Predestined Hearts

to enjoy the grandbaby.

I pictured Sophia bringing Annabelle over and maybe the little ones had been friends. The parents would have been elated to have a piece of Daniel back in their life, maybe even Sophia, though it would’ve been hard seeing Daniel’s child with someone else. All those thoughts were as close as I could come to giving this saga closure.

Really, it was me who needed closure or my search would be never ending until I did—for me. What had started off as a journey from my Aunt Leelyn’s death to hold on to her, had become part of me in so many ways I hadn’t even realized until it was over.

At least the world had given Sophia happiness and love again, though it’d never be the same as Daniel’s. Like me, she’d been given a second chance to live. Life moves on. Finally, I was ready to let their story rest and fully embrace my own.

Embracing my future, was I ready to give Gael the answer to the question he’d asked me this morning? Needless to say, Gael had shocked me as I thought back to our conversation.

We were in bed as daylight broke. Our naked limbs were entwined. Goose bumps trailed in the wake of Gael’s fingers running along my arms.

“Morning, sweetheart.”

I snuggled in closer, not wanting to leave the warmth of our bed. “Morning.”

This was one of my favorite parts of the day before all the hustle and bustle started. There was true peace in these moments.

“Ashlin?” His voice will still raspy, adding a deeper tone that had me running my leg down his.

“Yes.”

His arm tightened around me. “Move in with me, Ashlin. I know we stay together almost every night, but I don’t want to wonder anymore. I want to know we’re going to be together every night.”

Frozen. I was frozen and not able to speak. I tried, but it felt like cotton filled my mouth. I loved Gael. Loved him with my whole heart, but I was scared to move in with someone again. Losing myself was not an option. The last person I’d lived with had ended in disaster. Thinking the same thing could happen to Gael and I, had me feeling dizzy.

“Umm … can I have a little while to think about it? This is a big step for me. There’s umm … a lot to think about.”

Feeling Gael’s chest rise, I focused on the black satin sheets. I knew what I’d see in his dark eyes—rejection.

“Absolutely, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.” I knew there was a hint of hurt in his voice, though he tried to hide it. Gael had put himself out there and I’d shot him down from fear.

Discarding my mascara, I got up and ran downstairs. This was my life. Harris seemed to have moved on and Gael was safe. Making it to the bottom of the stairs, I rounded the corner. Gael and I nearly collided.

Arms came out to steady me. “Oh, shit! I didn’t see you. You okay?”

“Yes, I was looking for you.” The strength of his arms made me feel safe.

A beep from the television alerted me to a warning. Gael nodded in the direction. “We’re going to have to go to the storm room. The hurricane strengthened and now will be hitting within the next couple of hours, stronger than what they initially anticipated. Let me grab us some extra supplies, some clothes, and we’ll bunker down in a few. They also cancelled the Christmas Ball.”

I hated the hurricane. For the past several weeks, I had been looking to getting all dressed up for Gael and going to the ball. Dancing and talking with all of the community I’d grown to love would have been fun.

“What about your parents?”

Gael gave me a secret smile. “They’re heading to the storm shelter we borrowed.” My face heated at the memory. “Looks like we’ll have another one to break in tonight.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Gael started for the kitchen and I reached for his hand. “Wait. I need to tell you something first and it can’t wait until we get to the shelter.”

Concern etched Gael’s features as he looked me over. “What’s wrong?”

I felt a freeness as I gave another piece of myself over to love. “I want to move in with you if the offer still stands. I love you, Gael. I want to take this next step with you. Fear of the unknown stood in my way earlier. The happiness I’ve found with you is like no other. Change is scary, but in this case, it’s right for us.”

Gael’s face lit up as he picked me up and carried me upstairs. “We’ll have to be fast as we christen your new home. I need you, sweetheart.”

Home. This is my home.

As joy radiated from me, Gael's lips came down to kiss mine as we walked into the bedroom.