“Why were you in Georgia?”
“This isn’t going to be easy for me to say, and it’s probably going to be harder for you to hear, but after you told me your story, something didn’t sit right.”
My heart stopped. “You didn’t believe me?” How could he think I’d make up such a horrific story?
“No, of course I believed you. Please know that what I did was out of love for you, because I do love you, Lucy. I think I started loving you the day I walked into your classroom and you told me about Marcie. Your kind heart and compassionate soul drew me to you.”
“I love you, Drake,” I said quickly, needing desperately to tell him in person. But I was terrified to hear what was coming next, and completely confused about what it could have to do with Georgia. “Please tell me what’s going on.”
He looked at me and shook his head. “I can’t believe we just told each other we love each other, and now . . .” His voice trailed off as he stared unseeing at the Ferris wheel at the end of the pier.
“What? You’re scaring me, Drake.”
“Like I said, something didn’t sit right with what you told me. So I called in a favor and found out that Greg Madison didn’t die in action, nor was he missing.”
“What?” Tears filled my eyes and I stared into his.
“He’s not dead, Lucy. I found out he was near Fort Benning. He was injured, but he survived.”
My hand went to my chest, pressing against my heart as warm tears slid down my face. “Greg’s alive? Oh my God. He’s okay?”
Drake nodded. “He is, and when I talked to him—”
“You talked to him?”
“Yes, I asked him about you. At first he didn’t say much, but then he told me he looked and looked for you. He even went to your parents to get information. But of course, they didn’t have any, and he said it would be a long shot because they never liked him.”
“Because I changed my name.” I was sure I was going to hyperventilate.
Drake took my hand in his and held it tightly. “Right, because you changed your name.”
“Does he hate me?” I lowered my head but still kept my eyes on Drake.
“No, he doesn’t hate you. I think he still cares for you.”
I stared at him, speechless. What could I say that would make any sense?
“Lucy, are you okay?”
He lifted my chin with his finger and wiped my tears with his thumb. The sensitivity this man had warmed my soul.
I nodded. “I just can’t believe he’s alive and you did this for me. You told me what I needed to hear to feel better. Thank you, Drake.”
I leaned in to hug him, but he pulled back. “That’s not all I did.” Drake stood and pulled me up. He put his hands on my shoulders and kissed the top of my head.
“Abbi?”
My eyes widened as I looked at Drake, who was peering over my shoulder. He gave me a gentle nod, and I slowly turned around.
Greg. The years had been good to him. He was a grown man now, filled out, not the slight teenager I remembered. He was also taller, his light brown hair cut short and tight, and the T-shirt he wore stretched over his muscles. The military had been good to him.
“Greg? Oh my God. It’s you!”
When I threw my arms around his neck, he hoisted me in the air and spun me around, his grin as wide as mine. I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped me.
Once I was back on solid footing and Greg released me, I just stared at him. “I can’t believe you’re alive. I’m so sorry for not being there for you when you came back. When I heard you were MIA and presumed dead, I lost it.” I knew I was rambling, but didn’t care. I had years to make up for. “There wasn’t anything left for me in Colorado, so I moved. I should have contacted your family, and I’m so sorry I didn’t.”