Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 377(@300wpm)
“When?”
“I’ll arrange it for right after your time with Chris.”
I thought about it for a minute—it would be a different experience, capturing images that maybe would make a real difference.
“How long?”
“A week, maybe two. Give me eight weeks.”
I mulled it over. Eight weeks. If I told Ally my decision, perhaps that would help her worry less. Knowing the end was in sight for the dangerous aspect of my job, she could relax a little.
“Okay. Six weeks with Chris and a couple to do your story. Then I’m done.”
He held out his hand. “Done. Do this for me and move on with your plans. Maybe travel with Alex. I am always looking for destination photos as well. I know yours would be amazing.”
Then he grinned. “And once you’re around more, I get to meet this incredible lady of yours. I know Abby would like to meet her, too.”
I nodded. I knew I was selfish, but the short spans of time I was around, I never wanted to share Ally, so she hadn’t met Sean or his wife, Abby. I needed to introduce them.
I wondered if I could convince Ally to take a couple months off and travel with me. I wanted to show her the world, take lots of beautiful pictures, and create good memories for us. Then we could come back and settle into a life together. Briefly, I pondered asking her to go to Africa with me but decided not to. I would be working, and when that happened, I immersed myself, and I would worry about her too much to be able to do my job properly. When we traveled together, I wanted to concentrate on her.
I slipped my hand inside my pocket, feeling the small box I carried in it. I’d had it for over a month. I’d seen it in an antique shop in London as I wandered around, my flight not leaving until that evening. As soon as I saw it, I had to have it. It was delicate, set in white and rose gold, and it would be perfect for her small hand. Hand-tooled with filigree and a unique design, the ring held small, round diamonds that caught the light and reflected their brilliance. It wasn’t your standard engagement ring, nor was it big and flashy. She would love it because it was special, like her.
I would love to see her wear it, too. I wanted to mark her as mine and marry her.
I shook his hand. “Eight weeks.”
I picked up Ally and took her to lunch. After we were done, we returned to the loft, and I sat her down and told her my decision. Ally stared at me, shaking her head.
“I can’t ask you to do that, Adam.”
“You’re not asking. I’m the one who’s making this choice.”
She stood, pacing the room, stopping by the window. “Based on the fact that you think I’m upset when you leave.”
The sunlight poured in behind her, highlighting the red in her hair. She was wearing one of my T-shirts again, the light showing the curves of her form underneath the thin material. She was fuller, slightly more rounded than the day I met her. She looked healthier. Now I wanted her happier—all the time.
I moved toward her, taking her hand in mine. “Are you denying it?” I looked into her eyes. “I saw you, Ally. I saw you leaning on the car, crying last time I left. It almost killed me, knowing I was leaving you like that.”
“Yes,” she admitted. “I cry. I always cry. But I knew what being involved with you meant, right from the start. You were very honest about it. You can’t give up something you love because I’m sad.”
“You’re not the only one, though. I used to get the call and be on the next plane without a thought. But now, as soon as I leave, I’m anxious to be back. I miss you so fucking much it hurts.” Cupping her soft cheek, I stroked the skin with my thumb. “I had nothing to anchor me here. But I have you now. I want to move forward. I’m ready for a different life.” I drew in a deep breath. “One with you.”
Her eyes widened. “What are you saying?”
“I want you to take some time off work and travel with me. Let me show you the world. I’ll take you places you’ve only ever dreamed of. We can discover new ones together.”
“But your work—”
I shook my head. “Sean is going to have me work with Chris. He’s a young guy eager for the next adventure, like I was—and he has a good eye. It’s his turn to do this. I want to start taking pictures so full of beauty they’ll help rid my mind of all the darkness I’ve been capturing for so long. The same way you’ve banished the darkness out of my heart and filled it with light.”