Page 78 of A Match Made In Fall

“I’m not ready to let you go either,” she whispers. “But I’m scared.”

The honesty in her voice cuts like I’m being stabbed in the stomach. I reach over and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I’m terrified too,” I admit. “Everything in my life just changed overnight. But if you’re willing to try, then I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work.”

She closes her eyes, and my heart practically beats out of my chest as I wait. I don't want to pressure her into deciding about anything tonight, but every part of me hopes she'll tell me she's all in.

Before either of us can say more, I lean back and force a smile.

“You know,” I say, changing the subject, “we've both been working nonstop today. Let's finish dinner and then drive out to Marlow's for dessert.”

“We've been working nonstop?” she teases, laughing through her tears.

“Okay, fine. You've been working. I've mostly been in the way, confused about what to do. I’m very grateful for your list making skills.”

She laughs. “Thank you. And I’d love to go to Marlow’s.”

I lean forward and press a soft kiss to her lips.

The rest of dinner passes a little easier. She never gives me a definite answer about our future, and part of me wishes she would. But as I watch her smile across the table, I realize that's okay.

This is a lot to ask of anyone. Hopefully, she'll decide to take the leap with me because I know I’m ready for a future with her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ISABELLA

My alarm buzzes, pulling me from a deep sleep. As I open my eyes I stare at the ceiling, trying to remember what day it is. And then it hits me—Austin leaves for California this morning.

The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, packing, planning, and spending as much time together as we could squeeze in. It’s been wonderful but so draining. And today already feels even harder than all the physical activity.

We haven't talked about what comes next since our conversation a few nights ago when I admitted I was having doubts about a long-distance relationship. Austin was incredibly patient and understanding about how I was feeling. He didn't pressure me for an answer or try to convince me otherwise.

Since then, we've been living in the moment. But I know he's waiting for my answer. With a sigh, I force myself out of bed and get ready. There's no point dragging my feet, because it won’t stop time or change the next few hours.

I put on a flannel shirt, a pair of jeans, and my favorite boots. After brushing my hair, I gather it into a ponytail. I’m not going to bother with eye makeup, because there are going to be a lot of tears today.

I find my parents in the kitchen. They're always up early, so it isn't much of a surprise. The smell of fresh coffee fills the room as they go about their usual morning routine.

"Morning," I mumble.

My mom immediately looks up and gives me a sympathetic look.

"Oh. How are you this morning?" Before I can react, she's wrapping her arms around me.

"I'm okay."

She squeezes me tighter. "Mom. I can't breathe."

She finally loosens her grip, but only slightly.

Across the kitchen, my dad looks up from his phone.

"When is Austin heading out?"

My mom shoots him a look. "William, could you be a little more sensitive?"

"What?" Dad asks, genuinely confused. "I was just asking."