Page 193 of Chalk Outline

Her expensive pair of stilettos clicks against the floor as she approaches me.

“Grandma.” I look into her eyes with tears in mine.

“Damn right.”

I chuckle, tugging her to me and hugging the hell out of her. “I missed you so much.”

She wraps her arms around me, tucking me close to her warm body. “Oh, sweetie. You are my world. So are you, kid.” She gives Reeve a gentle tug of love, smirking, and he breaks into a smile. “Did you get all your answers?”

We look into each other’s eyes, understanding flashes within them.

“Yeah,” I reply with a small grin, as Reeve stumbles and leans on me for support.

She arches a brow. “Is he…?”

“High,” I confirm, and she gives him a pointed look.

“I don’t have the patience for this because you all look like donuts right now, and I don’t even like them, but I want a bite.”

“Man, they gave you the good stuff,” Mitch pats his shoulder. “We should get you high more often.”

“Boss, we have to go,” says one of the pilots—a balaclava covers his face, with a skull imprint on the front. “The medical team is there.”

Grandma nods and tells us to go with him, while Braxton and Titan leave with her in the other helicopter. I take one last look at this place. My chest tightens. It seemed unimportant when we first arrived here, but I will never forget it now.

It forced me to go down memory lane and claw my way out.

I can finally leave the past behind, knowing it won’t haunt me anymore.

I’m free now.

The helicopter kicks up dust around us as we take off.

I grab a pair of wireless headsets and snuggle with Reeve as we watch the forest. Its beauty shines through every tree, down the mountains, along the flowing stream, and around the towers that hold countless memories.

A large hand sneaks around my waist, silently begging for my attention. I turn my head to Reeve, bringing my hand to cup his cheek.

“Are you okay?” I ask, taking a shuddered breath. My eyes become glossy. My lips are dry. My heart swells as I watch him mirror all my emotions.

“I am now.”

My insides scream his name over and over again.

“Can I keep you?” he whispers.

“Forever.”

We lean into each other back and forth. I giggle as I watch him struggle with himself. He huffs in frustration, then grabs my throat and presses his lips to mine. Nerves twist inside me as if it were the first time. It always feels like the first time with him, and each one feels more special. His mouth moves against mine; the kiss is slow and deep. We taste the sweet memories we’ve made and the bitter ones.

It will always be us.

A loud boom shudders through the entire forest, and I jump against Reeve. A blast wave emerges behind us. Thick smoke hangs in the air. Fires begin to spread among the trees.

The bombs.

“It’s time to leave the past behind us,” Grandma’s voice is calm and accepting.

I gulp down the sudden grief as the helicopter speeds ahead of the destruction, carrying us away from it.