I miss Samuel. This is only the second time we’ve been apart since we got together, and I don’t think it will ever get easier. Good thing I have a ton of work to do—not much time to dwell on it. At least not until I get back to my apartment. It’s odd how, in just three months, this city no longer feels like home. I lived here for over five years, but now home is wherever Samuel is. I miss his cozy cabin, his delicious food, and, most of all, I miss him.
It’s warm out, and a pleasant breeze makes me want to go for a walk now that I’m off work. I’ve always loved unwinding like this, especially when it’s so hard to stop myself from staying late. There’s still so much work to do. Going to Pepys Island was just the first step.
I still have some time before Samuel and I’s daily video call, a habit that helps with the distance and something I look forward to every day. Most of the time, I don’t even remember what we talk about. I just know that hour flies by.
I turn left toward the park. A lot of city folk flock here at the end of the day, especially in summer, and it’s lovely to see so many people. Some chase after kids, others throw balls for their dogs, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. I’m certain there are more people here than on all of Pepys Island. The thought makes me think of Samuel again. Funny how he always sneaks into my thoughts.
The phone rings.
“I was just thinking about you,” I say as I answer with a smile. Samuel doesn’t usually call this early, which means he probably won’t be able to talk later.
“You were, huh? Miss me?”
“Always.”
“I miss you too. Where are you?”
“At the park. It’s lovely here. Warm and sunny, but not too hot. How’s the weather over there?”
“Sunny.”
“Didn’t you say it was going to rain on Pepys Island?”
“Turn right.”
“What?”
“Turn right,” he repeats.
I do as he says, still processing his strange command, until I see him.
It hasn’t been long, but emotion surges through me as I run toward him.
He’s as handsome as ever, making me feel things I never thought I’d experience with someone. His rough beard and rugged stance should clash with this city, yet somehow, he fits perfectly. Or maybe he just fits with me.
“Why are you here?”
“I don’t want you to be the only one traveling to see me.” He shrugs. “I made a few adjustments to my schedule so I can stay with you for a few weeks. Going back and forth will exhaust you. If we both travel, we can be together without it feeling like a chore. I don’t want you to resent me.”
“I will never resent you. I just don’t want to burden you.”
“Burden me?” His voice drops, rough and certain. “You’re my priority. The only thing I care about in this world. There’s no way you’ll ever be a burden.”
It’s still hard to hear that. Like some part of me struggles to accept that I don’t have to take care of everything alone.
He must see it, because he’s quick to add, “I also don’t like the idea of not knowing what you’re eating.”
“You know what I usually eat for dinner.”
“Exactly. Eating sandwiches every day doesn’t seem like you’re taking care of yourself.”
I laugh, only he could be sweet while judging my diet.
“How did you know I’d be here?”
“You talk about this park all the time. I figured it was a good place to start. I wanted to surprise you.”
I kiss him, trying to show just how much his surprise means to me.
“I love you,” I say when my lips are too sore to keep kissing him. I have no idea if we’re making a scene, and I don’t care.
“I love you too.”
He kisses my hair, fingers tangling with mine.
“I brought dinner. Couldn’t cook, so I got something from your favorite place.”
“You did? God, I’m so glad I tell you everything! What else did you get? Did you bring that amazing wine I love?”
He gives me an exasperated look, almost like he’s scolding me. Then his smile turns the sun shinier and the air warmer.
“Why don’t you ever let me surprise you?”
My laugh bursts out. Loud, happy, a little hysterical. I know it’s his favorite, because only this man can get it out of me.
We sit in a quiet corner of the park, curled up together, watching the sun set as we eat. I’m so glad he’s here.