52. Lakelyn
CHAPTER 52
Lakelyn
I was able to keep my job; Lucy was actually really understanding. And I even picked up a shift. I love her.
Today has been one of those rare, good days where everything just falls into place. I feel like I’ve finally started to piece together parts of myself that I didn’t know were broken, and I can’t stop smiling. Maybe it’s Mason’s touch still warm on my skin, or the way Chad looked at me earlier, or the way I can still feel Dean’s thoughts inside my head, but I haven’t felt this at ease in a long time.
I sling my purse over my shoulder and step outside, inhaling the cool air. The world feels bright, like anything’s possible.
But then I see him.
Landon’s standing by his truck, his posture stiff, arms crossed over his chest, waiting for me. The easy joy in my chest tightens for a moment, the smile fading just a little. Of course. I forgot about this part.
The way he’s standing screams at me that he already knows.
I take a deep breath, pushing aside the excitement of my day to focus on the brother who’s probably going to be the hardest to convince. He’s been against me and Mason being together for as long as I can remember, and right now, with the look on his face, I know he’s not exactly thrilled with the idea of me being in a pack with Mason.
I walk over to him, my steps slower now. He doesn’t greet me, just watches me approach with that unreadable look on his face.
When I stop in front of him, Landon doesn’t say anything at first, just looks at me like he’s waiting for me to break the silence. I finally open my mouth to speak, knowing I can’t avoid this anymore.
“Landon—”
He cuts me off, his voice tight, the hurt clear in his eyes and enough to make my stomach twist. “So, you’re with Mason now?”
Guilt floods through me, even though I knew this moment was inevitable. I shift my weight, struggling to find the right words, but the pain in his tone makes it hard to focus.
“I thought we agreed—” he starts, his frustration bubbling up. “You and Mason would never work.”
A spark of irritation flares inside me, something finally clicking into place. We never agreed on that. It was always his rule, one he made up when we were younger, back when he was afraid of losing his best friend to his twin.
“We aren’t kids anymore, Lan,” I say, my voice steady. “You decided I needed to stay away from Mason because of your own insecurities. But you have a full life now. I’m not taking your best friend away from you. It’s not like I’m going to lock him up just to... you know, have sex with him all the time.”
He winces at the last part, his face twisting in disgust. His hand rubs the back of his neck, his discomfort plain. “Gross,” he mutters, looking anywhere but at me.
A small, wry smile tugs at my lips. “It’s true,” I insist, a hint of teasing in my voice, even as my heart still feels heavy from our confrontation.
He lets out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping as he finally meets my eyes. The anger in his gaze softens, replaced by something else—resignation, maybe. He crosses his arms over his chest, but the tension is slowly ebbing away.
“Look,” he starts, his voice quieter now. “I just... I never wanted you to get hurt. Mason’s complicated, and his life has always been messy. I didn’t want you wrapped up in that.”
I step closer, my heart aching at the concern etched across his face. “I know you’re trying to protect me, but you have to trust that I can handle myself. Mason makes me happy, Lan. Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
He studies me for a moment as if weighing my words. Then, a small, reluctant smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “You do look... happier,” he admits, his defenses crumbling a bit more. “I guess I’ve just been too stubborn to see it.”
I reach out and take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re my twin, and you’ll always be one of the most important people in my life. But Mason... he’s important too. You don’t have to lose anyone.”
Landon’s gaze flickers, and he rubs the back of his neck again, this time with a touch of sheepishness. “I guess I’ve been kind of a jerk, huh?”
I grin, relieved to see his walls finally breaking down. “Kind of,” I tease, and his laugh is genuine, if a bit hesitant.
He lets out another breath, nodding slowly. “Alright. I’ll try to be okay with this. For you. And for Mason, I guess.”
My smile widens, and I give his hand another squeeze. “Thank you, Lan. That means everything to me.”
He pulls me into a brief, tight hug, his warmth familiar and reassuring. “Just... tell him he owes me for all the grief he’s caused,” he mutters, but there’s a hint of humor in his voice now.
