Page 63

KATY

“I think I’m going to adopt Luka,” I announced later that night as we all settled down in the living room post-dinner.

Matty and Sierra stilled, their shocked eyes flying to me.

“I mean.” I swallowed, inhaling sharply. “I still have to ask Lan. I can’t do this without him, but even then, I want Luka to be mine. I’m also planning to move to New York, particularly to Mikey’s apartment next door. The place is empty since he moved in with Lily, so he should have no problem giving it to me.”

“Whoa, K, slow down,” Matty huffed. “You can’t just spring everything on me at once.”

At the same time, Sierra flashed me a wide smile. “We get to be neighbors, and I get to be Luka’s aunt. That’s the best news ever.” Her eyes widened. “I mean, not officially since Matty is just my boyfriend for now. Not that I’m saying it would change anytime soon, or I’m putting ideas in your head, Matty. I’m totally the cool, non-clingy girlfriend,” she rambled, her cheeks pink.

Matty and I exchanged knowing smiles. I knew he was going to propose soon. I helped him pick out a ring and he’s even secured her parents’ permission. He was very secretive about what he had planned. Knowing him, it must be something very special to both of them.

“You’re the best girlfriend.” Matty pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Sierra blushed.

Matty left her side and took the seat next to me. “Is this something you really want to do, K?” he asked me. “Adopting a child is not easy, but if that’s something you want to do, I’ll support you one hundred percent with or without Lan. No questions asked. I love Luka like my own already.”

“I’m sure, Matty.” My lips curved into a smile. “For the first time in a long time, I’m absolutely sure about something. I’ve always wanted to be a m-mother, and now I finally get to.” My voice cracked.

Matty wrapped his arms around me. “I’m so proud of you, Katy. You can do anything you want to do. Remember that.”

I nodded, smiling.

He was right. I didn’t want to fit into a perfectly manufactured version of how life should be.

Instead, I’m going to do what I want.

I wanted Luka and I wanted my Lan back.

I wanted my second chance at a family again.

“Thanks for doing this, Mikey.” I slid him a smile as he opened the door.

“Anything for you, K,” Mikey said, rolling my one lone suitcase inside his apartment. Well, now my apartment.

Only last night I requested his apartment and he already had it fully cleaned and ready for me to move in.

“You don’t really need to get anything, K. I never used half of the shit,” Mikey explained.

It was similar to my brother’s, only the orientation was different with the living room and kitchen attached. The livingroom was expansive, with white marble floors, sleek modern furniture, and full-length windows to the left.

The kitchen continued the muted gray and white tones to the right. It was fully equipped with polished marble counters and shiny cabinets.

“Which room do you want to take, K? How about mine?” He grinned. “I have the best bed.”

I didn’t have it in me to roll my eyes. Ignoring him, I trudged down the hallway between the kitchen and the living room. I poked my head inside all the five bedrooms and for some reason, forgo the master and chose the smaller one in the middle.

“I like this one,” I muttered, my eyes roaming over the soft brown decor. It felt warm and I needed some warmth to soothe my cold insides.

“Done.” Mikey dragged my suitcase and carefully laid them on the table by the bed.

“Thanks, Mikey,” I whispered softly.

He hugged me goodbye and I lingered, basking in his strength for a second.

“Welcome home, K,” he muttered, smiling softly. His thumb dragged along my cheek as his green eyes met mine. “Whatever it is, it will be fine,” he whispered. “Nothing painful lasts forever.”