Page 144 of Finally Forever
“Perfectly fine. Don’t worry.”
“But…aren’t you allergic to blueberries?”
I shake my head. “I’m not allergic.”
“What?” His eyebrows pinch in confusion.
“Blueberries used to be my favorite fruit, but…” I take a moment to order my thoughts. I don’t want him to pity me or feel bad. “When I was six, I really wanted some blueberries, so I begged Mom to get some for me. And she died in a car accident on her way back from the store.”
“Oh, no…” He runs a gentle hand along my back, soothing me.
I squeeze his arm to let him know I appreciate his sympathy. “After that, I wasn’t able to look at them without thinking of her and feeling guilty, like somehow what happened was my fault. But I didn’t want to tell people, so I just made up an allergy.”
“I’m so sorry.” He hugs me. “We don’t have to have blueberries if they bother you.”
I smile at his understanding. “Thanks, but they don’t anymore. I went to the store today, and I saw this lady and her daughter shopping together in front of the blueberry section, and I was okay. And when I heard her joking and laughing with her girl, I suddenly realized that Mom wouldn’t have wanted me to wallow in guilt. She would’ve wanted me to be happy.” I blink away the slight prickling in my eyes. “And I wouldn’t have been able to without your love and support, Nicholas. You’ve shown me it’s okay to be happy. As a matter of fact, I deserve to be.”
He kisses me on the forehead. “You are the most amazing person I know.”
“And you’re my miracle.” I lean into him, reveling in the knowledge that he’ll always lend me his strength. “I haven’t had blueberries since I was six. Want to share some of this tart with me?”
“Of course.”
He pulls out a plate and a couple of forks, and I put a large slice on the beautiful porcelain.
Then we sit at the counter, and I share the blueberry tart with the most miraculous love of my life, my heart full of certainty that our future is going to be brighter than the stars.
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