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Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open.

Oh, I hope our daughter gets that one too.

“Ash, I’ve just come to the conclusion that you and I might be a thing, and now you’re talking about a house and kids?”

“I didn’t say it would happen overnight. Don’t worry; we’re going to have plenty of time to ourselves before I fill you with the cutest little babies.” I hand her the breakfast sandwich. “Here, I know you’re hungry.”

She takes it from me and settles back in the seat. We’re quiet as we both contemplate our conversation. I hope I didn’t push it too far, but I’ve got to be up front with her from the get-go. I want a family. I don’t have a preference on how that looks. Big or small, biological or adopted. All I know is I want to share that with her.

Lexie starts to tremble, and my first thought is that yes, I did go too far. Until I catch the smile she tries to hide with her hand, and I realize she’s laughing.

“What are you giggling about over there?”

“Nothing. I was just reminiscing.” She fans herself. “So, why are we going back? I guess I assumed we’d be at the cabin a few more days.”

I reach over and take her hand in mine. “Willow called me this morning. Jackson’s mom is sick. I should have told you as soon as you woke up, but I didn’t want our trip to end on a sad note. I’m sorry.”

Her hand squeezes mine, but she doesn’t look surprised by the news.

“I’m glad we’re going back. Jackson’s going to need a good friend like you. Now that they’ve told everyone, it will be easier on Rachel.”

I’m perplexed. “Did you know about this?”

She bites her bottom lip. “I did, but I promised Raffe I would keep it to myself.”

My gaze goes from the road, to her, and back again. “I’m glad you and Raffe connected. He must have felt very safe with you to share something so private.”

Her hand rubs over her chest, and she turns away from me. “No one has ever trusted me with something so personal. It … it changed me.”

That is exactly how change happens. One minute you’re looking at the world through filters, and in a split second they’re gone.

“I suddenly realized I could be the person I wanted to be, because that girl was already there. It was like Raffe held up a mirror.”

“I understand what you’re saying. Everything becomes clearer when you tap into it.”

“Sometimes it takes me a moment of self-reflection.” She chuckles sadly and lays her head back. “I wish there was something I could do to help Rachel and her family.”

“I think you’ve already helped them by being there for Raffe, but keep your heart open because I’m sure they’ll be opportunities to show them love.”

This makes her smile.

Her heart is healing, one revelation at a time.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Lexie

Irun my finger over my dresser. Well, I guess it’s not mine. My parents didn’t give me all of my things. No furniture, only the stuff that was easily packed away in a box.

“You guys didn’t have to go to all this trouble. You could have put these boxes in storage, and I could have slept on the couch.”

Elizabeth sits on the bed. “Lexie …”

“Not that I don’t appreciate it. I do. I really do.” I twirl around the room. It’s less than half the size of my old one, but this one is better. It’s cozy. It feels like it’s filled with love. “I’m going to enjoy my time here. Thank you.”

JD grabs me by the shoulder lightly. “You’re welcome. That’s the Lexie I want to hear more from. We want you to be comfortable here. This is your home for as long as you need it to be.”

“You better put a limit on her, or she’ll never want to leave. I kinda want to be her roommate someday,” Ash teases.