by Mary Manners
“Aubree’s been asking if I’m going to marry you.”
“And…”
“I know you’ve been hurt before and that it’s hard for you to trust, but I’m hoping you’ll let me in, and that you’ll begin to believe and trust that I won’t hurt you. Neither of us is ready for such a huge step, but I’d like to know if we’re moving in that direction.”
“It’s part of the race, isn’t it?” Daylin pressed her cheek to his shoulder and sighed, melting into him. “It’s the what-comes-after you spoke of the first time we ran together.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Then I’d say yes…we’re moving in that direction.” She kissed him once more. “I love you, Patrick, and I love Aubree, too.”
Epilogue
Daylin swiped perspiration from her face as she took the final turn. At her side, Patrick pumped his arms in an easy cadence. He hadn’t faltered, but had stayed near for the entire course of the race.
Thirteen miles, to be exact. Only checkpoint one left to go…
“You can do it, Daylin.” Patrick seemed to sense the depth of her exhaustion. “Almost there.”
He reached for her hand, twined his fingers with hers. They no longer had to go it alone, but had each other. The thought chased the weariness from her limbs and filled her chest with a light-hearted hope.
As the finish line came into view, she spotted Frannie and Aubree…and was that Vera, as well? It was Vera! The trio cheered her—and Patrick—on toward the finish.
And the what-comes-after.
A rush of adrenaline coursed through Daylin. She picked up the pace as Patrick matched her stride for stride.
“It’s not the race that matters, it’s what comes before and after that matters the most,” Patrick murmured beside her, as if he read her mind. “Stay with me, Daylin.”
Sunlight streamed through leaf-kissed tree limbs as the crowd began to roar. Over the din, she heard Aubree’s sweet chant.
“Go, Daylin, go! We’re gonna go for ice cream!”
A few more strides and Daylin crossed the line. Tears filled her eyes as she collapsed into Patrick’s arms.
“You did it, babe.” His breath caressed her ear as he leaned in to claim a kiss. “I knew you would. I’m proud of you.”
“We did it.” Daylin returned the kiss. “Is this what-comes-after?”
“This and more. So much more.” His lips brushed hers again. “I love you, Daylin. Will you share happily ever after with me?”
Daylin threw her arms around Patrick as Aubree headed their way, her cheers weaving through the crowd. Frannie and Vera followed.
“Yes, I’ll share happily ever after with you. And what a beautiful race it’s sure to be.”
Thank you
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