My What if Christmas Wish

Chapter 21

All Patrice wanted was to be in Adam's arms. Flashbacks of her vivid dream ran through her mind. As she gazed into his eyes, she saw their children. The family they'd created was beautiful, but it wasn't real. Patrice's heart wrenched missing Hannah, Junior, and... their unborn child.

"Then when I saw you at the restaurant," Adam continued, "I had flashbacks too."

She raised an eyebrow. "You did?"

"Why wouldn't I?" He sprung to his feet and paced the hardwood floor.

Patrice swallowed hard.

Adam proceeded. His tone wasn't as intense. "When I saw you, I thought... why didn't I fight harder to convince that girl to marry me? I wasn't going force you to be with me. I didn't want you resenting me later."

She reassured him, "I wouldn't have. I know that now," Patrice reassured him.

Adam still didn't look convinced. "Do you?" he asked sharply.

Her eyes narrowed at him. She jumped to her feet. "Why are you snapping at me?"

He argued. "I have every right to snap at you, Patrice! Do you realize how much you hurt me?"

"I know! How many times do I have to say I'm sorry?" Patrice shouted.

"Until I believe you!" Adam exclaimed.

"If you came here just to make me feel worse than I already do, then why don't you just—"

Adam covered her lips with his. She wanted to push him away. Her own anger boiled, but she welcomed the kiss instead.

Patrice nearly melted in his arms but managed to stay on her feet. Adam seemed to release all his frustration through their kiss. She heard so much in their silence. His arms encircled her waist as she hugged his neck.

Then he picked her off the floor. Her feet dangled in the air as her lips pressed to his. As her heart fluttered in her chest, Adam broke the kiss and set her back on her feet. He leaned in and pressed his forehead against hers. Patrice gasped for air only to hear him chuckle.

"What about your wife?" she breathed. She couldn't believe herself. She didn't plan to kiss him, but he caught her off guard. She was lost in his touch. What am I doing?

"Patrice... I'm not married," Adam corrected her.

Her eyes widened as she stepped away from him. "I don't believe you."

Adam showed her his left hand. He wasn't wearing a ring. I didn't even notice.

"I didn't marry Danielle," Adam stated.

Patrice remained in disbelief. She reminded him, "I thought you said you loved her."

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Adam commented. His smile gave him away. He then shook his head and put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

"As it turns out, I'm still in love with my old girlfriend." His smile grew. "I forgot I wrote you this letter. After reading it... I knew I couldn't go through with the wedding," he explained.

Patrice returned to her couch. Her thoughts raced. Adam sat beside her.

"How did Danielle take the news?" she wondered. She hated being responsible for their break-up.

"Danielle was feeling pressured by her parents to settle down. She wasn't ready to get married. She wanted to call it off anyway and focus on her career at her father's company," Adam shared with her.

"I'm sorry."

"I understood. In a way, it reminded me of you. Danielle didn't want to lose her dream trying to please her family. It was us all over again, and I didn't want to repeat past mistakes. Her decision to call if off only confirmed the feelings I still have for you."

Patrice's gut wrenched with guilt. She wanted to be happy that Adam was here with her, but hated the way everything unfolded. "I want to ask what about us but—"

"What about us?" Adam smiled.

She playfully hit his arm. He laughed.

"Adam Chambers!" Patrice squealed.

He replied, "I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but I know what I want. I've known for a long time. I want you, Patrice. I should've found you sooner."

"I'm so sorry, Adam," Patrice apologized, "maybe if I—"

"Patrice we're past that okay," he said. "What we need to decide, is can we build something from here. Sure we're different people now, but this," he gestured between them, "is still here."

"I'd like to try."

He agreed, "Me too."

She asked. "Can you forgive me, Adam?"

"I already have Patrice," he replied, sincerity evident in his voice.

Patrice pressed her forehead against his. "I love you."

"I love you too," he responded. He kissed her again.

"Is it too late to say Happy New Year?" She mumbled in between his kisses.

Adam chuckled. "No, Happy New Year."

Patrice cupped his face and kissed him once more, never wanting the moment to end.