32. Robert

Chapter thirty-two

Robert

We get out of the car. As I reach for Sara's hand, she grabs mine, holding it tightly. I don't ever want to let it go. We make our way to the elevator, and I press the button for the top floor. As the elevator goes up, I look out the glass front. The skyline's a brilliant blue and gold against the dark sky, and I smile.

"Wonderful view."

"Yeah. I wanted to bring you here because I wanted to make tonight special."

"I see. And it couldn't have waited till the weekend?"

"'Course not," I retort, pulling her against me. "I don't want to wait because I know I won't have as much time, once you start school."

The bell dings, and I guide Sara down the hallway. I grab my keycard and push it through the slot when we reach the door. As we step inside, I throw the lights on and Sara's eyes take in the sight.

"Geez! Do you own this place too?"

"Yep," I reply. "This is another property that I have."

"So, like, how many places do you own?"

"Three. I only come out here on special occasions. Come this way."

I walk over to the door and turn to face her. Sara brushes past the red sectional and the deep blue lacquered dining room table, approaching the glass door that I open for her and we go outside.

"That's—"

Her eyes look toward the hot tub and the outdoor sofa and table on the balcony. I chuckle, nodding.

"Yes. I got the penthouse here, so I have more than enough room for all the bells and whistles."

"Yeah, I can tell."

Sara sits on the sofa and looks up. I check the hot tub's temperature, ensuring it's still running. It is, much to my relief. I join her on the sofa, our bodies pressed to each other as we look at the night sky.

"It's so pretty out here."

"It is," I say, staring up at the night sky. The stars glitter and glow.

"I brought you out here because tonight there's supposed to be quite a meteor shower. Sure, we could've seen it at the sanctuary, but out here, you can't beat it."

Sara's eyes look up, glued to the glowing sparkles that decorate the air. Meteors move quickly, twinkling in the sky, almost like a blip in a moment.

"Whoa . . . ."

I wrap an arm around her, holding her body against mine as I sit back, sighing contentedly.

"It's beautiful. I come out here whenever there's a phenomenon like this. It's the prime location. You're right on the water, so it reflects off it to give a beautiful image. Plus, there's not as much light pollution compared to back in the city."

"I can see that. The sanctuary also has a bunch of trees, so it's not like you can see everything as clearly as this."

"Indeed."

We bask in the show, taking in the moment together. Still, there's something I want to tell her. I glance at Sara, eyes filled with curiosity and wonder. I bite my lip, wondering how I should approach this.

"Sara," I begin. She looks up curiously.

"What's the matter?"

"There's nothing wrong; it's just that soon you'll be off on your own adventures in college."

"I'm only going to be there during the day. I chose a local place so I could focus on the sanctuary. May's going to need me."

"True, and I'm excited to see how this will go."

"I am, too," she replies, looking out. "This is an opportunity for me that will change my life."

I agree. "That's what I'm excited to see. Makes me wonder just how different everything will be in the future."

She turns to me, her eyes looking around. "I don't think it'll be so different."

"And why do you think that?"

"Because it's obvious. You're not going to forget about me, and I won't forget about you. I finally get a chance to live my dreams, something I know my mom absolutely hates."

I chuckle. I've heard the stories about Sara's mom but don't know the details.

"She's actually pretty supportive of me lately, much to my surprise," she adds.

"Oh, so she's coming around?" I question.

"I guess you could say that. I guess Mom's finally realizing that I'm not a kid anymore."

I nod, looking out. In a way, I get it. My parents send me texts every now and then, asking how I'm doing and how Sara is doing. They're still not totally warmed up to the idea of her, but because they know I'm happy, they've let it go. If you ask me, at least for both of them, it's a step in the right direction.

"Yeah, that's how it is. You grow up, and then your parents realize that you can make your own decisions without having to be coddled."

Sara nods, brushing her hand to my cheek. I grip her hand, holding it tightly.

"That's exactly what it is. It feels surreal that I'm finally doing this. I like it, though. I don't feel like I'm being babied anymore."

"You're not. You're an adult who gets to live her adult life."

"Exactly," she chirps.

The skyline drapes over the horizon, and the moon appears, looking full and beautiful. We gaze upon it, indulging in the sight. Then I turn to her.

"I love you, Sara."

Sara turns, looking at me with wide eyes.

"You . . . love?"

"I sure do. It's not impulsive; I've felt this way for a while. I just couldn't wait another moment to tell you."

Sara's the only person I've ever gone to bat for and fully supported, no matter what. She's beautiful and desirable and I cannot imagine my life without her. I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it softly. She leans in, smiling.

"I love you too, Robert. It still feels surreal, being here like this and being able to actually say that to you."

"Like one of those cheesy romance movies your friend likes?"

"Gee, how'd you know," she replies.

I laugh, remembering when Katie mentioned that the first time.

"I know that we're made for each other, two souls with hearts beating as one, and I am so happy to hear that you love me as well."

"And Robert, I want you to know that this is not a one-way street. I plan to make you happy, however I can. Your happiness is just as important to me as my dreams. I want you to know that in your bones! I truly do love you completely. I've wanted to tell you that for a long time as well." Sara is staring deeply into my eyes and I feel like a man on top of the world.

I clutch her hand tighter, refusing to let her go. Sara's so perfect that if I needed to, I'd do anything to make sure that she's happy. It's what I want and what I vow to do.

"I want you to succeed, Sara. I don't care how you do it, but if nothing else, I want you to do well, to make it through school, and to follow your dreams."

She doesn't say a word. I wouldn't know what to say either if I heard this. Her face softens as she nods.

"I will, Robert. I'll do it, if only for you."

"Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself," I softly admonish her.

I grab her chin, pressing my lips to hers. She kisses me back, and I press her against the couch. The stars sparkle in the night sky, but she is my star right now. I can't get enough of her, and Sara's eager kissing is enough to make any man happy.

We stay like this, kissing and holding one another. As I pull back, I brush her hair out of her face. She's like a radiant beauty, the brightest person imaginable.

"I will be there for you, Sara. No matter what."

"I know you will. You've been here, and you won't be leaving."

"I have no reason to leave. You're right here, and you're the most important person in my life. I don't want to ever leave you."

It feels so right saying all of this. Our lips come together again. I deepen the kiss, and soon, our passionate embrace molds us together again. I never want to let her go but savor this moment together forever. As I pull back, I touch her face, her soft skin perfect against my fingers.

"I love you, Sara."

"I love you too, Robert. Now and forever."