Not certain as to whether or not the downward spiral had been recognizable, noticable, but still I pressed further.
With nowhere to go but up I took Kevins advice and left.
Going abroad had been a wonderful, brilliant stroke of genius on his part.
As well I knew, he'd not be able to leave things as they were, and true to form he did not.
He flew in, one areocraft directly after mine.
I heard his voice above the others in the crowd. I thought, at first, that this could not be. But I did turn...
Call it eternal hope, faith that just perhaps life would finally serve me with the sancuarie that my soul so desperately craved...
He shouted- with all of his might yet another row.
There was no way, none, not in this lifetime that he'd allow theft of his hearts desire to slip away into the ancient city.
She had called him out regarding his fears- both present and buried.
Kevin was not a man who bore this well. Yes, he understood that her assessment was correct- but she had no' the right to delve into his pyche.
Too much to bear however, seeing her with another man
knowing the cardinal knowledge that he felt passionate enough to retain for himself he chose- no, demanded that he stand.
For the majority of his life he had, for the most part
played the game extraordinarily well
His genius brought him into circles that could easily be expounded upon
he'd seize on opportunity
drive projects, collegues into the vision retained by memory
sheer will
Yet he had turned... albeit far back in time
Leaving it all behind.
The monetary gain, the lifestyle, the fame.
For family, for love.
And for a time that had appeased his lifes well.
For a time.
Faced with the prospect of losing the one woman who had breeched the walls surrounding his sensibilities
he scoffed at the mere thought of failure
he raced through the crowded aeroport until he found a glimpse of her
She wasn't difficult to find
when in a crowd she didn't blend in didn't rush was often discovered awestruck at her surroundings
This aeroport held familiarity for Kevin
Realizing that her attention would be captivated- she'd be slowed down
He'd catch up
No pretense
no games
Capitulation at any cost.
She turned. Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest cavity...
So he had arrived, just behind her
His words were profound
he loved her soul
his eyes danced at the thought of her resting in his embrace
She dropped her baggage
doubled back
stopped short of his feet...
She glanced up, wondering what/if she should say a thing
He ended the quandry
"I know what has been troubling you, I am afterall the one who sent you here. I didn't want to be one of the people in your life who only eased their way to covet. I desire you. It's just that simple. Don't tell me that I'm too late. Don't. You know me. You've known who I am, what kind of man that I will be with you at my side. I need you to relinquish at this point- and I do understand how difficult that will be, but know this: I am perfectly able to take care of you. Marry me...love me for the rest of your life...let go of your past honey."
Kevin searched her eyes for the truth he so longed to hear.
Tears welled up in her eyes
"I'm so tired"
His hopes began to sink...
"I know but-"
"No Kevin. I'm tired of running...I just need to know- with clearity- that my trust will never be broken."
"You already know."
"Prove it."
"Give me twenty or so years will you?"
She smiled
"I will."
"I want to hear it."
"Hear what?"
"That you love me."
"You know that I do."
"It's not enough. Fess up."
Kevin wrapped his arms around her, leaned down and kissed her harshly. "I mean it little girl. I want to hear it."
"I do. I love you Kevin."
"Good to know sweetheart. Ready for an adventure?"
She grinned broadly "Happily so."
The pair, her hand enveloped in his, left the aeroport for the countryside. For Kevin, knowing her love proved to be fulfilling...more so than he could've possibly imagined.
He would never allow her to leave his side after this.
Never.
Kevin had lost far too much in this lifetime. Loves that had come and go, children who had grown-moved on with their own lives.
This was for him.
For once
for once upon a time (as it were) where he'd be the King master of his kingdom.
Life reclaimed was his to give to her.
Blessed week to you,
many thanks to everyone who worked towards the common goal of getting the novel "The Garrison Effect" into publishing.
Many thanks to you Captain for being there, when I had become submerged into the depths of the project.
Everyone requires a landline I'd suppose and you were just that.
To better daze.
From my hand to yours,
Sawyer
Saint Andrews
