What The Heart Wants

Paula let Jackson lead her by the hand to his car, not too far from the building. It wasn’t anything brand new or flashy. It was just a car that he held the door open for het to get into. She stared out of the window for most of the ride, unfamiliar with where they were going, but an idea had crossed her mind.

“So, how have you been?” she finally spoke breaking the silence of the car ride.

“I’ve been okay. I don’t want to rehash everything I’ve been through over these last few weeks because it’s been hard. But’s it been worth it. I work for at an auto body shop, for a nice old man. I’m pretty sure I’m the best mechanic they’ve ever had,” he chuckled.

Paula laughed too, with great relief to Jackson. “Well, I believed you were always great with your hands.” She tried to hide the smirk but Jackson could hear it in her voice. “So, where are we going to have this wonderful dinner?”

“I think you already know,” he smiled touching the top of her hand lightly while he kept his eyes on the road. Paula wasn’t sure if she was ready to move forward with Jackson, but it felt good to have his skin touch hers again. In the end, she never thought their relationship would end, but she never wanted it to be so difficult either. It was too much stress, but this night was peaceful and serene. They weren’t running from men chasing them. She wasn’t whirring around a police precinct in the wee hours of the morning threatening officers for his freedom. Nights like this were how their relationship was supposed to be. Relaxation had settled over her as she prepared herself for Jackson may have planned.

The only thing that looked familiar to Paula was the old dirt road leading out to nowhere. It was off the main highway about an hour outside of the city. She remembered the large barn that he parked his car inside, but this time he didn’t lock it. The lights were on as Jackson led her into the quaint old house that felt lived in.

“You’ve been staying out here?” she asked wondering how he did it so far away from it all.

“Yeah, I still have my spot that I stay in during the week, but this place is good for clearing your mind and this.” Jackson stepped aside, away from the door so Paula could see what he had done. She stood back in awe as hundreds of candles were placed around the room, lighting their way around the house. She didn’t know what to do. The emotions crashing her were overwhelming. “Here, have a seat,” he told her, sitting her down at the dining room table.

Paula sat back as Jackson took his time feeding her the intimate dinner he’d put together. It was more than anything anyone had ever done for her. She stood from her seat gazing into his eyes under the candle light. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” he smiled as he bent down to kiss her. Jackson scooped Paula into his arms. Her shoes fell to the ground as he carried her along the trail of tiny dancing flames into the bedroom.

“I want you to forgive me for lying to you. For making promises at a time when I knew I didn’t want to keep them. I want you to forgive me for putting you in the line of fire after failing to keep those promises. You had done everything you said you were going to do, and I wasn’t strong enough to hold my end. So, I’m asking you Paula Maxwell, do you forgive me?”