Wait for Me

by Tia Louise

If I’ve learned anything about

this life, it’s that it does what it wants, and the best we can do is buckle up and hold on.

She looks at me like she feels the same way I do… like we’ve found something special. Like I’m the best thing she’s ever seen. Like the world has shifted and everything’s different. I want her dreams to be my dreams.

Our kisses are hungry, demanding—fueled by every touch denied, every tease wasted, every time we’ve come so close only to push apart.

He’s my first love. He’s my first real kiss. He’s my first everything…

“You kiss me, and I forget everything.” My hand is on his cheek and when our eyes meet, we smile. “I’m just the opposite. I start getting ideas.” He gives me that bad-boy wink, and I start to laugh.

My eyes flicker up to his, and he smiles. “Noel Aveline LaGrange.” So much love is in his eyes, it takes my breath away. “You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” Dark lashes frame his pale eyes, and I slide my thumb over his full bottom lip. “You’re the prettiest boy I’ve ever seen.” That gets me a sexy smile. “Can boys be pretty?” “You can.” Scooting closer, I put my chin on his shoulder. “I’ve never been so happy in my life.” “I’m pretty happy, too.” His arm tightens around me. “I wish…” His voice trails off, and my chest aches. I know what he wishes. It’s what I wish for every night he holds me as we sleep. I wish he weren’t leaving. I wish we could be together always. I wish the best things in my life didn’t always seem to end. I wish our love would last. Lifting my chin, I meet his earnest gaze. The lights flicker in his eyes like a million promises we have yet to make.

Our breath rises and falls together. Don’t let go…

another day is the best we get, another chance to try again…

Family doesn’t stop going just because you can’t see it. Family is something that is unbreakable, forever. It’s in the trees, stretching up to the heavens. It’s tradition and laughter and love.