23. Chapter Twenty Three
23
Mia
The sun streams through the window, casting a glow on Evan as he slowly buttons his shirt, wincing slightly at the lingering pain on his side. It's been two weeks since the confrontation with Mack, and today, he’s finally going home.
"Need help with that?" I ask, entering the hospital room with Liam in tow.
He smiles, a dimple popping out on his cheek, and shakes his head. "I've got it, but thanks."
Liam rushes over, wrapping his arms gently around Evan’s legs. "Dad! Can we get ice cream on the way home?"
"Sure thing, buddy," he chuckles, ruffling his hair.
We’re making our way out of the hospital, Liam sandwiched between the two of us, and Evan’s fingers find mine. He threads them together, squeezing them, and I think for a brief moment about how normal it feels — Liam talking excitedly between us, bringing Evan up to speed on his everyday life since he’s been in the hospital, and our hands clasped together.
It’s a life I had always imagined for Liam and me, but never one that I ever thought I’d get the chance to have — and now I do.
Surreal is one word for it. Lucky would be another.
When we come to a stop beside the car, I help Liam get into his seat while Evan watches from the side, then carefully help Evan slip onto the passenger seat.
I tried to convince Lucille that she didn’t have to, but she insisted that there would be a welcome home celebration for Evan, and I’m nervous that he’s not going to want the company. Not that he doesn’t love his parents or friends, but I know things are still fresh for him, and a small party might not be the best idea.
Lucille convinced me it was a good idea, especially since she and Jeffrey are heading back home in the next couple of hours. I’m just glad that I’ve had them here since everything happened — while I went to visit Evan for a few hours, Jeffrey and Lucille kept an eye on Liam, so Kenzie didn’t have to take any more time off work.
Not having my parents here to help has been hard, and it’s only going to be harder when Evan’s parents head back home. They assured us Liam could come to spend time at their home as often as we would allow, which he was ecstatic about. It warms my heart that he’s creating bonds with everyone.
“Are you comfortable?” I ask before putting the car in reverse, my eyes trailing down Evan’s frame with a frown. “That doesn’t seem like it would be.”
He’s slouched, favoring his uninjured side, and his head is tilted at an awkward angle that makes my neck hurt just looking at it.
Evan glances at me, giving me a dazzling smile. “I’m fine, darlin’, let’s head home.”
“Don’t forget about the ice cream!”
He chuckles. “Right, the ice cream.”
It’s good to have him back, that’s for sure. I missed hearing his laugh and having his arms around me.
***
When we finally pull in front of my house, Evan glances at the cars parked outside and looks at me with a frown. “Uh, company I didn’t know about?”
“Just a few people who wanted to welcome you back home,” I say, then slip out of the car before he can say anything else.
I’m just getting Liam unbuckled from the back and placed safely onto the ground when Evan finally pushes himself out of the car and he looks at me with a small smile. “Was this your idea?”
I arch a brow and chuckle. “What do you think?”
Evan snorts, then shrugs his shoulders. “There are worse things.” He points to Liam with a stern frown. “Put that ice cream in the freezer, you hear me?”
Liam nods, flashing a gap-toothed grin at him — he managed to lose a tooth while Evan was in the hospital, which he happily told him about the next day after finding two dollars under his pillow from the tooth fairy. “Got it, Dad.”
He doesn’t wait for us before hurrying through the front door and I walk at a slow pace next to Evan as he makes his way up the cobblestone path leading to the porch.
It’s silent when we get inside, and I start to wonder if everyone is here after all, but as soon as Evan steps through the door behind me, all the lights turn on, and there’s a large banner hanging above the living room doorway.
Lucille cheers, immediately rushing over to her son and giving him a big hug. Just as I suspected, she pulls away and gives him a once over before asking, “You’re feeling okay? I told your doctor that you should have stayed an extra few days just for observation.”
Although Evan’s mother smothers him, judging by the glimmer in his eyes, I’m willing to bet Evan doesn’t care so much about it. He nods with a soft chuckle and places a hand over Lucille’s shoulder gently. “I’m good, Mom. Stop worrying so much.”
“You’re right,” she says with a heavy sigh, then claps and helps him through the entryway. “Brent left a surprise for you.”
