Gail thrust the money at the cabdriver and ran the last few steps to Alan’s shop. The CLOSED sign put a ding in her hopes, but she couldn’t stop now. She knocked on the glass but didn’t see any movement in the shop or from the direction of the back room.
Again, she tried knocking. No response. She glanced to the side panel where the mail slot was. She could leave a note then try calling when she got home. But that deflated her hopes to nothing.
A small panel beneath the mail slot caught her attention. Barely noticeable. She lifted the right edge and swung the small door to the side. A doorbell. She pressed the button twice, doing everything she could not to bounce up and down in front of the door.
Hours may have passed, let alone minutes, and just forget seconds. Finally, Gail recognized Tara’s form come through the door to their apartment above and rush to the front. When her eyes met Gail’s, a broad smile broke her concerned expression.
Tara opened the door. “Gail, what a surprise.”
She didn’t know whether to hug the girl or cry. “Is Alan here?”
“No, he went for a walk. Is something wrong?”
“No, I’m hoping everything’s right.”
Tara threw her arms around her in a quick hug. “He’s in the park. Go get him.”
Gail returned her hug. “Thank you.” She rushed away, not even looking back.
People dodged her as she did her best to navigate through the pedestrians like an obstacle course. She had a hunch where Alan would be and even prayed he’d be there. She found herself praying more and more these days.
The arc of the Bow Bridge came into view. Gail slowed to a fast walk. Bodies moved back and forth but none looked like Alan. She kept walking and searching with each step. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest that she heard each thump in her head.
And then he was there, standing in the middle of the bridge, looking over the water. Sunlight glinted off his hair and backlit his profile. A man of strength and integrity.
Fear stopped her. Would he even want her in his life? That day in his shop… she’d made her choice clear. Would he give her a second chance?
The greater fear of not knowing propelled her forward. She had to know, but more importantly, Alan needed to know that she loved him.
Just a few feet away. Alan must have heard her steps. He glanced over his shoulder then turned to face her. His face remained placid, though she didn’t miss the twitch on the left side of his mouth—where his smile always started.
She stopped within arm’s reach. “Mr. James, I had some time to think.”
Alan leaned against the stone railing. “And what did you decide, Miss Gibson?”
“That I’ve been very foolish.”
He frowned. “How so?”
“I thought I could plan everything out in my life, and it would turn out perfectly.”
“And now?”
“My life’s a mess.”
“I take it that wasn’t your plan.” He pushed away from the bridge and moved a step toward her.
Questions filled his gaze, ones she hoped she had the right answer to. Tears pricked her eyes. “Not at all but I’m glad.”
“May I ask why?”
Her turn to brave a step closer. “Because I almost walked away from a very special blessing in my life.” She dared to rest her hand on his cheek. She pleaded in her heart for Alan and God to give her another chance, to help her not be so afraid.
His hand reached out to cup her neck as he leaned toward her. All thoughts fled once his lips touched hers. She leaned against him, not trusting her legs to hold her. A deep sense that she was right where she was meant to be flooded her entire being.
She didn’t know how long the embrace lasted, but she didn’t want it to end. Grudgingly, she let go of her perfect kiss but refused to open her eyes. What if she did and discovered she’d dreamed it all?
“Miss Gibson?”
She fluttered her eyes open. “Yes, Mr. James?”
His gaze tender and loving, he continued to hold her. “Did I just hear you use the word blessing?”
She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. “Yes, I believe you did.”
The Bow Bridge didn’t look any different in reality, but to Alan the stone held a darker, grayer appearance to match the overcast sky. Even the water below appeared dull without the sun’s reflection. Duty had a way of holding the mind but not always the heart. His body and soul would be in Vietnam, but his heart would be safely tucked away here with Gail.
Just a few weeks before, he stood on the bridge wishing his life could be his own. And for those weeks, it had. They’d spent every minute they could together. Today would be their last for a while.
He saw her before she saw him. Alan smoothed the front of his uniform jacket and then touched his hat and smooth-shaven chin. Even from a distance he could see the heaviness in her steps, the sadness in her face. Would he be asking too much of her? He had no doubts of their future together, but he still saw the occasional doubt in Gail’s eyes.
Time would either be his enemy or his friend.
She quickened her steps when she saw him.
He greeted her with a kiss he hoped relayed just a part of what threatened to explode in his chest. He could survive anything knowing she was waiting for him.
When he pulled away, tears glistened in her hazel eyes. “This is harder than I thought it would be.”
Alan kissed the tip of her nose. “That’s why I wanted to do this here instead of the bus station.”
She nodded and dropped her chin.
“I have something for you.”
Gail lifted her head and braved a tearful smile.
“I want you to hold on to this for me.” He held her hand in his and pressed the gold coin into her palm.
“Alan, I thought Henry wanted you to have this.”
“He does, but I think you need it more than I do.” He flipped the coin over on her palm. “Whenever you start to doubt, read the engraving.”
She looked at the coin. “Love never fails.”
“Do you believe it?”
“I want to, Alan. More than you will ever know.”
“Promise me you’ll hold on to it and remember that our love is meant to be.”
“I promise.”
“When I get back, I want you to meet me right here, because I’ll have a very important question to ask you. Will you wait for me?”
A full smile lit her face, warmer and brighter than the missing sun. “I will, and I promise you’ll like my answer.”