain in the center, we hear the marching band. I giggle as soon as the trumpet blares. “Oh my gosh. This is going to be epic!”
He stares at me and grins. “I’m glad you’re enjoying this.”
I shake my head, laughing harder now. “Oh, I’m going to love every second of it. How about you?”
His eyes soften as he looks down at me and my unabashed pleasure at his expense. “I think I won’t ever forget this.”
He kisses the back of my hand right before I put the car into park. “Ready?” he asks.
“Oh, I know I am. Are you?”
He smiles and steps out of the car. I open my door and smile at the crowd of people cheering as soon as we walk out. People are waving flags at us and blowing plastic horns; it feels like we are royalty.
I spot Jane and Charlotte with their families and Frankie’s here, too. “Wow, I think they shut down the town for this.”
The marching band plays the Rocky anthem and I chuckle.
This is all like something out of a movie.
Charlotte’s eyes water as I walk closer to her.
She lifts a sign that reads, “Congratulations.” Caleb has his arm around her and is holding Kitt by his side.
Anthony, Cassandra, and Charlie unravel a banner they’ve hid between them.
The words don’t make sense. I expected to see Casey’s name or jersey number, maybe even a World Series logo, but they’re not there.
Anthony holds the end of the banner and he’s having a difficult time loosening it up. Finally, he pulls it back and I read it.
Sage Summers, will you marry me?
I read my name and the words again in my head, then I whisper them aloud. I reach for Casey, but he’s no longer by my side.
When I turn around, he’s down on one knee, his baseball hat is gone, and his hair is perfectly combed. He’s holding up a black jewelry box and what looks like a two-karat diamond nestled between the velvet cushions.
“Sage, I thought I knew what I wanted out of life and then you walked in and turned that upside down.” He smiles.
“The universe kept us apart until I was ready to be the man you need me to be. You are the most kind, smart, beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and you were there for me when I pushed everyone else away.
You weren’t afraid of hurting my feelings or if I would be angry.
No, you loved me too much to care about those things.
” He grins before continuing, “In return, I promise to love, honor and cherish you, spending the rest of my life proving worthy of your unconditional love if you say yes.” He inhales deeply and his eyes turn solemn. “Sage Summers, will you marry me?”
It feels as though the entire town holds its breath and even the band stops playing. My throat tightens and it’s hard for me to breathe.
I get a flashback of the first time I walked into Cedar Brook Falls when I was a young girl, and it makes me pause.
We weren’t meant to stop in this town, but my mother fell in love with the fountain and the waterfall.
It was here at this fountain that we picnicked and decided to stay for two weeks.
I’m standing where my mother stood as she held my hand and we walked these streets.
I can almost feel her soft skin against mine and I clench my fist, imagining that she’s here.
A soft breeze sweeps my hair to the side, and it feels just like my father’s touch.
I’m lost in the wind, drowning out the stares and I only feel love around me.
A tear falls, and I feel it deep in my heart that my parents are with me at this moment, and I say the words with my shoulders back and my chest puffed out, “Yes, I will marry you.”
Casey jumps to his feet and kisses me. I can feel his heart beating next to mine. It calms me and makes me feel safe.
It feels like home.
A crowd forms around us and the band starts playing again. My friends hug me from behind and Jane whispers in my ear, “I’m so happy for you both.”
Austin pulls his brother away to hug him and there’s tears in his eyes. He lets him go so that his father can congratulate him, too. “You did good, son. Real good.”
Mrs. Tucker approaches us, her eyes red and puffy. “You told me this was a homecoming party,” I say.
She shrugs. “Casey wanted to surprise you and I wanted everything to be perfect. Welcome to the family, Sage. We’re lucky to have you.”
I throw my arms around her and hold back a sob. “Thank you,” I whisper.
She pulls back and wipes her eyes. “Let’s get this proposal party started with ice cream for everyone!”
The children cheer and Casey pulls me back to his side. “Did I really surprise you?”
“Of course. I had no idea.”
“I did tell you that when I did propose it would be memorable.”
“Yes.” I laugh. “I just didn’t know how much. This place means a lot to me. Did you know that this is where my parents and I ate when we came to Cedar Brook Falls the first time?”
“No, I would have thought it would be at the falls.”
“Yes, we did that too, but my mother loved this fountain. I can feel their presence, and I think we have their blessing.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I wish your parents were here so I could ask permission to marry you.”
“My dad wouldn’t have hesitated. He could spot a good man from a mile away and you’re a very good man, Casey Tucker.”
“Only after I met you.”
I smile. “Maybe. You were a bit of a jerk in the beginning. You didn’t even like the town back then.”
“I know. I was such an asshole. Thank God you set me straight,” he says with a grin. “Your love of this town healed me. When I see it through your eyes, I see the beauty of it. I can even get a little nostalgic now finding some good memories like The Creamery.”
“That’s good because it’s where I’ll be.”
He smiles. “I know, baby. I know you love it.”
“I love you more,” I say.
“Maybe. But I won’t make you choose. I know I’ll end up loving this place too because you’re here and it’s your home.”
I caress his arm. “Home is in our hearts. I know we’ll figure it out together.”
He kisses me and someone throws white confetti all over us. Casey brushes it off my face while I laugh and sputter. “Ok, but no confetti at the wedding.”
He kisses me again. “Noted.”