Page 109 of Easy Reunion

Chapter 43

Kelsey

“Ilove him,” I mutter as I step off the plane onto the jetway where my plane landed at Savannah-Hilton Head International airport late that same day. “I swore I’d never come back to this city, yet here I am.”

Wheeling my carry-on bag quickly through the airport, I make my way to baggage claim. With a sense of déjà vu, I scan the crowd for the driver holding the device with my name on it.

I approach him, and we’re soon on our way toward Skidaway Island.

Where I can see for myself the damage this city truly caused not just to my life but to that of the man I love.

* * *

Pulling up to the gatehouse,I pull out my identification and hand it over. “Kelsey Kennedy here to see the Perrault family, please.”

“One moment.” I’m grateful now for Lisa calling her father when seconds later, my ID is handed back. “Follow the street straight until you reach your first left. The Perrault residence is straight back, Ms. Kennedy.”

“Thank you.” Something is driving me to get to Ry quickly. Rolling up the blacked-out window, I relay the instructions to my driver.

Within minutes, the car’s pulling up to a four-story brick home that manages to give the impression of warmth despite the enormous size. I wait for the driver to come around and open my door before sliding out. Holding one hand to my forehead, I tip my neck back as far as it will go as I take in the house that nurtured Ry to become the man he is all while holding his secrets with such a grip, he’s never healed.

I’m so absorbed in my study, I don’t hear the footsteps on the flagstone next to me. It isn’t until I hear a deep voice say, “I was hoping we’d have a chance to meet before Ry came rushing out here,” that I whirl around and get shocked to the core.

If I want to know what Ry will look like in thirty years, all I need to do is stay where I am at this moment. His father is an older, more distinguished copy of him, even down to the blue of his eyes. “Considering Ry’s told me a great deal about you, Kelsey, I always hoped to meet the girl who inspired my son fifteen years ago,” he continues, oblivious to my shock. “Instead, I get to meet the woman he loves.”

“I’m not so certain I should be here. I ran out of the house without thinking.” My voice comes out in a tight rasp.

“What on earth makes you believe that?” Pierre Perrault tips his head to the side in a way that reminds me so much of Ry, my heart aches.

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, I hear, “Maybe you should let me take it from here, Dad.” I turn, and there he is. The fall breeze is ruffling his overlong hair. His lips are curved softly, but it’s his eyes that make me want to burst into tears. His blue eyes are missing the clouds that have overshadowed them since he told me exactly what happened. Ry’s father slips away to give us privacy.

“Surprise,” I whisper weakly.

He shakes his head. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“There was no choice.”

“What do you mean?” Confusion starts to edge in.

Here’s where I risk it all. Everything. Taking a deep breath, I rush my words. “You left because you needed to face your pain alone. I came because I thought you needed me, but what if you don’t? What if I misunderstood everything you said? What if…”

Cutting me off, he growls, “Get over here.”

“I’m afraid to move,” I admit.

“You’re afraid of nothing—nobody. You’re unconquerable.”

I shake my head because I know that’s not the truth. Ry’s face softens.

“Well, that’s true when you’re with me because I feel the same way when I’m with you.”

A hiccuping sob escapes my throat as I start to move forward. He meets me partway. “How long are you here for?” he whispers against my hair.

“As long as you want me.” I burrow against his neck. I can smell the soft scent of his aftershave next to the still-damp strands of his hair.

His arms squeeze. “Then you’re not going anywhere.” His voice holds a note of satisfaction.

I nod blindly. “I’m pretty certain the driver was cursing my name when he hefted my bag. I don’t know how much I threw in there,” I admit.