That gets Evan’s attention, and he eyes me curiously as if I know what it is — I’m just as clueless as he is, though.
“Ah, man,” Evan groans when we step into the kitchen, and his eyes land on the baking dish sitting in the middle of the counter. “Just what I needed.”
“Lasagna?”
Evan looks at me, mouth agape. “The best lasagna I’ve ever had, nothing compares.”
Lucille swats at his chest and smiles. “I’m standing right here, you know. You used to love my lasagna.”
“Sorry, Mom,” Evan says while eagerly reaching for a clean plate and placing it on the counter. “Nothing but the truth.”
“He wanted to be here when you got home, but there were some things he needed to take care of with Carmen.”
Evan darts his attention to me, brows furrowed, and I can tell that we’re going to be having a conversation soon about what the future holds for the two of us. “That’s okay. When will you guys be heading out?”
“Your father wants to leave in the next few hours. Try to miss all the traffic.”
“Smart idea,” Evan mutters through a mouthful of lasagna. “I appreciate you staying and helping Mia out with everything.”
“It’s nothing,” Lucille says, flashing him a blinding smile — at least I know where he gets that from. “Liam is a wonderful boy. You should be proud.”
Evan’s gaze immediately lights up at her praise, and he nods. “I am. I’m glad he’s got you guys in his life.”
“You sure I shouldn’t stay a little longer?” If it weren’t for Jeffrey needing to get back to their small town, Lucille would’ve been moved in by now, I’m sure — not that I would mind, but I’ve been dying to get Evan alone again so we could have a proper talk.
“We’re good, Mom, really. You’ve done more than enough.”
Lucille's shoulders deflate, but she doesn’t say anything else while pulling a couple more plates from the cabinet and scooping lasagna onto them. She’s not going to say it, but I know she doesn’t want to leave now that they’re getting closer to Liam. That’s exactly why I’ve already got plans for him to visit soon.
***
Later, after Liam's tucked in bed, Evan and I sit on the porch swing, the night air cool against our skin.
"So," I say hesitantly. "What happens now?"
He takes a deep breath. "I've been thinking about that a lot.” There’s a beat of silence as he gathers his thoughts, then he glances at me. “Music will always be in my life. But, after what happened, I’ve realized what’s more important.”
I nod, encouraging him to continue.
"I want to go back to the band," he says, watching my features for any sign of rejection. "No more endless tours, though. I want to be here, with you and Liam. I was thinking maybe we could set up a home studio and do more local gigs or shows in the surrounding states."
“That would be perfect, but are you sure that’s what you want?”
Evan nods, then cocks his head to the side. "And you?" he asks. "What do you want?"
This isn’t something I’ve talked to him about, wanting to focus more on his recovery than my future, but now’s as good a time as any to tell him where my head is at.
"I love being a bodyguard,” I say while gently squeezing the fingers threaded through mine. I'm thinking of starting my own security consulting firm—something that lets me be home more."
He squeezes my hand back reassuringly, grinning at me while nodding. "I think you'd be amazing at that."
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, the porch swing creaking gently.
"Oh," Evan says, breaking the silence. "Brent called earlier. Mack's pleading guilty. He'll be away for a long time."
"Good. We can finally move on."
As if on cue, Evan’s phone buzzes, and he glances at the screen before lifting it up for me to see.
It's a text from Carmen: Meeting tomorrow to discuss the band's future. 10 AM. Don't be late.
"You know," he says before clearing his throat. "There's something else I've been thinking about."
I look at him curiously, and he tugs my hand closer to his.
"Mia, these past few weeks have shown me how precious life is, and how much you and Liam mean to me. I don't want to waste another moment." He pauses, taking a few deep breaths for what comes next. "I know this might seem fast, but—"
"Yes," I interrupt.
He blinks, surprised, and smiles. "I haven't asked anything yet."
"The answer's still yes, Evan. Whatever the question is, it's yes."
I’ve got a pretty good idea of the question, and I want nothing more than to create a future with him by my side.
My heart soars as he pulls me close, our lips meeting in a kiss that feels like a promise of forever.
As we break apart, Evan rests his forehead against mine. "I love you, Mia."
"I love you too, Evan," I whisper back.
And in that moment, I know that whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together. Our story is just beginning.