Megan took a deep breath and then approached him. "I have few answers where life is concerned, but spending time with Gray Cloud last summer taught me some things. You have to seize the moment, lest it be lost forever. What I wouldn't do to spend one more day with my parents, but that is an impossible dream." She swallowed hard to push aside the sadness beginning to fill her. "Colby, you have a grand opportunity here. Please don't let your fear keep you from this."
He turned to her. "What do I say? Where do I start?"
"Say anything. Gray Cloud listens with an open heart and never judges or throws in his opinions. Though, at times, I wish he would," Megan said, snickering. "He knows what questions to ask to help you find answers, many of which are inside you."
"What if I'm not sure what I'm looking for?"
Amazed at his tenderness, vulnerability, and willingness to open up to her, she raised her hand to touch his cheek but stopped. It was too soon for such displays of affection. "Give it time," she said. "No one said you had to find the answers today, did they?"
He shrugged. "Are you sure too much time hasn't passed?"
"No," she said with a heart-felt smile. "You won't regret it."
He touched Megan's cheek. "Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," she said, putting her hand on top of his. Their smiles transcended both place and time, connecting them on a different level. Megan wondered if every moment with Colby would add more depth to their growing relationship. Now if she could only figure out what they were to each other, this summer would be better than ever.
Colby stood straighter after they separated. Warmth lingered where his hand had lain. With a deep exhale his shoulders sank, almost as if a burden had been lifted. "Wish me luck."
"You'll be fine. If you need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Megan. I knew you would help me find the right path. Talk to you later."
His long strides took him into the mountains, which led to his grandfather's house. She knew they needed time to heal the wounds, but each step would bring them closer to developing a new, healthy relationship. Her shoulders dropped with a sinking feeling stampeding her stomach. "What if Colby returns to Florida? Long distance relationships don't work." Then she laughed. "We don't have a relationship. Or do we?" She shook her head as she continued to laugh. "This was not part of my summer plans." Her laughter was more relaxed as she gazed at her surroundings. "How easy I forget. My plans mean nothing around here. Okay, I'll hold out longer and see what happens. Guess a surprise now and then does the soul good."