“Now that I’ve got you back, I’m never letting you go.” His hands tighten like a band around my waist. Maybe this should scare me. Maybe we should take it slow. But I can’t help but think our entire lives have prepared us for this moment. I’m committed to this man and our relationship because he brings out the best version of me. For the first time in years, I’m excited for everything the future holds.
40
Chase
Alicia amazes me with her steadfast strength. She deals with her alcoholic mother, attends regular AA meetings for support, and takes care of our son, all while grieving her father’s death.
I am with her every step of the way.
I hold her hand at the funeral.
I’m by her side when she invites Lucía for dinner afterward.
I bear witness to the hard moments and all she’s overcome.
I am proud of her, but most of all I’m impressed with her vulnerability. Of how she works to accept her imperfections and freely receive love. It’s an honor to be a part of her journey.
Today is proving to be one of those hard moments. It’s time for Simon to return to London, and I know how much Alicia is going to miss her friend. Matthew, too. Hell, even I’ve grown used to having the guy around.
Alicia insists we all pile into the truck to drive him to the airport. I don’t mind, even if the car ride is filled with stilted conversation. By the furrow of Simon’s brow, he’s not excited to leave either. We pull into one of the drop-off zones and Alicia gets Matthew out of his seat while I pull the bags out of the truck bed.
Simon comes around the back to take them from me, and extends a hand to shake. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Thank you.” I clasp his hand and pull him in for an embrace. “Thank you for taking such good care of my family.” I’m surprised by the wave of emotion that hits me. I step back, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Don’t be a stranger. Come back and visit anytime.”
“Thanks, mate.” He grins then turns to hug Alicia. Matthew is balanced on her hip, his toy truck gripped tightly in one fist. He giggles at being squished between their arms. His innocence is heartbreaking. He has no idea one of his favorite, most trusted people is about to be gone from his everyday life.
I notice Alicia’s shoulders shake before she pulls back from their hug.
“Hey, no tears,” Simon warns. “You’ll make me cry.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” She sniffles. “I keep thinking about you not being here, and how much Matthew’s going to miss you, and I . . .” Her eyelids blink rapidly, but it’s no use. A few tears fall in spite of her best efforts.
“There, there.” Simon hugs her tightly and rubs her back. His eyes clench as if he’s fighting back his own tears. “This isn’t good-bye.”
“You’re right. You’re going to visit.”
He smiles his crooked grin. “I might even make it back here for school.”
“I hope so.” She leans into my side as I step close. “Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
Simon reaches out to ruffle Matty’s hair. “Mate, you take care of your mum. Be a good boy.”
“Goo’ boy!” Matthew grins.
“That’s right.” Simon blinks and then looks away. His chest rises with a ragged breath before meeting Alicia’s stare. “I better go check in. Don’t want to miss my flight.” Simon meets my gaze. “You take care of these two for me. They deserve the world.”
“I will. I promise.”
“All right, then.” Simon stoops to lift the strap of his bag over his shoulder. “Send me lots of photos. I want to see this bugger grow up, even if it’s miles away.”
Alicia nods, her tears falling freely down her cheeks. I’d be jealous, but it’s clear their relationship is strictly that of best friends. We wave and wait until he’s inside before piling back into the truck.
It’s not until the airport is in the rearview mirror that Alicia composes herself enough to speak. “That was really hard.”
“I know.” I anticipated she would need something to lift her spirits, but now I’m second guessing my plan. “I, um, thought maybe we’d need some cheering up. Do you feel like making a stop before we head home?”
“Ice cream?” Her eyes light up.
“No.” I chuckle, reaching for her hand on the center console and giving it a squeeze. “But maybe after we can hit that up.”
“Oh? I’m intrigued.”
“I had a realtor pull a few listings for us.” I glance from the traffic to her face, praying her reaction is positive. “Thought maybe we could check them out. At least to get an idea of what you like or what neighborhoods we might want to buy in.”
“Are you serious?” I can’t tell if she’s mad.
“We don’t have to go if you’re not up for it.”
“Chase!” Restrained by her seat belt, she still manages to throw herself at me. Her smile and kisses fill me with contentment. “Who needs chocolate and flowers when you can shop real estate? Thank you.”
“Really?” At the stop light I turn to meet her stare. “It doesn’t scare you? Because I’m not trying to pressure you. We don’t have to do anything more than look.”
“I’m excited to find a place together. We’ve waited too long to start our lives, and I’m okay with fast tracking it. I know what I want. I know it includes you.”
I don’t know how I got so damn lucky. The road we’ve traveled hasn’t been without pain and suffering, but we’re here now—together—an imperfect family who is willing to stay and face the hard stuff.
She’s my lover. The mother of my child. My home. She carries a piece of my heart and I’m ready to face the next chapter of our lives—together.
Epilogue
Alicia
Two months later
Hindsight is funny. There have been so many times in the
