Chapter 29
Cole gripped the steering wheel of his pickup truck. Looking back and forth from the speedometer and the open road, he focused on what he would say to Leah. I love you too. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve been in love with you since high school.
It all sounded good in his head, but would the words come out right when he saw her? Why did his brain turn to mush when she smiled? Passion took hold of him when they kissed. Completely mind numbing, he lost his sense of reality. How did she take him out of his world? How did she make it that much better?
Pulling into her driveway, he dashed out of his car and knocked on her door. To his surprise, a young blonde answered.
“Can I help you?” She asked cuddling Leah’s puppy. The woman’s eyes sparkled.
“I’m assuming Leah’s not home,” Cole said.
“No, but I’m Chloe, her dog walker and sitter. Can I take a message?” Then Chloe’s eyes focused on his truck. “I thought she left with you for the festival.”
“She did, but she left. I’m trying to find her.” Cole then reached out and petted Chip. “It’s nice to meet you Chloe. I’m sorry you couldn’t make the festival.”
“No problem. I have a paper due after spring break, so I needed the study time. Was it like this when you were in college?”
“From what I remember, yes.” He checked his watch. “You have no idea where she could be?”
Chloe shrugged her shoulders. “I wish I could help you. Maybe to a place that makes her happy.”
Cole nodded, and with that, Chloe closed the door. He paced back to his truck. Where was Leah? Then his eyes bugged. A place that made her happy. He dashed for his truck, barely giving the engine time to settle after he cranked it. He pulled out of her driveway, not wasting another minute.
****
Leah allowed the waters to run through her fingers at her beloved fountain. She poured her heart out to Cole and ran. She meant it. She loved him with every fiber of her being.
At seventeen, she assumed Seth would be the love of her life. Not too long ago, she longed for Brian to propose to her. Now, her heart only skittered for one man. Her confidence not only grew in herself, but she trusted her relationship with Cole. Then her phone buzzed in her cross-body purse.
“Where are you?” Gemma asked.
“At the fountain. Sorry, I had to leave, but I caught a ride with Mrs. Hartley.”
“You can’t leave me. I’m pregnant and I need my best friend. Chase is watching me like a hawk. So what, I’ve had almost five cookies. I’m carrying his kid.”
“I needed to get away for a while.”
“What happened? Cole was looking for you.”
Leah’s bottom lip trembled. “I told Cole I loved him.”
“What? When?”
“At the festival. I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s too soon.”
“Why? He loves you too, Leah,” Gemma said. “Even I know that.”
Leah rubbed her forehead. “It came out so naturally but… he said nothing. He looked shocked. I panicked and then Seth walked inside the barn. April wanted pictures of Cole. I had to get out.”
“Can you blame him? Your relationship with him is new. He’s carried a torch for you since high school but you were in love with Seth. To tell Cole you love him, I’d be shocked too,” Gemma said.
“How do you know all this?”
“I’m observant.”
Leah ran a hand over her face. “Can you tell everyone I had to leave?”
Gemma sighed. “Okay.”
“Thanks.”
Leah returned her cell to her purse. Blowing out her cheeks, she rubbed her forearms. Was Gemma right?
****
Cole parked his truck in front of his studio, wasting no time to unclick his seatbelt. He stopped mid-stride pacing the sidewalk to the fountain. Then he spotted Leah. The light wind made her hair from her ponytail float. The silver moon, like a new-stamped coin, streaked through clouds illuminating her.
He inched closer, staring as she ran her fingers through the water and gazed into the fountain. Did she wish for love as the others did according to the legend? While he never took the fable seriously, he wouldn’t mind giving it a go, if it meant spending the rest of his life with the woman who stole his heart. The notion made him breathe like a sea at rest.