Page 61 of Beneath the Blue Moon

***Ethan***

My poor baby. She’s so strong yet so fragile. I’d give my

life to take away her pain. Her guilt about her mother and her sense of

responsibility toward her father undoubtedly weigh her down. She bears it and

carries on. I’ll do my damnedest to alleviate, if not eradicate, her worries. Pulling

my jacket tighter around her shoulders, she lays her head on the truck’s window.

“Come here.” She looks over at me like a hurt child before

sliding closer. I curl my arm around her as she rests her head on my chest. “I

want you to meet my family.”

“You do?”

“Of course. Next week, my whole family is coming to my place

for a Fourth of July barbecue. You’ll get to meet everyone then.”

“Okay.”

“They’re all going to love you.”

“You think so?” she asks.

“I know so.”

“I don’t know… Your parents look a little intimidating.”

“My mother is a little… difficult, but you’ll probably win

over my dad without a word.”

“How do you figure that?”

“Because you’re a beautiful minx who gives me mini heart

attacks when I see the way guys look at you.” My heart jumps at the sound of

her soft giggle. She hasn’t even smiled all morning. A small victory, but a

victory nonetheless. “You’ll have my brothers eating out of your hand.”

Draping her arm across my stomach, she sighs, making no

attempt to move when I park in front of her house.

“You’re home.”

“I know.”

“Look at me.” She turns her face toward mine and blinks up

at me innocently.

“I’m here for you. Let me be here for you. I’m not

going anywhere.”

“I know.” She nods. “I know.”