41. Chapter 41
Chapter 41
SIX MONTHS LATER...
WESTON
T he familiar Atlanta road stretched ahead of us, but with every turn and every mile, a dread settled deeper into my core. The last six months had changed everything. Becky and I had spent many weekends together, either here or on Hilton Head Island. I relished our evening runs, quiet dinners, and city or beach adventures. But each time, it never felt like enough. Every moment was tainted by the inevitable goodbye that loomed in the shadows. Just like tonight. Although tonight would include a “hello” as well.
“Did you bring the sign, my love?” I asked Becky, knowing how excited she was about it .
“Yes, Elle is going to adore it!”
We had timed it perfectly—my departure coinciding with the arrival of Gray and Elle. They were coming in on an international flight so they would land in Atlanta, spend a few days with Becky, and then return to Hilton Head. After their year-long kayaking journey, I was certain they’d have tales of wonder and awe. But all I could think of was the imminent loss I’d feel when I boarded my plane.
As the city lights passed by, I glanced over at her, my hands gripping the steering wheel of her new car. A symbol of her tenacity, it filled me with pride knowing she’d overcome her driving fears. I loved her. I’d miss her so much .
Before I could think better of it, I blurted out, “Why are we doing this?”
“Doing what? Driving to the airport?” Becky’s voice was soft with a touch of confusion.
“No,” I paused, my throat tightening. “I mean, why am I leaving you again? Every time I do, it’s as if another piece of my heart is ripped out of my chest. It physically hurts,” I said with a mirthless chuckle.
She looked at me, her beautiful eyes full of understanding. “I know. It sucks. But it’s only for a few more months. I can’t wait to be a Hilton Head Island local. ”
“Hold on a second,” I said, steering to the roadside. As I parked, I patted the pocket where I kept the metal ring I’d crafted for her. It was a reworked piece made from car parts—a memory of one of her favorite creations of mine. This weekend, however, I’d visited a jeweler in Atlanta who had carefully set a diamond within its frame. Originally, I had this grand vision of proposing to her on the sun-kissed beaches of Hilton Head Island later in the year. But as I sat beside her now, the idea of waiting another second felt torturous.
I climbed out, my heart pounding like a relentless drum as I walked around to her side of the car. The night was tranquil. A soft breeze danced across my skin, offering a subtle nudge of encouragement. I opened her door and invited her to stand beside me. Moonlight illuminated her features. Her eyes were wide, searching mine for an answer to this unexpected turn of events.
“I know this isn’t where you might’ve imagined this moment,” I began, my voice trembling ever so slightly. “I’ll recreate it somewhere more magical if you’d like. But right now, with this moon and these stars, this humble road, it just feels right.”
Her eyebrows knit together, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Weston?” she whispered .
“Becky,” I began, “When I met you, I was lost in a haze of grief and loneliness. I believed all I needed was to hide away, to become an island, hoping I’d never have to face the pain of loss again.” I cradled her face in my hands. “But I never knew all I really needed. All I really wanted was to be found. Found by you. Like a beam of sunlight—blinding at first—you entered my life. Little did I know you would be the one to break down all of my walls. You showed me how to truly put my faith in God. Not just for myself, but for the people I hold dear.”
The corners of her eyes glistened, but she remained silent, absorbing my every word.
I inhaled deeply, feeling a surge of emotion. “From the first time you joined me on one of my runs, my darling, your strength has captivated me. You have this remarkable ability to dance gracefully through life, finding joy in every step, even when shadows of the past linger. Your heart? It’s the purest and kindest I’ve ever known. You are gorgeous...you’re...every dream of mine come true.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, I drew her closer and our eyes locked. “When I hold you, it feels like I truly belong. It feels like home. I know we talked about you finishing your degree and then moving to Hilton Head. But the very idea of being apart this spring... it’s heart-wrenching.” I kissed her forehead and then reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring. It gleamed in the moonlight, a promise of forever. I slowly got down on one knee and held out the ring. Its shimmer seemed to pale in comparison to the luminance in her eyes. “Becky, every today, every tomorrow, I want with you. Be with me forever? Marry me?”
A soft gasp escaped her lips. “Yes,” she said, her voice such a tender caress, I could feel the depth of her love and emotion. “Yes, I will.”
I stood again, ready to slip the ring on her finger. But she didn’t give me a chance. Instead, she leaped into my arms, and I spun her around.
“I love you, madly,” I whispered in her ear, as I held her close. “While we were driving, I had this crazy idea. If we got married soon, I could temporarily move here while you finish your studies.”
“I would love that,” she said.
I gently set her down. My hands shook as I carefully placed the ring on her slender finger. Her joy was infectious as she began to squeal and jump around, her excitement radiating through the very air around us. Then she hesitated, her eyes tracing the delicate band on her hand. “Weston Hubert Foster, did you make this ring? ”
“Yup.” I nodded, my eyes full of affection. “I made it from the same pipe used in that coat rack you love so much.”
“Weston,” she whispered.
“As long as it makes you smile, that’s all that matters to me.”
“Weston, we’re engaged! Engaged! Elle’s never going to believe this!” Suddenly, her face lit up with realization. “Oh my goodness, Elle! I totally forgot about them. We’re going to be late.”
I smiled, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “It’s okay. They’ll understand. Especially when they see the reason. I just couldn’t get on a plane without asking you first. Besides, we won’t be late if we hurry.”
I turned back toward the car and placed my hand on her door handle. Before I opened it, I caught her attention. “Hey.”
She paused and gave me a puzzled smile. “Hey?” she echoed, her voice playful.
“I love you, my sunshine!”