With my drawings in hand, I head toward the backyard, the sound of the ocean becoming more pronounced as I go. Everyone’s already gone for the day, but they left their messes behind. There’s material all over the back deck for the kitchen remodel and two new windows leaning against the siding. There’s a large dumpster in the driveway for all of the old building material, but there’s still a small pile of scrap by the back door.
I glance around quickly, confirming my guys cleaned up after themselves before heading to the very back of the property. Pink paint marks the route Rhenn will use to dig a trench and run the wiring for the new lights. When I get to the back, I can already see what they’re envisioning. There’s a small clearing with a breathtaking view of the ocean. I can practically picture the small benches or swing back here, with a few lights to illuminate the path. Solid idea in adding it, I agree, pleased to enhance this area of the yard. I make a few notes on my drawings and roll them back up.
As I get ready to turn and head back to my truck, a familiar scent blows in with the breeze. It’s gardenia and honeysuckle, and the sweet aroma reminds me of a happier time. The memories come flooding back and I hate the longing that starts deep in my chest. Closing my eyes, I let the salty breeze wash over me, fighting against the reminiscences. God, I hate I can still smell her, feel her as if she were standing right beside me.
Opening my eyes, I gaze out at the sea, wishing things could have been different. No, I’m not wishing away my son. He’s the best part of my life and I wouldn’t go back and do everything over again if it meant losing him, but wishing for…closure. Needing it, actually. I never got it. Never heard why she left in the middle of the night. Never was told what I did wrong. Never had the chance to make it right.
Maybe being back here, I’ll finally have it.
Knowing I have a ton of work to do and only a little daylight left, I slowly turn my back to the ocean, desperately looking to put some distance between me and the honeysuckle. When I turn around, I see a woman. Her long blonde hair is piled high on her head and her gorgeous hazel eyes are wide in shock. Soft pink lips are gaped open as she stands not ten feet away from me, a look of surprise and horror written all over her beautiful face. She’s as stunning as I remember in my dreams. She stands there, the house she grew up in as the backdrop, as tears fill her eyes. It’s hard to breathe and even harder to keep myself from rushing to her, taking her in my arms.
But I don’t.
I can’t.
As much as I want to, I don’t move a muscle.
The entire world has shifted.
Everything has changed.
My Kate has come home.