Love. Left. Behind.
Chapter 29
"Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life.
In the morning.
The window was cracked open. Bringing in the smell.
Of the outside and the calmness of the waves.
The warmth of the sun. The sound of birds chirping.
As I ran my fingers on her back. Wanting to keep her even closer to me.
Even though she was laying in my arms. I had yet to ever feel.
Anything but safety and love. When I looked into her eyes. Held her hand.
Making her laugh. Over some comment. I had made. Her face lighting up. Whenever she looked in my direction. Last night cleared the way.
For the beginnings of a new phase in our relationship. An unread chapter in our marriage.
I wanted to absorb every second and pack it away. So, years into the future.
When we were older. And life had begun to lose its color we would be able to look back on our younger days.
We can remember this day and smile with fondness.
As I held her hand and she would look at me smiling in the way she always did.
Then I would say. "Remember our night at this beach.?"
I would ask her. Staring into my eyes.
Then she would say "Of course I do."
"We fell in love all over again."
"I couldn't possibly forget it."
She would say.
leaning over as she kissed me.
While we sat side by side.
Watching the sun go down.
The image of that future alone.
Sent a smile to my face.
That wouldn't leave.
"What are you smiling about Nate.?" I ask him.
Looking up. As I kissed him.
Linking our fingers together.
"The future." He said hopefully.
"I've been thinking."
I tell him.
As he faces me.
"I'm listening." He says smiling at me.
"I want to us to get a brand-new house."
"A fresh start for us."
"Nothing littered with pain, heartbreak, and sadness."
"Just family, friends, and new memories."
I say. looking at him.
"That sounds perfect S."
He says to me.
"But I was thinking along with the new place a new location as well."
"I tell him as I continue."
"New Hope Pennsylvania." "It's a small town."
"We would be only an hour and a half out of New York."
"Older houses, Narrow streets, Cobblestone alleys, locally run restaurants, And so much more."
"The more I looked into it.
The more excited I got."
"I could picture us there."
"Me and you and Suzie."
"And our future kids."
"Living this beautiful life together."
"Away from the hustle and bustle of the city."
"Which I've loved but I'm ready to move on."
"And see what else is out there in the world."
I told him.
"Chuck and Henry could visit us as much as possible."
"Nate what are you thinking.?"
I ask him. Curious as to where his mind was.
Taking a breath. As he spoke.
"I've never lived anywhere but New York."
"But from what you've told me and the excitement and research you've started."
"I'm more than willing to take the chance and start over there together."
"We need to start house hunting and tell Suzie when we find something."
He said to me.
"We're doing this then.?" I asked him excitedly.
"We are and it's going to be good."
"This is the right choose for us."
"And the future of our family."
Nate said to me.
Leaning over kissing me.
As he started to head for the bathroom.
"You coming or not.?" He asked me smiling.
"Always." I say taking his hand.
Smiling as I kissed him.
Closing the door behind us.
Hours later
Holding hands as we walked to Chuck's door.
Letting go.
As I knocked on the door.
It then quickly opened.
Chuck behind it.
Letting us through the door.
Closing it behind us.
As he stood to the side.
Suzie coming up.
And looking at us both.
"Mommy and daddy."
She said surprised.
"What's going on.?"
She asked curious.
"Nothing Suzie Q."
"We just decided to both pick you up today."
Nate said looking to her.
"Okay I'm going to get some cookies from Doretha and say goodbye to Henry."
"I'll right back." Suzie said as she ran back into the kitchen across the hall.
Waiting until she went through the doors.
Only then did Chuck start to speak.
"So as much as I love you both and like seeing you together."
"I know there is more to the story here."
"So you can start talking anytime."
Chuck said looking at them both.
"Where were you both last night.?"
"I called and texted both of you."
"And no response given everything that has happened."
"I was worried."
Chuck said honestly.
Looking to Serena and Nate.
Putting her hand on his.
Serena's face softened.
"We're both really sorry."
"Neither of us meant to worry you."
Serena said apologetically.
"Yea it won't happen again."
"We know how much you care and how important we are to you."
"Next time you will get a text, call, and advanced notice."
Nate said looking to Chuck.
"Thank you."
"I appreciate that."
Then he smiled.
Pausing as he looked at them both.
"So you were together then.?"
Chuck asked.
Looking at them both.
"Yea we were at the beach."
"You know the reception there can be really spotty at times."
Serena said turning to Nate.
"We didn't plan to be there long."
"But had things to clear up."
"That took longer than expected"
"And we ended up spending the night."
Nate said.
Looking back at Serena.
"Guess you both were feeling nostalgic."
"I get it."
"That beach has very fond memories."
"I'm just surprised I mean last I talked to both of you."
"Things were pretty intense and up in the air."
"In regards to your relationship."
"And it seems like in a span of a day and matter of hours."
"The two of you are completely in synch."
"And haven't left each other's side since you got here."
Chuck said to them.
"How exactly did that work at the beach house.?"
"It only has one bed and the couch that you both insisted on keeping."
Chuck asked.
"We managed okay."
Nate said.
Looking to Serena.
"Yea Nate made sure I was fine."
"By the end of the night we were both exhausted."
"You know how he likes to talk about memories."
"We slept really well."
Serena said looking back at Nate.
"Glad to hear it."
Chuck said smiling at them.
As Suzie came back down.
Taking both the hands of her parents.
Looking over at Chuck and speaking.
"Thank you so much uncle Chuck."
"Tell Doretha the cookies were super yummy."
"See you later."
She said happily.
"Anytime Suzie Q."
"You are a part of this family."
"Until next time."
He said smiling back at her.
As the three of them.
Walked out the door together.
And into the car.
Shortly after driving away.
"Those two aren't telling me something."
"I know it."
Chuck thought as he headed to his office.
…
