“Hmm.” She nods, accepting my needs as she relaxes.
Rolling to my side, I watch her, awed to see her in my bed, spent and happy after everything that happened the night before. We’re at the start of something I think could last for the rest of our lives. It’s exhilarating, stimulating me in the best possible way.
“I think I could love you, Delta.”
“I think I could love you, too, Sam.” She grins hearing the things my heart says when my mouth can’t.
“I need to shower and speak with my mom. You rest here.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod. It’s time I set her straight. My difficulty reading situations doesn’t take away from my independence or the fact that I’m an adult. I think of how I want to phrase things as I rinse my body and dress in a pair of black joggers and a heavy black sweater. After slipping on socks and my gray slippers, I wander out to the breakfast nook where I find my mother and father drinking coffee in stony silence.
“I take it you made up?” Dad asks. His smirk tells me he probably heard us. I couldn’t care less.
“Yes. I want to talk about that.”
They both give me their attention. “If you interfere with our relationship like that again, we will no longer come around. I think Delta is the one. You’re allowed to be concerned about me, but I no longer need your protection.”
My mother bows her head. “If that’s the way you feel.”
“It is. You owe Delta an apology.”
Her mouth opens and closes.
“He’s right, Kath. You need to make things right so we can all move forward.”
“Fine.”
I nod my head, pleased.
“I’m glad we had this talk.” Turning on my heels, I walk back to the bedroom, unsure why my father is laughing.
Epilogue
Delta
“Lift her into your arms,” the photographer directs us.
I cough to cover my giggle as Sam growls. He doesn’t like being on display and taking engagement photos in a crowded airport is the definition of all eyes on us. It seemed only fitting that we returned to the place that brought us together. His mother insisted we do things the traditional way. I agreed because the wedding will be a tiny event held at Peddler’s Village. I don’t think Sam could handle much more than that, and I don’t need it.
“Remember how you felt when you saw her.”
His gaze darkens, and everyone else ceases to exist. It’s been an interesting two years full of misunderstandings, arguments, and adjustments. No even a true course runs smoothly all the time.
“Sam?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Catch.” I run forward, launching myself into his arms, and he catches me, laughing.
“Always.”
The photographer snaps to his heart’s content, and I wrap him tight, willing him to feel the love I hold for him in every inch of my body.
“I know I love you, Sam Solaris.”
“And I know I love you, Delta Elliot.”