Author Note: Song Prompt for this chapter - Faith, performed by George Michael

Sarah

By the time she reached the car, she couldn't hold back the tears anymore. She fumbled with the car keys, and they dropped onto the ground. She fell to her knees, and her body shook. Her heart was crushed under the weight of regret.

Any hope she might have harbored had been torn into a million pieces.

If only she had given Rick a chance. If only she had given herself a chance.

She stood up, grabbing the keys from the ground.

Be strong, Sarah. Be the woman your grandfather knew you could be. Don't be weak anymore. You are better than that. You are enough.

"You are enough, Sarah."

Sarah twisted around, surprised to find Rick behind her. Had she said her thoughts out loud?

"You have always been enough. When I had told you, well, almost told you that I loved you, I should have known it was too quick. Should have given you, us, more time. Should have shown you that I loved you."

"No, Rick. I was stupid!" Sarah shook her head. "I—"

"You weren't stupid, Sarah. You-you were protecting yourself—"

"I was running away, because I was scared." Sarah stepped forward, closing the small gap between them. She reached up with a hand to brush over the week's worth of stubble on his jaw. "Suits you."

Rick covered her hand with his.
"Sarah-"

"It's okay, Rick." She stepped away and wiped her face. "I hope you are happy here, Rick. My grandfather loved this place. And the work you have already done to fix the house looks amazing."

"Sarah—"

"I wish you could have met him. If only we had met sooner."

*

Rick

Rick reached for her hands and pulled her back.
"We met at the right time, Sarah. And-and perhaps, with a-a little faith, we could," he hesitated, and she looked at him eagerly. Dare he even say it?

She had broken him when he had seen her fall to the ground. He loved this woman, and he wanted to wrap her up and tuck her so tightly against him that nothing could hurt her.

"Give it another go?" She asked when he remained hesitant. Her face fell, and the spark of light faded. "It is too soon."

"Sarah, I love you. But you need time. You-you need time to decide what you really want. What you really need. And-and if it is me." He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. "You know where to find me."

*

Sarah

Sarah smiled into his chest. He smelled so good, and his warmth enveloped her like a soothing blanket. He was right. Despite everything, she needed time, though she would argue she didn't. But he had reopened the door, and she would be a fool to close it.

She snuggled in deeper, tightening her arms around him. He chuckled, and she savored the vibration against her cheek.

They stood like that for several minutes before Rick lifted her chin and kissed her. She returned the kiss, like a drunk desperate for liquor. And when it was over, she got into her car and drove away.

The image of him in her rearview mirror, smiling and waving, would be one she would carry until she returned.

And she will return...if only to close the door on the past.

Rick has given her hope and faith that they have a future together, and God willing, she was going to grab it with both hands. She loved him.

She loved him.

The End.