Unconditional

Last Call

"The last page of this journal. Wow. So many pages, so many memories, so much has happened and I would not give any of it away. No redo's, no regrets."

Patricia placed her hand against the last page of her journal as she closed out her conversation with self. As she patted the page down, she felt a slight bump underneath the page. Turning the page almost ripping it, she discovered a photo. The photo was of her and Daniel on their first date. He wanted to impress her so badly, even though she was already smitten, but she wouldn't dare tell him so. She started to fill that last page as she first recalled a life changing moment that happened between Daniel and herself.

***He pulled up in a 2-door, black BMW convertible, which went perfectly with her black and white striped dress and heels. He got out of the car, greeted her, as a gentleman should, with a sweet kiss on her hand, then proceeded to open the passenger door for her. His cologne lingered just enough for Patricia to seize the moment and indulge. Patricia reached over to open the door for him as well. Daniel was shocked, since no woman of his past was ever thoughtful enough to do such a thing. He wore her favorite color...oh yes, he knew what he was doing, and he did it well.

The day fell into the night. Daniel learned that he drove best while holding Patricia's hand or resting it upon her thigh. Patricia learned that prior to Daniel, she hadn't felt safe or protected before with a man until Daniel held her hand. They shared everything...hugs, kisses, laughs, secrets, even food and Patricia, nor Daniel were the type to share food with anyone, yet with each other it came so naturally. Daniel knew he loved Patricia and Patricia knew that she did not want a life without Daniel.

Time progressed on, and as many relationships go, they hit an unexpected snag that placed a heavy burden onto their relationship. Patricia had needed some space from Daniel, from their relationship, from everything. Life was happening in a way that became overwhelming for Patricia and she started to question herself. Questioned her role as a woman, as a single, non-married mother, even questioned God. She was secluded in her own thoughts, trapped and did not understand how she got there. That was until Daniel made a surprise visit to her house.

"Wh...what are you doing here Da..." before she could complete her sentence, Daniel pulled Patricia in for a long, overdo hug and placed firm kisses onto her forehead. Patricia broke down crying, attempting to fight him off, but fell weak upon his warm embrace.

"Stop this, Patricia, just stop! I love you, okay?! You aren't picking up your phone, your online accounts are deleted, you aren't responding to my texts messages, e-mails, hell I even tried to send a smoke signal like the Natives and that didnt work!"

Patricia let out a painful laugh and just cried her eyes out. "I'm just doing my best. I'm trying. I thought...I thought maybe if I tried to leave you alone and try to be this happy family with him that...you know...th...that would make things right and you wouldn't have to deal with my baggage or my problems or..."

"Stop. Just...stop. What in the world would make you think something like that? I'm here, I'm standing strong by your side. If you feel that it's better for you to be with Destiny's birth father, then who am I to hold you back from being the family that you wish to be..." Daniel's voice broke as he uttered those words. Although he did not mean it, he knew that it would be wrong to hold Patricia back from doing what she thought was a better decision and for Destiny's sake.

"I love you, Patricia, I love Destiny as my own. If you have unfinished business with her father, then I don't want you to be torn because it wouldn't be fair to neither him or me. If you want to do the whole family thing with him then just say so. But if you want that with us, then baby changes will be necessary for us to move forward. I love you, I love you, I love you, Patricia," repeatedly Daniel stated as he handed Patricia an engraved necklace. "Always remember that. If you need me, you know how to reach me."

Daniel left Patricia in the doorway, as she looked out towards him walking away. Her legs had collapsed from under her, as she slumped to the floor in tears. She had a decision to make and knew that being on the fence or even trying to make things work with both men was dangerous. That is when she made her resolve.

"There must be boundaries set! I love, Daniel! He doesn't deserve the treatment I've been giving him. He could find someone better than me, but I can't stand the thought of that. What if Destinys father were with someone else? Would I care? I told Daniel I'm done, so I have to be DONE! There's no going back, only forward, and I must go forward with Daniel! THAT is my resolve!"

More days went by with limited contact between Daniel and Patricia. Two weeks in total.

"Daniel? I...I need this house to be a home and it's not a home without you here with us," weary, hands were shaking and sweating, her voice trailed but Patricia mustered up the courage to say what was needed.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm more than sure. I need you...we need you. I was wrong for ever being confused and...and for trying to cut off means of communication with you. I was so trapped and lost and...and..."

"Patricia let me call you right back, I'm sorry."

Patricia was dumbfounded. "I was in the middle of pouring out my heart and apologizing and he has to call me right back? Is this..is this for real?!?!"

Ten minutes had passed before a knock at the door, startled Patricia. As soon as the door slowly opened, there were over a dozen roses, a teddy bear and a smiling Daniel standing there, ready to greet her.

"Guess who's home?!" shouted Daniel. "I couldn't wait another second being away from you!"

The warmest embrace as the house was, in an instant, turned into a home.***

"He loved me through it all. I see. Then this last page of this journal is dedicated to you, my love."

"For all the differences between us, and all the forces that try to divide us, they will never exceed the power of love to unite us." My love, I have learned from you. I learned that feelings aren't meant to be ignored or denied, no matter how little or huge they may be. The feelings I have for you remind me that you are my future, my love, my husband, my best friend, simply put, my feelings remind me that you're my everything. I'm not afraid when I'm with you. I feel safe, protected, loved. When I'm inside of your arms I know that I'm home, in my safe place. I know that no harm will come my way because you will selflessly place yourself in front. Yet you're never fearful because as your Queen, I have your back and I won't let you down. We've learned from one another, have grown together as friends, confidants, lovers. I did not know that a love like yours existed, until you came into my life and picked up those broken pieces that I thought I was doomed to live with forever, but no. You made sure that I could see you, for you and see myself and even understand myself better through your eyes. Mr. Lomaz, you have done well by me and as your wife I will do my best to do well by you, always. Thank you for this kind of love...unconditional love.

The End...