Man of Mystery (30 page)

She opens
the door snatching the package. Deciding to hide it in the kitchen for now when he gets in the shower she will take care of it.  Brandy goes upstairs while he is still asleep, relief that her present has shown up at her doorstop.  Kind of ironic like he did so many months ago. She pulls out the coffee placing it on the outdoor patio so we can enjoy our coffee with the beautiful view outside.  It is now late summer not having many more chances to take in the fresh air once winter hits.  As she climbs back into bed next to him staring at his beautiful face memorizing every line and curve.  He is handsome wanting him to be just like this forever.  His one eye slightly opens as he grins.  She grins back “Hey sleepy head, I have coffee all ready sitting on the patio.  Would you like to join me for a cup?”

“That sounds wonderful, meet you out there in a sec.” as he gives her a quick kiss patting her on the butt.  Going onto the patio making up our coffees, knowing by now he likes his with cream and sugar just like hers.  Wondering about how much they do have in common about tastes in things.  His might be a little richer than hers but they always seem to agree on colors, styles and everything when we shop or at a museum.  It’s really been the best summer of her life.

He comes up behind kissing her on the neck sitting down to enjoy his coffee.  She sips hers smiling at him with her eyes.  Look at him intently “So, when do you think you will be back? I know you have explained the time difference is almost 24 hrs different then us and they are a day ahead of us.  It’s kind of weird thinking of you on the other side of the earth from me.” stating matter of fact.

“It’s true it is far but I’m still on the same planet.” He jokingly replies.  “I don’t think it will be longer than a week no more than two weeks.  I have too much business going on here that I can’t let it slip through my fingers.” taking her hand looping her fingers through his.  Obviously, he meant more than work business as in her business which warms her heart.  Telling him she insists on taking him to the airport even though the doctor hasn’t said it was ok to driving  yet she promises him she will go right back to the apartment with Tiffany since she will be going to the doctors with her.  She called her on her way back from her
parent’s house to inform her that she will be coming home. Part of her is thrilled because she has missed her as much as she has missed being in her company along with their favorite neighbors.  It will be nice to have some girl time together knowing she will keep her company while Nathan is away. 

Part of her is looking forward to catching up with her friends but her major play boy is leaving.  She truly loves being with Nathan more than anything but misses the time she spends with her friends too only now realizing that.  Tiffany reminds her that while he is gone it will only make her heart grow founder of being with him.  Agreeing, she is one smart person when it comes to love and relationships.

We finish our coffees asking her if she would like to join him in the shower.  Pushing him away playfully knowing if she does he will never make his flight. “I need some food in me or I won’t have any energy left to take you to the airport.” She states politely because she needs to get her gift ready for him.  Giving a longing kiss she almost wants to retract that statement but he pulls away as he heads into the shower.  Perfect, as she loads the dumbwaiter going down into the kitchen to wrap up his surprise.  She so ready to give her heart to this man and he needs to know it.  Deciding she is going to give it to him after breakfast before he gets on the plane.  She needs to see is reaction so she knows how he feels. The look in his eyes will be the 100% acknowledgement that she is doing the right thing by giving him her heart.  She is scared but she needs to know.

Brandy tucks
the package away in her purse just as she hears him step out of the shower.  Going back into his room she gets into the shower while he loads up the car with his luggage and the few things she needs to bring back to the apartment with her.  He has a few phone calls to make anyways to set up things to be taken care of in his absence.  After dressing doing her hair she wants to look her best for him today.  Seeing in his eyes the way he beams at her when she walks downstairs to head out.  Glowing with anticipation she is still nervous.  He doesn’t seem to notice to much as he locks up ensuring that she has a key to his apartment in his absence if she needs to stay here for any reason or check on things.  Nodding her head clutching her purse knowing the time is coming soon.

