Page 67 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)

Forgiveness isn’t easy. It isn’t something that can be done overnight, but it’s something I can focus on to try to release the anger.

Forgiving someone for their actions doesn’t mean forgetting.

It only means realizing what’s been done can’t be changed and no longer allowing it to control your every waking moment.

I want to forgive the things that cannot be changed and move on with my life once and for all, but I’ll never forget. Never.

“I’ll be sure to tell Mom and Dad you both said hello.” I snicker, pulling myself away from those thoughts with hopes to change the subject.

The next morning as Mason drives me to the airport, he holds my hand as if it’s his lifeline.

I hate leaving him behind, but this is what I have to do, even if he doesn’t want to let me go.

He’s protective and has told me every day for the past week how much he loves me, and I don’t doubt it for a second.

Hearing those words feels so magical, especially considering how long he’s hid and tried to fight his feelings over the years.

I know he means them. I mean them too. I love him so damn much.

Once we arrive, Mason pulls over into the drop-off zone, and we only have a minute to say goodbye.

“I understand why you’re going, but I’m still sad you won’t be home with me every day and that I can’t protect you.

” He brushes my hair from my face as the wind picks up.

Mason sets my suitcase down and cups my face.

“I’m gonna miss you so damn much, baby.” With our foreheads pressed together, tears fill my eyes at the pain in his voice.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere.

I’ll be here, waiting for you to come back home to me. ”

I told myself I wasn’t going to cry, but I’ve been crying for a week straight, so why should I have expected today to be any different?

“I know,” I say softly. “Thank you.”

“Will you text or call me when you land, please? So I know you got there safely.” We pull apart, and I nod.

“Of course. It’s not a long flight. I’ll text as soon as I’m there, then call you before I go to bed,” I promise.

“I never got to take you on our first date, you know…” Mason says with a small smirk. “I hope we can do that once you’re back.”

“That’d be great,” I tell him honestly. Being gone for a week isn’t gonna fix me, but distance will help in the meantime.

“Okay, baby. I better go before they all start honking at me.” Mason cups my cheeks once again and slants his mouth over mine.

At first, it’s slow and testing, and then he deepens it, sliding his tongue between my lips and seeking more.

A moan escapes me as he presses his body into me, and it’s when a car tire squeals that I remember we’re not alone.

“I’ll see you on Saturday. I love you,” he whispers before pulling away.

Looking up into his gorgeous brown eyes, there’s so much sincerity in them. Mason is my whole world, and I’d be crashing down without him. Love doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe the feelings I have for him.

“I love you, too,” I tell him.

He looks so damn sad, which has me tearing up.

Mason wipes away my endless tears. “Text or call me anytime during your trip, okay?”

I nod, sniffling as I wrap my arms around him for one final hug. Then I grab my suitcase with my backpack on and head toward the sliding doors. Glancing over my shoulder, I blow a final kiss to the man who holds my whole heart in the palm of his hand.

“ I love you ,” he mouths.

I repeat his words, then walk into the airport with a new mindset, hoping I can start over for good this time.

An hour and a half after taking off in Sacramento, I land in Salt Lake City, and after grabbing my bag and texting Mason, I’m greeted by my parents.

“Sophie! We’re so glad you’re here,” my mom says while squeezing the air out of my lungs, and I wince slightly at the pressure.

“Kay, you’re smothering her. Let me give her a hug.” My dad chuckles, pulling me away. “How’re you doing, kiddo? How was the flight?”

“It was good. How I’m doing is yet to be determined,” I tell him with a small grin.

“I made your favorite for dinner tonight. Meatloaf with twice baked potatoes and corn on the cob,” Mom says as we walk through the parking lot. My stomach growls for the first time in days.

“That sounds amazing, Mom. Thank you.” I smile, also something I haven’t done in days.

I think going home was the right decision.

Walking into my childhood bedroom is like walking into a time capsule. Nothing’s changed since the day I left for college. I’ve been home a few times since then, but it feels different this time around. I’m not here for an event or wedding. I’m here for me .

“All settled in, sweetie?” Mom asks from the doorway.

“Yeah, I think so.” I take a seat on the bed. I unpacked a few of my toiletries but left most of my clothes in my suitcase. I changed into one of Mason’s T-shirts for bed because not only is it super soft and comfortable, but it also smells like him. I already miss him terribly.

“You must be exhausted today, but hopefully we can talk tomorrow?” she asks, patting my leg as she sits next to me.

“Yeah, absolutely. There’s a lot I should tell you and Dad,” I admit, feeling guilty I’ve left so much out. The last thing I want is to keep important things from them, but it’s hard to talk about it in general. Also, I didn’t want to worry them with me living so many miles away.

“Well, get some sleep. I’ll make breakfast for you in the morning, and then we’ll go from there.” She kisses my cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”

My dad stands in the doorway. “It’s good to have you home, kiddo.”

“I’m just visiting,” I remind him, chuckling. “But I’m glad to be home too.”

We say good night, and soon, I’m climbing into bed with the scent of Mason all around me.

Sophie

I’m in bed. Gonna try to get some sleep. I love you.

Mason

I love you so much, Soph. Sweet dreams!

I turn my phone on silent and roll on my side. A dream catcher I made at camp one summer hangs off my old desk and grabs my attention. I used to sleep with it every single night above my bed to keep away all my nightmares. After a minute of staring at it, I get up, grab it, and hang it on my bed.

I might be in my mid-twenties, but you’re never too old for dream catchers.