Free Unexpected Changes by A.M. Willard

on the design, he starts to explain. “You and I are connected. This … this is our hearts intertwined into one. It’s the meaning of the love that we have for each other. Tell me you didn’t get this because it means as much to you as it does to me?”
    “It does but …” I try to finish my sentence, but Carter picks this moment to kiss me.
    “I’m going to shower, and you’ll either join me or take one in the spare bathroom. You’re staying here tonight. I told you once and I’ll tell you again: you belong here with me. When you’re here, no ifs,” he says as he turns to walk away and out of the room.
    Falling on the leather couch, I let out a long sigh. I have to choose, at this moment, do I stay and fight with him, or walk away forever?
    I down the dark amber liquid from my glass and welcome the burn. I’m not much of a whiskey drinker, but it’s needed.
    Locating my phone, I glance down the hall to make sure Carter is still gone.
    On the second ring, Angela answers, “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing, listen I don’t have much time and I need your help.”
    “Go ahead,” she says and I hear her handing Graham to Logan and explaining it’s me on the line.
    “Listen, while you do that, I might run out of time. I showed up in Seattle to kill Carter, ended up having sex with him in his gym, and now I’m here and he wants me to stay and forgive him. What do I do?”
    “That’s easy. Do you love him?”
    “I used to think I did.”
    “Not an answer, Tabitha. Do you or don’t you?”
    Whispering, I say, “I do, but I’m afraid.”
    “That’s what being in love does to you. You’re scared you’ll never find another love like his. You have to let people in and trust again. Yes, it’s shitty what he did, but I have heard he’s free. It was only a matter of time before he came to you.”
    “True, but that still doesn’t answer the question.”
    “I can’t answer that for you, only you can. Do you remember when I was lost and confused about Logan?”
    “Yes.”
    “What did you do? You talked sense into me and told me to follow my heart. I’m pretty sure you would have tried to talk me into leaving with the mailman if that meant me leaving Christopher.”
    Laughing at her comment, I say, “I would’ve and you know that. I want that one true love, Angela, but it’s not easy.”
    “Nothing in life is easy, Tabitha. One day at a time. It’s late, relax and talk to him, but keep your legs closed.”
    “Ha, funny, and I plan to.”
    “Good, because I have it on good authority that you have not been to see Frank in a while. So by your words, you need to tame the circus when you get home. Also, fix your hair and pamper yourself.”
    “Who am I talking to? What has that baby done to my friend?” I ask as I’m in a state of shock.
    “Turn-around is fair play. You gave me hell, and I plan to dish it right back to you, babe.”
    “Well, what I plan to do is hang up on you now. Love to Graham,” I say as I hang up and shake my head. Logan and that little prince changed her, but for the better.
    “Okay Tabitha, here’s what you’re going to do. Shower, dress in something comfortable, and talk to him. No rash decisions need to be made tonight,” I say as I head to the spare bedroom.

    Carter
    As I walk down the hall, I stop in front of the spare bedroom and hear the water running. Relief washes over me. I’m thankful she decided to stay. Looking up towards the ceiling, I send a thank you to the one above.
    It’s late and I’m not sure if Tabitha has had dinner or not, so I head to the kitchen. I’ll make a couple sandwiches and hope that she will eat one of them.
    Still not sure if she’s ready for everything and whether or not I should lay the cards on the table this evening, I’ll just follow her lead this time and try to slow it down.
    If it were left up to me, she’d be on the back of my bike headed to the courthouse to become officially mine.
    She’s not the only one with