When Sparks Fly

Declan pays the tab and they pack up our food. We speed walk the two blocks to the building that’s always felt like home, not because of the condo we shared, but because I shared it with Declan. We manage to get into the condo and lock the door before our mouths are glued together.

“I missed this feeling,” he groans into my mouth. “I’ll do anything to keep you in my life like this, Avery.”

“I think you should start by taking me to bed.”

And he does.

For so long, we were magnets repelling. Facing the wrong way and orbiting each other, missing the connection until the world finally aligned and brought us together, only to tear us apart again.

But this time we’re both whole and ready.

This time there’s nothing holding us back, not our pasts or our fears.

This time I can fall in love completely and know my heart is safe with him.

EPILOGUE

RUN THE COURSE

DECLAN

SIX MONTHS LATER

Why are they taking so long to get here?” I check my watch for what feels like the hundredth time and pat my pocket.

Harley raises her eyebrow. “You need to relax. She called fifteen minutes ago. She’ll be here soon.”

It’s Avery’s birthday and tonight Spark House is closed to the public because we’re throwing her a party. Guests aren’t scheduled to arrive for several hours, but Avery and London are on their way here so we can test out the obstacle course.

In the months since Avery gave me a second chance, I’ve continued with regular therapy, aware that now more than ever I need the support and the strategies to help me deal with relationship conflict in a healthy way. Once a month Avery and I go together, and I feel like it’s made us stronger as a couple.

It’s a way for us to talk about our fears and find constructive ways to cope. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. She’s my best friend and the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Our relationship isn’t perfect, because nothing is, but we’re working through the tricky parts. I’ve learned not to let my fears rule me, we talk things out, and she’s patient with me. I’m learning how to allow myself to be vulnerable, and every day I fall more and more in love with her.

It’s interesting how we’ll bury our head in the sand and pretend not to see what’s right in front of us until something threatens to take it away. Which is exactly what happened to me, more than once where Avery is concerned.

I still have guilt over not being in the car with her that day, and I don’t know that it will ever go away, not completely. Especially on those days when her ankle aches, or she limps those first few steps after she’s been sitting for a long time.

But she’s strong and independent and forgiving. When those feelings crop up, I remind myself that she’s moved past that, and I should too. I’ve also realized that just because my parents’ relationship was messed up, it doesn’t mean mine has to be too.

Avery’s birthday is in the summer, which is perfect because it means the obstacle course is set up in the water. She joined a rec soccer league two months ago after getting the all clear from her doctor. This one isn’t competitive, and she’s probably the best player on the team, but she’s not willing to put herself at risk or give up on her favorite sport, so this is a good compromise.

As with every challenge she confronts, Avery finds a way to adapt and she’s developed a serious love for water sports and anything that involves swimming, so that’s what today’s course is based on. That and our mutual love of word puzzles.

She arrives ten minutes later. I’m thankful that it’s a balmy day with only a few fluffy clouds in the sky.

“Hey, birthday girl, how was your morning?” I wrap her in a tight hug and kiss the top of her head.

“Fantastic! Thank you for pampering me.”

On London’s recommendation, I sent her to the spa for a massage and a manicure and pedicure. Avery isn’t big on the girly stuff, but I figure if there’s ever a time to go all out, today is the day.

When I release her, she smiles up at me. “The guys called and said they’d be here around four. Is there anything I can help with before our friends get here?”

“Actually, yes. We set up the obstacle course, and I figured you and I could run through it to make sure we’ve worked out all the bugs.”

Avery claps her hands and bounces excitedly. “Oh definitely! I’m totally down for that!”

She rushes back to the hotel to change into a swimsuit and returns less than five minutes later, hair pulled up in a ponytail.