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“It’s okay. Do you need help packing or anything?”
I was in such a haze, I felt like I couldn’t think straight. “No, I just…need to go.”
Walking to where my coat was hung up, I grabbed it and slipped it on.
“Beck?”
Merit’s voice caused me to turn and look at her. “Please be sure not to leave without at least letting Stella and Ty know.”
“Of course. Yeah. And I’m sorry to leave like this.”
Motioning for me to go on, Merit added, “We’ll be keeping your grandfather in our prayers. Be safe driving, okay?”
I was about to leave when I remembered my manners. I walked over and shook Dirk’s hand. “It’s been a pleasure, sir. Thank you.”
“Of course, Beck. I hope your grandfather will be okay, and please let us know if you need anything.”
I gave a quick nod. “I will.”
Moving to Merit, I kissed her softly on the cheek. “Thank you for welcoming me into your home like you have. I truly appreciate it.”
She smiled, then tilted her head and regarded me. It looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t.
I turned and started for the front door. Avery had put her coat on and walked out to the rental with me.
“Will you let me know when you land safely in Dallas?”
Opening the door to the rental, I realized I was about to get in without even saying goodbye to Avery. Cupping her face in my hands, I leaned down and kissed her.
She grabbed my coat and whispered, “I’ll be praying for him.”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I kissed her forehead gently. “Thank you and yes, I’ll text you once I land in Dallas.”
I wasn’t sure how long we stood like that before I pulled back and looked down into those deep sapphire eyes of hers. “I’m so sorry I have to leave. I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back.”
Pressing her lips tightly together, she nodded as she patted my chest. “I know. Family first, of course.”
It felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach. “I have family here now, too, and you. I promise you, I’ll be back.”
Looking up at me, she smiled softly but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s okay, Beck. Honestly. You’ll keep me updated on things?”
“Yes, of course.”
She went to step away so I could get into the car, but I pulled her back to me and kissed her again, almost desperately. I tried to pour so much of how I felt for her into that kiss. I needed her to know what she meant to me, and I prayed that she could feel how much I loved her, because I still couldn’t say the words. I wasn’t sure why. Most likely it was because it was too soon.
When I drew back, I saw tears spill down her cheeks. I wiped them away and kissed her again. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’ll be back.”
She took a few steps away and pulled her coat tighter around her as the cold wind whipped.
Sliding into the car, I felt the strong sensation that what I was doing was wrong. That I needed to stay right where I was. But I couldn’t leave my grandfather to suffer alone. I was his only family, and I know my mother would have wanted me to be there for him.
As I drove down the drive, I swore I wasn’t going to look in the rearview mirror…but I did. And the sight made me grip the steering wheel and fight to hold back my tears. Avery stood there, her hand covering her mouth as she cried while Merit and Dirk both stood on each side of her, their arms around her.
Chapter Twenty-Four
AVERY
Hours had passed since Beck practically ran out the door of my parents’ house. I wiped the tears away as I continued to stare up at the ceiling of my bedroom. Glancing at the clock, I saw it was nearly midnight. Picking up my phone, I checked it for the hundredth time.
Nothing.
Beck had texted when he got to the airport. He’d gotten the only flight out to Dallas and said he would text when he landed, which would have been at six his time, five mine.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, I tossed the phone and headed to the door to go find something to eat when my phone dinged with a message. I practically flew to the bed.
Swiping it open, I saw it was a text. From Lacey.
Lacey: I know it’s late, but I’m at a party and Dexter is asking about you.
I blew out a breath, causing my lips to flap. I thought about not answering, but decided if I didn’t, I would forget to text her tomorrow, and I’d already been blowing her off to spend all my spare time with Beck.
Me: Hi! I’m already tucked away in bed. Have fun.
