Chapter 26

A/N Seeing Love

OK enough with the sadness and angst. What most of you have been waiting for. Extra chapter so I didn't have to keep y'all on the edge of your seats any longer.

The day had come for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new building at UVA had arrived. Suzanne had gotten up early and dressed in one of her best dresses since she would be recognized as the architect of the project. The Name of the new building had been kept a secret from everyone except the University President and the benefactor who had donated the money for the building. She had always been curious why the secrecy, but let it go once the president explained to her it was what the benefactor wanted.

Benjamin was nervous, it would be the first time he had seen her since she had walked out of his office. He did not know what kind of reception she would give him when he congratulated her. He walked over to the campus to join the festivities.

Once everyone was gathered, the president gave a welcome speech and recognized everyone involved in the project. Benjamin clapped loudly when she was introduced. Her family was there and he could see the pride from all of them. He chose not to sit with them to not make the situation awkward. Once she took her seat, her eyes roamed the audience and her eyes landed on him. He smiled his best smile and nodded to her. She nodded back and then lowered her head.

The President then told the audience that the next speaker would announce the name of the building and reveal it to all.

Unknown to Benjamin, his parents had secretly flown into town the night before and when he looked up he saw his Dad walking across the stage to the podium. He was curious as to why just as his Mom walked up to stand by his side.

"A few years ago, a young man entered the hallowed halls here at UVA to begin a long and arduous journey of getting a degree in finance. Young and so full of hope he threw himself into his studies and would eventually earn a Doctorate. He has served many with his degree and has made his parents and loved ones very proud of him. I am here today to present to you, The Benjamin Allen Adams Finance building." he said as he looked at his son.

Benjamin stood in total shock as the people around him clapped and patted him on the back. He looked up at his Dad who had tears in his eyes. His Mom was at his side hugging him. He had no idea what to do.

"Son, join me and let's reveal the sign," Willam told his son.

Benjamin walked to the stage in a daze, he had know idea what to think of what his Dad had just said and what they were about to do. When he reached his Dad, William took him into a fatherly hug. Together they removed the drape from the replica of the sign that would soon hang on the building that would bear his name.

Tears were streaming down his face as he looked over and saw Suzanne on her feet cheering for him. She was clapping and he could tell she had true joy for him in that moment.

He walked over to her and asked,"Did you know?"

"No, no one knew. We were told the benefactor wanted it that way until the day of the unveiling. I am so proud of you Benjamin," she said.

He reached for her hand and bringing it to his lips placed a soft gentle kiss on it. He held it until she pulled it back.

He was pulled away from her by his grandfather who wanted to congratulate him. Benjamin was making the family proud and it brought him great joy to see the smile on his son and grandson's faces.

The celebration was moved to the conference center indoors. Suzanne used the opportunity to slip away making her excuses to the president. She was overwhelmed by Benjamin and his family's presence. Eric was bringing Evelyn and the baby home from the hospital today. Due to all the other things going on she hasn't seen the baby yet.

She walked into the front door of the farmhouse and stood in the doorway to the living room observing Eric and Evelyn. Ellen was holding the baby and they were cuddled up with each other on the couch. She saw the utter love they had for each other on their faces and in their body language. Something flipped in her and she suddenly saw the last 2 weeks flash before her. The pain she had in her heart for Benjamin suddenly melted away. Silent tears started falling from her eyes. She stepped into the living room over to her mother.

Eric stood up and retrieved the baby from his Mom. Turning he handed her the baby. "Sis, meet your nephew, Joshua Eric James. Josh, meet the best aunt in the whole world, your aunt Suzanne."

"He is such a beautiful baby, congratulations both of you," she said beaming at them both.

She stared down at him and felt joy in her heart for the first time in several weeks. She ran her finger across his cheek and his little mouth moved like a smile. She cuddled him and just let the love and new found joy was over her.

Joshua started squirming in her arms. Evelyn rose to take him, it was feeding time. Suzanne watched her walk out of the room and knew what she needed to do.

She jumped in her car and drove as fast as she could back to town. She drove to UVA thinking the reception would still be going on. No cars were around, so she went to Benjamin's office. It was all locked up. She then drove to their home, but no one was there either. Where is he? She thought to herself. She was about to give up and head back to the farm when another idea came to her.

Pulling up into the parking area, she saw his car. She quickly changed in her car into subtle clothes and shoes. She hiked/ran all the way to the spot she hoped to find him. Topping the hill, she saw him sitting with his head down. Going to Black Top Mountain, their special place made perfect sense. He looked like he was deep in thought. He had his back to her and his head down. She walked up and put her hand on his arm.

Deep in thought he didn't hear her and jumped when he felt her hand on his arm. He whirled around, not expecting her a confused look crossed his face.

Suzanne saw the tears running down his face and smiled up at him.

Realization finally hit him and he said, "What are you doing here?" wiping his tears away.

"I saw Eric and Evelyn's new baby boy today and I saw the love between them. It made me realize how much I love you and I needed to see you to tell you that I forgive you. I can't go another day without you. Benjamin, please forgive me for what I said to you," she looked at him with tears running down her face.

Benjamin stood stunned at her words. He believed that she would never forgive him. He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. He pulled her tightly to him so she could not escape from him.

She laid her head on his chest. Feeling his heart thump, thump in his chest, grounded her. She had missed the sound and the feeling of comfort and love she felt in his arms.

He kissed the top of her head, taking in the scent of her. The scent of her orange blossom shampoo, her body soap, and her perfume. They all mingled together to make a smell that was uniquely her. He had missed it and his heart was beating wildly.

Pushing her back away from him, "Sweetheart, I don't need to forgive you. You need to forgive me. I left you and you had to go through the loss of our baby all alone. I should have been here for you. Can you please forgive me?"

"I think we both have made mistakes and the last few weeks need to be put in the past. We need to get past them and move on to find us again," she said, smiling up at him.

He lowered his head and kissed her softly. The feel of her lips on his was heaven to him. He started to pull back when she wove her fingers into his hair and pulled him further into him. The kiss deepened and soon they were overcome with emotions. Their lips and tears were both joined together.

Needing oxygen, they pulled apart and smiled at each other. He took her head in his hands and pulled her back to him. He kissed her again and then pulled back. Joining their hands he started walking them down the mountain.

"Are you coming home to me?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, I just need to go get my stuff from the farm," she said.

"Why don't I drop my car at home and we can go together. I can meet my new nephew," he said smiling.

She nodded and told him she would meet him at their house.

Walking hand in hand they entered the farm house. Everyone was gathered in the living room. Smiles lit up most of their faces when they saw them walk in. Joe was not totally convinced or forgiving of him hurting her so he would have to have a conversation with him in time.

Eric handed him Joshua and stepped back. He looked down at him and more joy leapt into his heart. He looked over at Suzanne and a huge smile graced her face. He knew at that moment that everything would be okay and his life was right again.