No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 63



"Hey, girl, don't forget about me." Dustin's voice broke through the silence, his large hand gently patting my head before letting go.

I hadn't shed a tear until then, but they suddenly started flowing, unstoppable.

I tried to swallow them back, fearing they'd betray my feelings, but it was in vain. The more I tried, the harder they fell. I had to turn away, not wanting Dustin to see me like that.

Dustin's hand landed on my head again, gently messing up my hair. "Crying before me is nothing to be ashamed of, get it?"

He'd said it before. And there he was, repeating it. But it felt like a blow to my already fragile pride. I turned away, hastily wiping my tears.

He seemed to understand, picking up my suitcase. "I'll put this in the car for you."

He left, and I covered my face, letting the tears flow freely.

When I went downstairs, Herschel and Jacqueline were still bustling in the kitchen, their joy at their son's return overshadowing their sorrow at losing me, their daughter-in-law. I couldn't bear to say goodbye, not wanting them to see my red, swollen eyes, afraid of their pleas for me to stay.

waiting by the car, lost in thought. Seeing me, he put on

gone four years. The city's

smile played on

not meeting his gaze, not wanting him to see the pain in

As I opened

down, ready to drive door

off, he

you be

steering wheel tighter,

rueful laugh, pulling his hand back. "Drive

tears streaming down my face as I left the place I'd known for ten

love.

seemed Dustin had spoken to Jacqueline. She

and went to bed. I woke up the following

a

spend more time at

amusement park, conveniently

run-ins