Page 98 of My Three Hometown Alphas

I got you some chalk, so you can start on those masterpieces. You better tell your uncles to send me some pictures because I’m sure they’re going to be amazing!

I also got you some donuts and chocolate milk (it’s in the fridge). Yes, you can eat as many donuts as you want. Just tell Will I said so. Sugar doesn’t count today.

I miss you already!

Love, Aves

I wasn’t going to read the letter, but then Avery started crying as she was writing. I wrapped my arms around her from behind, and my eyes couldn’t help but scan over what she was writing that was making her so emotional.

Now, I’m going to cry becauseholy fuck.

She’s so fucking perfect for me. For us. For our whole family.

I just can’t understand how she isn’t meant to be ours for good.

With the letter finished, she sneaks out to the guesthouse to change and grab the bag she already has packed and ready for the few days she’ll be in Georgia.

I walk upstairs to wake my brothers up and find them already getting dressed.

“She’s leaving already, isn’t she?” Miles asks, pulling his shirt over his head.

I nod. “She’s grabbing her bag from her place right now.”

Will sighs so loudly it conveys everything he isn’t saying.

A piece of me wants to wake Lyla up despite how we all decided to only make her face one goodbye when Avery leaves for good. I shake my head, knowing it’s still for the best.

We all trudge down the stairs like we’re heading toward our own death sentences. Through the front window, we can see Avery loading her small suitcase and backpack into the back of her car.

All of us forgo putting on any shoes, beelining in her direction.

“Hey,” she says, slamming the hatch closed. “I was just going to come say goodbye.”

She’s holding it together, but I can tell the emotion she’s trying to conceal will boil over any minute.

“Fuck, I guess this is really happening, huh?” she says, using the hair tie on her wrist to twist her hair up into a messy bun.

Miles is standing the closest to her, so he pulls her into his arms first. As soon as she presses her forehead against his chest, her tears start to fall.

He whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh, even if it’s not her usual laugh. He kisses her, then steps back. His hands are clenching and unclenching at his sides.

She steps over to Will, who immediately wraps his arms around her. “I don’t know what to say,” she mumbles, crying harder now.

“You don’t need to say anything,” he tells her. “I know.” He takes a jagged breath when she looks up at him with her big hazel eyes. “Be safe, okay, baby,” he tells her. The strain in his voice is painfully clear.

She nods as he does his best to wipe away her tears. He kisses both of her cheeks, then her lips.

Now she’s standing in front of me, and I don’t know what the fuck to do.How the fuck do I say goodbye to her?

I was a dumbass to let her walk away the last time. Now that I’m completely in love with her, how can I repeat the same pattern?

Because it’s what’s best for her. Because this is what she wants. Because this is what will make her happy.

She falls against my chest, her back heaving as she cries. I do my best to comfort her, but I don’t really think my hand sliding up and down her back is helping.

“This is so fucking hard,” she whimpers.

I try to blink back my tears. “Yeah, it is,” I tell her.