First, I need to apologize.
It's been four years since I have updated this story, and I am so sorry for that. I don't have any explanation simply other than life.
So, I have selfishly kept my secret version of how Rachel and Taylor's life has played out, and I think I owe it to you guys to share (ya'll have waited long enough!)
Without further adieu, I give you the next chapter to Helplessly in Love: Forever and Always
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I can't remember how long it's been since I have just had the time to sit down and reflect on my life as an adult, on the things I have accomplished over a period of thirty years.
In thirty years, I have met the love of my life, married him, graduated from college, had two beautiful children, made a clothing line of my own, released three studio albums, all of which have been in the top ten of the Billboard 100, while managing to hold on to my sanity.
There has been so much on my mind lately that even now as I try to process it all, it seems unreal to me that everything hasn't been as perfect as it seems. A huge punch in the chest, is a better way to describe it.
"Are you sure you need to leave, honey," Taylor asked me for the thirteenth time this morning. "You know how much I missed you the last time you went on a trip," he smiled, teasingly.
"I'm sure," I said, for the thirteenth time. "I'll be back before you know it."
I kissed my husband on the cheek and hugged him tight before walking into Alex's and Jessica's bedrooms. They were both sound asleep, given that it was just after three in the morning. I would've woken them up, but Jessica would've undoubtedly thrown a tantrum, which would've upset Alex. I kissed them several times all over their sweet faces, wrapping their blankets a little tighter around their sleeping bodies.
After closing the doors behind me, I went to find my purse and make sure I had everything I needed for my flight in a couple hours.
Taylor grabbed my suitcase and carried it all the way to the car for me, putting it in the trunk and closing it gently. After he closed it, he looked at me the way he looked at me nearly eleven years ago, when we first met. The way that made my heart melt and made all my doubts and insecurities disappear. If only for a few moments....
I sighed, walking over to him and wrapping my arms around his waist.
"I love you," I whispered softly into the darkness of the early morning. I felt him kiss the top of my head, holding me even tighter.
"I love you more, Rachel," he told me, tilting my head up to kiss me deeply, passionately, desperately, as if he won't be able to do it for the next five days. I pulled away after a while.
"You okay?" he asked me, concern etched in his voice.
"I'm gonna be late," I laughed nervously, untangling myself from his tender embrace. I already felt cold where his body was just pressed against mine. I got inside the car and started it, reaching for my phone so I could let Kendra know I was on the way.
"Call me when you land, okay?" Taylor said.
I nodded, smiled faintly, and drove off away from our beautiful home.
Before I arrived at Kendra's house I had enough time to cry a little bit. I didn't cry for one specific reason, it was several things all at once. For so long, I have tried to be the rock of my family, the one holding everything together. My kids are my everything and I love them so much, but lately it seems like my career has been too demanding of my time.
