Caitlin raised her face up to the darkened sky as the spray from Chicago’s famous Buckingham Fountain gently moistened her cheeks. Joshua came up behind her and put his arms around her neck.
“Happy, princess?”
“Princess. I like that name. Yes, I’m happy. I’m very happy, being with you.” Joshua locked one arm around her bare waist and kissed the back of her neck.
“You are so beautiful, you know that?” He gently blew in her ear, and she giggled.
“That tickles!”
“It’s supposed to tickle.” They joined hands and walked along the exterior of the fountain. They came upon a small child tossing coins into the fountain.
“I used to do that all the time when I was his age,” she pointed out.
“Did you ever get your wishes?”
“Not really. All I ever wished for were toys. I remember wishing for a Barbie Dream Pool once. I wished and wished and wished for it. It was Christmas of ’84 and Mama said if I were a good girl, maybe Santa Claus would bring it for me. Well, come Christmas morning, I got a Barbie Spa instead.”
“Were you disappointed?”
“A little, but let’s just say that Barbie learned to host hot tub parties.” They both laughed. Joshua reached into the pocket of his khaki pants. He put a quarter in Caitlin’s hand.
“A whole quarter?”
“Sure, why not? The more you invest, you might get your wish. Go ahead babe, wish for something. Anything you want.”
“Okay, here goes nothing.” Caitlin gently popped the coin into the fountain. She closed her eyes and made a wish.
“What did you wish for this time, babe?” She smiled up at him.
“I can’t tell you. If I do, it won’t come true.” He smiled and put his arm around her.
“I understand. It must be something you’ve wanted for a long time.”
“Yes. How can you tell?”
“Because you’re something I’ve wanted for a long time.” Joshua held Caitlin’s hands and looked into her eyes.
“Caitlin, I know we haven’t known each other that long, but there is something about you that just drives me wild. When I look at you or hold you in my arms, I get feelings inside that I just can’t describe. I love you, Caitlin Ryan.”
“Joshua, my mom always told me that when two people love each other, time isn’t a factor.”
“What did you say?”
“When two people love…”
“Two people?” She smiled shyly.
“I love you, Joshua Martinez. I knew I loved you when you carried me out of that old abandoned slaughterhouse. I was afraid to say anything until now. I thought you’d think I was some desperate young girl.”
“No, I would never think that.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “I’ve been waiting all of my life for someone like you.”
“So have I.” They stood there for a moment, gazing into each other’s eyes, soaking in the beauty of the moment, of that special night, and knowing that this magic only came with true love.
“Let’s enjoy the journey together, Caitlin Michelle.”
“Yes, definitely, Joshua Enriqué.” They kissed softly and kept on walking.
“What are you going to do about your job at the bank?”
“I was going to keep working there, but I just can’t. I tried to go back to work, but my hands got sweaty, and I felt sick to my stomach and…”
“It’s okay. I understand.” He kissed her forehead.
“I can’t go back there, Joshua. As much as I loved working there, I just can’t do it anymore. For now, Mama said she’ll take care of my health insurance, and I’ve got a nice little nest egg plus a trust fund my father left for me. But I need to find another job quickly.”
“Is there anything I could do to help you, my love?”
“Just make sure that no one else hurts me.” She wiped a tear from her eyes.
“Don’t cry baby, it’s okay.” Joshua sat her down on a bench and took her into his arms.
“I was so scared. I thought I’d never see the people I loved again. Cherren pleaded guilty, and now he’ll go to prison forever.”
“That’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”
“Yes. But I still felt sorry for him. He could’ve raped me or worse, but he didn’t. He wasn’t that bad. He took care of me. I just wonder where I’m going from here.”
“You’re going to go forward, Caitlin Ryan. You’re going to move forward with your life. And you won’t be alone. You have your mom, your brother, and now you have me. I’ll move heaven and earth to protect you. Any man who hurts the woman I love will have some serious explaining to do.” He kissed her once more. Caitlin relaxed and let all the horrible memories of the past few weeks melt away in the sweetness of Joshua’s lips and the warmth of his muscular arms.
Little did the young couple know that someone was watching them. It was far from over for Caitlin Ryan. The nightmare hadn’t ended yet.
It was only beginning….
THE END