His words dig up what I already know, but haven’t quite been able to admit. I already discovered creating and being an artist isn’t something I can throw into a box and shelve. It’s a piece of who I am. Ignoring that is disowning myself. “You’re pretty smart for an old man.”
“Old? I should smack you for that.”
I chuckle at the thought.
“Now, what about Cora? Things are serious between you, yes? Your mother is already dreaming about weddings and more grandbabies.”
“Jesus.”
“My wife loves her familia.”
It’s one of the things Cora enjoyed most from the other night, and if I’m being totally honest, I’m not at all put off by the idea. I would be honored to be Cora’s partner in life. It just might not be possible. “That project she’s being considered for. It’ll be filmed in Scotland. She’d have to move there.”
“Oh.” Papá nods with understanding.
“I don’t want her to go, but . . .” Can I really hold her back from her dreams?
“You love her.”
Not a question but I answer anyway. “I do.”
“Then you have to support her. In whatever she decides.” It’s what I already know, but him saying it aloud makes everything more final.
“I don’t want to lose her.”
“Trust her, then. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find your way back.”
Maybe he’s right.
“Dinner’s ready,” Mamá calls from the kitchen, as if she hasn’t been eavesdropping the entire conversation. She pokes her head through the archway. “Wash up and come sit.”
I push to my feet, waiting for Papá to do the same.
He stands but surprises me by pulling me into his arms, holding me tight. “Te quiero, mijo.” He pats my back. “I don’t say it enough. I’m proud of the man you’ve become. The father you are to David.”
Emotion clogs my throat. I haven’t hugged my father this way in years. I’ve always known his love, but growing up he wasn’t big on physical affection or words of affirmation. “I love you too.” I hug him close, grateful for this moment.
After dinner, David and I take the bus back to our apartment. I get him showered and put him to bed, thankfully he doesn’t fight it. He passes out within a few minutes. These long summer days have the both of us worn out.
I hit the shower next, and as I towel off there’s a knock at the door. Strange. I’m not expecting anyone, and Cora’s still down in San Diego visiting her mom. Tugging on a pair of sweats, I head out to the door and check the peephole. What the—?
Fifty
Cora
I shift from one foot to the other. Brush my hair back. Shake out my hands. Am I making the right decision? Should I have spent the weekend at my mom’s to be sure? Maybe I’m being reckless, though it feels more like being brave. My hand lifts to knock at the door again, but it flies open.
Isaac. He’s a sight for sore eyes. It’s only been a few days but I drink him up with my gaze like a woman dying of thirst. He’s shirtless and his sweats rest low on his hips, giving me the perfect view. Not that I’d ever forget a man like him, but good God, his pants leave nothing to the imagination.
“Cora?” Isaac says, his eyes wide. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m not going to Scotland.” The words blurt from my mouth before I even step into the apartment.
“What? What are you . . .” He holds my hand and yanks me inside. Concern etches his furrowed brow as he locks the door.
“I had to drive straight here.” I’m out of breath for running up the steps and my lungs tighten. My pulse races. I won’t be able to calm down until I get this off my chest. “I got the official offer and I had to see you.” My hands wrap around his waist, needing to touch him. Be close. Connected.
He brushes his fingers along my jaw, his brow deep with his scowl. “I don’t want to hold you back from your dreams.”
“You won’t.”
“You’ll resent me one day.” His gaze drops to the floor. “David too.”
“Never.” I cup his face and bring his gaze back to mine. “There’ll be other roles.”
“But not like this.” He shakes his head, but even his argument comes out weak. “You said so yourself.”
“Maybe so, but let me tell you something. I’ve been on hundreds of auditions. Booked dozens of films. But I have never once in my life felt the kind of love I have for you. What we have transcends. It’s one of a kind. And I’ll be damned if I walk away from us. From the family we can have.” Tears leak from my eyes, stream down my cheeks, but they’re the happy kind. “I’ll have other offers. There won’t be another you.”
“But you’re sacrificing so much.” His voice breaks.
“You’re worth it.” I seal my lips to his, a promise, a commitment, my heart. He holds me close and I lean into his strength. He’s the home I never expected. I pull back, anxious to tell him the rest. “Also, I have news.”
His lips curve with a smirk. “What’s that?”
“I got another offer.” A smile takes over my face. “Isabella Martin is starting an all-women production company to find powerful women’s voices in books to bring to film. I guess it’s been in the works for years, and she recognized my passion on this project. She wants me to come on as part of the creative team. To direct even.”
“Wow. Cora, that’s amazing.”
“We had a luncheon lined up for next week, but she got wind of my offer and called me, a few hours ago, actually. I can hardly believe it.”
“And you want this? It’s not just a compromise.”
“I do. I really do.”
He crushes my body to his and buries his face in my neck. “Oh, thank God.” He pulls back, taking my hands and holding them over his heart. “You light up my life, Cora. Bright. Shining.” He presses his lips to my knuckles. “I love you.”
“I love you.” Three simple words, yet not simple at all.
“You’ve given me more in this past month than I ever expected.”
“But you were going to let me walk away.” I shake my head, not understanding, or maybe just amazed at the selflessness his love abounds.
“If that’s what you wanted? Yes.”
That he would put aside his own desires, his heart, for my happiness is overwhelming. His gentle spirit wraps around my own. Together we create something greater. “But you deserve light too.”
He swallows thickly. “I swear I’ll never dim your fire. We do this as partners. Equals. Your goals and dreams don’t end because of David and me.”
“No. No, they don’t.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders, and kiss him, imagining a future and all the good things we’ll share. “They’re only beginning.”
Epilogue
Isaac
Nine months later