Chapter 29 Gabe
“My flight was canceled.” Gabe stared at Avery about twenty-five feet away from him in the school hallway, every curve and softness and sweetness beaming back at him. Slowly, he started walking towards her.
“My professor booked me something else. I’ve gotta head back to the airport in about 15 minutes.” But whether he stayed or left would depend on what happened next.
He couldn’t stand being away from her for another second. Gabe picked up speed and ran up to her, stopping inches from her, his hands trembling as they reached slowly towards her face.
She cleared her throat. “You got my texts.” Avery’s breath was sharp and shallow, her eyes searching his. Heat rose up Gabe’s neck and spread across his ears and cheeks. He nodded as he touched her hair, his hand lingering.
Avery closed her eyes, turning her face towards his hand. She held his hand as she nuzzled in, a tear falling down her face.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She shook her head, opening her eyes. “No. I mean, I don’t know.”
Had she changed her mind? She texted that she loved him. Had she meant it? Gabe’s insides tensed.
“You were supposed to be gone. Off pursuing your dream.”
“I tried. But maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Maybe this is what’s meant to be.” He moved in closer, the magnetism between them willing him to touch her. “I should have told you before, at the airport. In the car this morning. Every day I’ve known you. I love you, Avery. Since we met. I left the airport, ready to tell you. Ready to risk everything. I couldn’t leave without telling you.”
She smiled through tears, laughing softly. He ran his hands up and down her arms, the moment like a dream. Only the two of them, their eyes locked, their hearts locked. He leaned in, and she leaned in. Two halves of a whole coming together, the distance between them shrinking with each passing second. Gabe’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind screaming.
“I love you, too,” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. “But you have to go. This is your dream.”
He shook his head, his forehead brushing lightly against hers. “You’re my dream, Avery.”
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, like a question they were both too afraid to ask. But then, as if the floodgates had opened, it deepened. Gabe’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer, and she melted into him, her hands sliding up to his neck. He was here, she was here. All that mattered was this kiss, this moment.
Avery’s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Gabe responded, his hands moving to the small of her back, holding her like he never wanted to let go. The kiss spoke all the things they hadn’t been able to say: the longing, the fear, the hope, and most of all, the love.
They broke apart slowly, both breathing hard, their foreheads resting against each other. Gabe’s lips still hovered near hers as if he couldn’t bear to break the connection completely.
“I should tell you to stay,” Avery whispered, her voice shaking. “But I can’t. You have to go. I want you to.”
He closed his eyes, nodding, knowing she’d never forgive him if he didn’t go, and knowing he’d never forgive himself if he stayed. His arms tightened around her, as if holding on would keep him from leaving. “I’ll come back,” he promised, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ll come back to you, Avery. I swear.”
She nodded, blinking back the tears that were already threatening to spill. “We’ll figure it out,” she said, her voice breaking. “We’ll text. Video chat. Just don’t forget about me.”
Gabe cupped her face in his hands, wiping away a tear with his thumb. “I could never forget you.”
With one last kiss, a promise sealed in the warmth of their lips, Gabe stepped back. Both of them knew it was only a temporary goodbye, but the ache of parting was already settling in. Gabe took a deep breath, memorizing this moment with his eyes and heart.
Their hands came together, their fingers interlacing. He smirked.
“What? What are you thinking, Gabe Manwaring?”
He had to drink her in, take in every second. Gabe hugged her tight then lifted her and twirled her around, Avery’s squeals echoing down the hallway.
Setting her down slowly, their eyes locked. Gabe had never known pure joy like this. “Dang, I wish I wasn’t leaving. I could kiss you all day.” They kissed again, and again, until finally they parted. “I’m so glad those sub binders were mixed up that day.”
He turned back towards the front office, Avery’s head poking around him looking in the same direction. Doreen fumbled with the phone, dropping it on the desk. “What? I did what I had to do.”
Gabe turned around and faced Avery, both of them laughing, their arms holding each other. As their laughter slowed, they both lost their smiles. “You’re leaving.” Avery was breathless. “It’s time for you to go. But I’ll be right here, waiting.”
They kissed a final time, for reals. Gabe melting into her softness, her scent, her safety. His Avery. The woman who helped him become better, the woman who was letting him go. He couldn’t wait to go on his adventure, but the bigger adventure would be returning to her.