Page 51 of Finding Home (Willow Valley #1)
FIFTY-ONE
EVERETT
G rayson and Hannah are heading home today, so we came to Chloe’s parents’ for breakfast and to say bye before they leave.
Grayson, Hannah, Chloe, and I end up on the back porch with our coffee after we finish eating.
Hannah and Chloe talk about their New Year’s plans.
I love seeing how relaxed they are as they talk.
I make a mental note to ask Chloe about planning a small trip to the city to visit them sometime in the summer while she and Lila are out of school.
While Hannah and Chloe talk, Grayson turns to me and says, “So, you got her to talk.”
“Yes and no. By the time I went to talk to her, she had already worked through a lot of things on her own. Last night, she mentioned she had come here and talked to you and Hannah. I think that was huge for her. She still looks at you as a role model.”
He nods. “She wouldn’t have come to the decision she did if you hadn’t have given her a reason to.”
“She’s easy to love.”
Grayson offers me a soft smile. “That she is.”
Lila runs out and climbs into Chloe’s lap, and I smile at her as I sit and take in the five of us, letting it all sink in that I’m surrounded by family.
Grayson looks at his watch and says it’s time for them to go. We follow them through the house and out front where he shakes my hand and pats me on the shoulder.
Hannah hugs me. “You two are great together. Can’t wait for the wedding.”
She pulls a small laugh from me, but I don’t deny her words, and she winks before following Grayson out.
Chloe stands on the front porch, watching them until their car is down the driveway and out of sight.
I tip my chin towards the back of the house, and we walk together while Lila is inside with Melanie.
We walk in silence until we settle in the chairs overlooking their property. A cluster of trees separates the house and backyard from the rest of the property. It’s a peaceful view.
I look at Chloe, and she’s watching me apprehensively.
“We’ve had a big week,” I start, and she nods.
“We’ve both experienced things we never thought we would.
I want us to have everything, and I know we talked yesterday, but I need to make sure we’re on the same page, because as much as you’ve said I can crush you, you can do the same to me.
I’ve never loved someone the way I love you.
I didn’t fall in love with you. Falling is too accidental.
You trip and fall. I dove into love with you, full force, knowing what I was getting myself into.
Knowing I was giving you a part of myself that no other person who has ever walked this earth has had.
I will love you until my last dying breath, but I need to know you won’t leave like you did.
I need to know that no matter what happens, you’ll sit and talk to me.
I asked this of you yesterday and I need to repeat it, because I see a life with you.
Not just the present, but the future, and I need to know you’re in it with me.
With Lila. The three of us, as a family. ”
I’ve laid myself out for her one more time, knowing we need to have this conversation when it’s not the first time seeing each other after major decisions and feelings have been put out there. We’ve both had time to settle more.
She slides closer, her gloved hand finding my arm as she wraps herself around it and looks up at me, her eyes full of softness and genuine love.
“I’m done running scared. I’m not saying it’s always going to be easy, but if you promise to be patient with me, I promise not to run. You, Lila, and me, we’re a team. A family.”
I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose, and she leans into my side.
As we take in the sounds of everything around us, peace settles over me.
When I first returned to Willow Valley, I never thought I would have found what I did with Chloe.
I never thought I’d find a place or person that felt like home, but I did with her. With her everything feels right.
Lila comes out and joins us, settling between us, and I’ve never felt so content as I do with my two girls. I know the road ahead may be filled with ups and downs, but as long as it’s the three of us against the world, nothing else matters.