Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

Sorry it’s been a few days since I wrote. We’ve been working around the clock, but I’m finally confident we have all the kinks out. Nate and I agree that we’ve got a great team of guys (and girls) who have been crucial on this project. As of now, we’re heading back to base tomorrow.

You don’t know how much I miss you. In the future, no snowstorm is going to keep me away. Maybe we should get you a new car that’s safer to drive in the snow? Actually, that’s a great idea—we’ll talk about it next week.

I was able to switch some shifts around, so I’ll have four days off when you come for Spring Break. It’s not the whole week like I wanted, but I promise to plan something special. Even if it’s not beach weather, pack your bathing suit.

I miss you, baby, and every time I close my eyes, images of you in my dog tags fill my mind. Thank you for giving me that.

I love you with all my heart,

Bryce

I re-read the email and type a quick reply, hoping he’ll get it before he goes to bed.

Bryce,

Great news about the project! But I never doubted it would be perfect, with Nate and you on t

he lead. Have I ever told you how proud I am of you? In my eyes, you’re Superman.

Our parents are still scheduled to fly in next Friday. Quinn’s coming with me, and I’ll be there the minute you walk off the ship. Not even a snowstorm will keep me away.

I love you, Bryce, and I know you worry about me when you’re away but don’t. Concentrate on being awesome and know I’m okay. Each and every time you walk on and off that ship, I will always be waiting for you.

I love you with all my heart,

Devon

PS- you are NOT buying me a new car!

I watch the waves of falling snow out the window and pray we can leave next Friday morning for Norfolk as planned. It’s been four weeks since the exhibit opening, and because of the weather, we weren’t able to see each other before his ship went underway again.

The one weekend it cleared up, I couldn’t go to Norfolk because it was the weekend Dean proposed. I helped him plan an elaborate proposal with the help of Shana and Professor Grant. We got permission to close the exhibit portion of the Fine Arts Building to visitors for one hour.

Dean’s plan had a critical timing element, so I was responsible for keeping everyone busy while he took care of the details. Mid-afternoon that Saturday, Michelle and Paul and Dean’s parents asked Dean to drive them back to their hotel so they could get ready for dinner and our trip to the exhibit that night. I made up a story about having to meet Crystal for class notes and asked Quinn to ride with me, claiming the weather scared me.

Quinn was clueless as I drove up to the building and we went inside to meet Crystal. She looked around, confused, when we got inside, and the lights were dim everywhere except her wall. Dean walked out from a dark corner and surprised her. He crossed the room with a look of pure determination on his face. When he reached her, he wrapped one arm around her waist and leaned down for a deep kiss. As much as I wanted to get closer, I slunk back into a dark hallway, trying to give him his privacy. He led her in front of her wall and took her face in his hands.

I couldn’t hear what he said, but I knew when Quinn started shaking that he asked her. He dropped to one knee, took her hand, and slipped a ring on her finger.

Of course, she broke the intimacy of the moment by screaming, “Hell, fuck yes!” I cried through laughter at her spontaneous and obscene answer.

The side door flew open, and Michelle and Mrs. Todd came running out followed by the dads. They got to her first and practically tackled her. Poor Dean was actually forced from his perch down to the ground. I couldn’t help but laugh harder. Quinn’s eyes found mine, and she broke away and rushed over, throwing her arms around my shoulders.

Then the back door cracked open, and Shana stuck her head through. Once she saw the celebration, she came in carrying bottles of champagne, Professor Grant following with a smile on his face. For the rest of the hour, we celebrated, until the lights came back on and the doors opened to others.

The next few weeks dragged since the storms were so bad and we were stuck indoors. Most of our classes posted our assignments online.

I shut down my computer and rub my temples, trying to fight a headache. For the last few days, I’ve had a constant throb near my eyes and an uneasy feeling in my gut. I’ve told myself it’s because of all the snow and not hearing from Bryce, but now that I’ve gotten an email, it should go away.

Quinn walks in and plops on the sofa. “I have cabin fever,” she whines. “Has it ever been this bad?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, what should we do tonight? We’ve exhausted our television shows, and wedding planning is getting on my nerves.”

“I think I need to lie down. My head is starting to pound.”

She gives me a sideways glance and squints her eyes. “When did it start?”