I turn my body to face him, bridging the gap between us. Liam is an extremely good-looking guy. Dirty-blond hair tied up into a messy bun to keep away from his light green eyes. They never change color depending on his mood, and maybe that’s why he has this way of making me feel safe—the calming effect he has over me when I stare long enough and allow him to climb into my soul.
The side of his face is smeared with grease, hiding the one dimple that sits on his right cheek—such a cheeky dimple, cute and adorable.
“I never expected to make this decision, you know. I wish it were different, I really do.”
How I wish it were different. Alaska is my home. The only place I know. I have only left the state once—a joy ride that went wrong, resulting in Mama having an almost-heart attack that her fifteen-year-old daughter would do such a thing. Aside from that, I know no different. A big city with crime, corruption, and God knows what else. I’m not that daredevil anymore—Los Angeles terrifies me.
Liam places his hand on top of mine, rubbing the tips of my knuckles with his calloused fingers. “And us?” he asks with a croak.
“We’ll just be us. Why does it have to change?”
“Because you’re thousands of miles away. You don’t even own a cell.”
I nudge his shoulder, welcoming the small joke. “Yes, I do. So, it’s not fancy and one of those so-called smartphones. It still works.”
“I believe Vanilla Ice called from the nineties and wants his brick back,” he snorts, easing the uncomfortable tension between us.
“That’s what he said about your outfit.” I laugh, pinching the fabric of his baggy navy overalls which he wears to work every day.
“I’ll miss you, Milly.” Placing his arm around me, he kisses the top of my head, his lips lingering enough to warm my icy skin.
I will miss him terribly. In hindsight, I probably should have married him. Then I wouldn’t have to move. We could have li
ved in his parents’ basement, oblivious to all that lay ahead. If only he didn’t scare me with the ‘kids’ talk, the desire to start a family, and a big one at that. It isn’t in the cards for me. Kids—singular or plural.
A lonesome tear fights through my pride and falls onto his forearm. I wipe it with my hand, watching it mix with the grease that clings to his skin. Dammit, I don’t want to cry in front of him, and this is the second time today I have broken down. The emotions running high have only amplified my exhaustion. Everything hurts—my body, my mind, and most importantly, my heart.
“It’s only a plane ride away. This is my home, it’ll always be home. Don’t think of me gone forever…”
“I won’t.” He gulps, pursing his lips and thinking with his eyes. “Just don’t forget me when you get there.”
I touch his hand and lean in, placing my lips on his. Everything about his kiss is home—warm, inviting, and connects with my heart in ways I never imagined. The familiarity of his gentle touch makes me ache all over. What if he forgets about me?
“I will never forget you,” I tell him. “Good guys like you aren’t a dime a dozen.”
“And you’re my lucky penny.” He winks.
I stand up while he continues to sit on the bench. He offered to take Flynn and me to the airport, but I refused. Saying goodbye is hard, and having crowds of people watch me break down into a blubbering mess isn’t something I’m fond of doing. We had a proper farewell last night with dinner and lovemaking while his parents sat in the den watching re-runs of Mash.
Resting my hands on his shoulders, I wrap them around his neck, knowing the boys in the garage are watching from where they stand.
“Take care of yourself. One day I’ll be back, and it’ll be like I never left.”
His endearing smile hides the pain as his heavy gaze tells me everything I need to hear at this moment. “You’ve got my heart, Milly.”
“And you’ve got mine, Liam Dean Davies.”
One more time, we allow ourselves to lose each other in a goodbye kiss. It might have been my imagination, but his kiss was more forceful this time, unlike his normally gentle and relaxing manner.
Time ticks at a fast and demanding pace. We have only minutes left and this kiss—though deep and full of emotions—will be our last.
In a world full of promises, I can be optimistic and know that he’ll always be around. But inside that world lies doubt. With everything riding on my shoulders, I will now carry the weight alone. I have no choice but to succeed.
For my brother, who has no one else.
For my Mama to be taken care of.
And for my safe return home.