We stop at our now favorite coffee shop to get a bite to eat telling him that anytime he needs to call her she will answer the phone day or night.  He smiles saying he will do his best to catch her at a decent hour.  He makes sure she understands everything about driving the SUV for the first time.  He insists again that she goes straight back to the apartment with Tiffany and make it to the doctor’s appointment.  He is sorry he won’t be there for her but she tells him he has already done enough.

We get into the car, now is the time taking a deep breath before he starts the car.  Letting out her breath slowly, he turns to her noticing that she is anxious, “It’s ok babe and I’ll be back before you know it.” He looks at her worriedly.  Thinking that’s what is wrong she giggle with nervousness, shaking her head, “I know sweetie, I have something I want to give you!” handing him the package in her purse.  Looking at her puzzled he takes it.  Opening the envelope the card reads on the front ‘For My Love’ and when he opens the card our first song plays making him smile as he reads what is written inside ‘I give you my heart now and forever.  You are my life, my love, my soul’ all in her writing, ‘I love you Nathan and I haven’t had the chance to tell you so now I am doing so with something you can hold onto while we are apart knowing I will be here for you when you return.  With all my Heart I Love You, Brandy’ seeing his eyes get glassy.  She is warmed up inside feeling tears of joy start to fill her eyes as well.  He looks at her biting his lip with the biggest grin she has ever seen on his face. He is holding back tears of joy like he did when he saw her awake at the hospital her heart lurches knowing we feel the same. Putting her hand to his face telling him “Well aren’t you going to open the gift?” trying to hold back the tears of joy.  Upon opening it he exclaims at the simple beauty but she can see in his eyes he recognizes what she has given him.  She brought back the memories of our first time together in an elegantly nautical necklace made of crystal and gold.  It is hand done and fits the length of his baby finger.  It has a black cord for it to hang upon; he is overwhelmed at its exquisite design as he turns it around in his hand.

“Oh Brandy, this is the most beautiful gift I have ever received. I have never ever received a gift from the heart before and you have mine.” He exclaims as he pulls her to him kissing her with such passion she can barely catch her breath when they pull away.  “I love you so much Brandy.” As he looks at her with such joy at seeing she feels the same way finally saying the words I’ve wanted to say for a very long time. “I love you Nathan, you have my heart.” 

His hug is almost bone crushing wincing a little because her shoulder is still a sore.  He chuckles as he pulls away apologizing for squeezing her to hard.  We both wipe away tears of joy and he cups her face. “I really don’t want to leave you, just remember I will be back for you no matter what.  You are what I have been searching for all my life.  Thank you for the gift, I will cherish it forever along with this card,” As he takes the necklace and puts it over his head placing it warmly on his chest, “which will stay close to my heart until I return.” He tells her so sincerely looking deeply into her eyes.

Pulling out her necklace that he gave her which is always by her heart “Your heart will always be next to mine everyday with every breath I take.” she will truly miss him knowing now he will miss her too.  We kiss again putting his forehead to her with a heavy sigh.

“I have to go for now, but I promise I will be back for you.  It won’t seem more than the short weekend trips ok?”  He is worrying about our separation, smiling back “Just a long weekend and I will see you soon, never a goodbye.” knowing we have been together for over 2 weeks now without separation.  In her head she believes they will both be ok, she knows now he is so happy to hear that she loves him too.

He holds her hand the whole drive to the airport kissing it occasionally reviling in his warmth of affection.  We barely separate as we park; go into the airport to get his luggage checked in.  Before he heads through security he pulls her into his body kisses her longingly just like you see in fairy tales.  Hearing a slight sigh from the desk attendant who she noticed how charmed she was by him wishing she was in her shoes.  Inwardly giggle at the thought as she soaks in every last minute she has with him.

“I promise I will be back soon, I love you Brandy, and you have my heart.” He whispers so sweetly in her ear.

“I love you Nathan and I will be here waiting for you upon your return.  You will always have my heart forever.” whispering back as we slowly part hands gazing into each other’s eyes with longing.  She watches silently as he passes through security with a last glimpse he blows her a kiss as she does the same.  He is hers as she is forever in his heart.  Waiting at the airport to listen for his first flight to take off as she watches it take off into the air.  Feel like part of her has left this time compared to other weekend trips but reassured it won’t be long before her heart will be complete again upon his return.  With longing, she heads back to the car to go home to see Tiffany.

Of all the worst darn times for something like this to happen, Nathan wonders about it on the first leg of his journey home.  He has found his love and she loves him too without even knowing his true identity per say back home.  Knowing he is planning on staying low key hopefully his parents will do the same.  It will be difficult with the funeral knowing that it is probably all over the news back home.  His newly discovered life with Brandy has made him feel like a regular person which is part of what he wants for his future.  Hopefully his family will accept his new lifestyle and encourage it.  All he can do is hope.

Chapter
22

Settling back to her real home Tiffany is so happy to have her back.  We both have really missed each other.  We catch up on what is happening in town having an appointment later this afternoon at the doctor’s office.  Tiffany insists we take Brandy’s new car so she can drive which she is totally excited about.  The doctor gives her the ok to drive so she can start back at work by next Monday which she grateful for.  She needs something to keep her occupied while Nathan is away thinking she has been out for what seems like forever!

Calling into the office to tell them so which they all looking forward to her return.  Life is somewhat back to normal but she misses Nathan already knowing he will be gone for several days at least.  Needing something to keep her busy and obviously Tiffany knows that to.  She takes her out for a pedicure which always relaxes her.  We pick up some groceries and a movie for the night.  Keeping busy making dinner which is great for her to keep her mind occupied when the phone rings.  Smiling as she recognizes the number gleefully answering the phone.

“Hi sweet heart, how are you flights going so far.” she asks him happy to hear his voice.

“Slight layover in Newark, but then again that always happens.  I’m in San Fran now and my next leg will be the longest.  How is everything back home?  Did you go to the Doctors?” he asks out of concern.

“Everything went well and I am going back to work on Monday OK’d by the doctor himself.   I’m just whipping up a dinner for Tiffany and me.  We are doing a girls night with a movie.” trying to sound positive even though she misses him already.

“Great news about driving and work , I won’t be able to talk to you for a little while since my next flight is really long and the time change will be a real burden but I will call or tm you when I land so you know I made it ok?” he implores.

“OK sounds good stay safe and I love you” she is getting used to saying this to him now

“I love you too and I will be back with you soon.  Stay safe!”  Hearing them calling in the back ground to board for the next flight.  “That’s me I have to go, you will hear from me soon. I love you!” he exclaims.

“I love you too, until then.” And we hang up with a sigh.  It feels so good to finally express that she feels good inside. 
She complets dinner sitting by Tiffany with a huge smile as she glances at her.

“Girl, you have got it bad or should I say worse than the first time I said that to you.” She giggles.

“What do you mean?” glancing at her with a confused expression.

“Oh, I would say it’s called the major love bug has taken a huge bite out of you goof ball!”

We both giggle.  Yes it has.  Telling her about how she finally told him that she loves him.  She is almost in tears about how romantic it is as we hug.  She is totally ecstatic for her to finally find true love as we both think it has really happened.  She explains things are going great for her and Denny but they sometimes have major differences in opinion but they are seeing if they can work it out.  She is OK with that even though the love word hasn’t surfaced in their relationship as of yet. 

Brandy deeply hopes inside she finds what she has found in Denny or like what Mikey and Pete have found in their relationship but understanding her inner turmoil.  We snuggle up on the couch to enjoy our movie before bed.  The movie is a great distraction since she is so used to sleeping with Nathan lately it will feel lonely without him by her side.  It’s funny how she got used to waking up next to him in such a short period of time.  Just when we are about to head to bed Tiffany jumps up, “Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to give you something!” as she dashes into the bedroom to retrieve it.  She comes out with a large box with a big red bow on it.  “Tiffany, what did you buy now?” she exclaims.