I laugh softly, feeling the weight of our conversation lift. “I’ll make sure he knows,” I promise, and when we pull back, there’s a sense of hope between us—a new beginning, maybe, for all of us.
I push the squeaky-wheeled cart through the narrow aisles of the small town grocery store, humming to myself. The past few days have felt like a whirlwind, but a good one. A really, really good one. Things feel lighter, happier, and the knowledge that I’m heading home to the people I love most makes me feel like I’m practically floating.
I grab a bundle of fresh basil, its aroma filling the air as I place it in a small produce bag. Tonight’s dinner is going to be special, and I want everything to be perfect. Fresh pasta, garlic bread, a simple salad—it’s the kind of homey, comfort food that will bring us all together at the end of the day. My heart feels full just thinking about it.
At the register, I exchange a warm smile with Mrs. Peters, the kind older lady who’s worked here as long as I can remember. She beams at me as she scans the groceries.
“Big dinner planned?” she asks, raising an eyebrow at the bag of fresh tomatoes.
“Yeah,” I say, unable to hide my smile. “It’s a special one tonight.”
Her eyes twinkle with curiosity, but she doesn’t press. “Well, I hope it’s a wonderful evening, sweetheart.”
I thank her, pay for the groceries, and head out, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the town as I walk the short distance to Chad’s house—our house now. Or soon to be. It still feels strange to think of it that way, but every time I step through the front door, it feels a little more like home.
Inside, the house is quiet and empty, but it’s the kind of quiet that carries the promise of soon-to-come laughter and warmth. I set the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and start unpacking, putting on some music as I get to work. The smell of fresh garlic sizzling in olive oil fills the air, and I lose myself in the rhythm of chopping, stirring, and tasting. It’s peaceful, and I can’t help but smile as I imagine everyone coming home to this—a warm meal, a cozy kitchen, and all of us together.
We just need to go shopping for some furniture. I can imagine how we can decorate it. Comfortable and welcoming.
I’m just setting the garlic bread into the oven when I hear the front door open, followed by Chad’s familiar, cheerful voice. “Honey, I’m home!” he calls, and I laugh, wiping my hands on a kitchen towel as I turn to greet him.
Dean follows close behind, looking a little more reserved but with a softness in his eyes that’s becoming more familiar. Chad crosses the room in a few strides, sweeping me into a hug and pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Something smells amazing,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear in a way that sends a happy little shiver down my spine.
Dean comes up behind us, and I reach for his hand, pulling him into our circle. He leans down to kiss me, slower and more deliberate than Chad’s playful peck but just as full of affection. “Hi,” he says softly as his thumb brushes over my cheek.
Before I can say anything, the front door opens again, and Mason’s deep, familiar voice calls out. “I hope there’s room for one more,” he says, and he walks into the kitchen, a smile spreading across his face when he sees the three of us tangled together.
“There’s always room for you,” I say, my heart swelling as he joins us. Mason wraps his arms around me from behind, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. He smells like sawdust and sunshine, and I lean into his warmth.
Dean and Chad share a grin, and Chad playfully nudges Mason. “Don’t hog her,” he teases, his voice full of warmth rather than annoyance. The moment feels effortless, light, and brimming with love.
Mason releases me, a mischievous glint in his eye as he tugs Chad closer. “Jealous, Pretty Boy?” he murmurs, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Chad’s lips.
Chad smirks, his eyes lighting up. “I do like being the center of attention,” he admits, throwing a wink in my direction. I can’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up easily. “But don’t forget,” he adds teasingly, “Lakelyn was mine first.”
Mason hums in acknowledgment, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile, and Dean chuckles at their antics. Warmth rushes to my cheeks, and a sense of contentment spreads through my chest. Being here, with all of them—so full of love and laughter—feels like a dream I never want to wake up from.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” I say, feeling content in the circle of all of them. “Fresh pasta and garlic bread.”
Chad’s eyes light up, and he makes a beeline for the stove. “Do I get to taste test?” he asks, and I laugh, swatting at his hand as he tries to sneak a piece of the cold bread from the pan.
“Wait until it’s ready,” I scold gently, but he just pouts, and I give in, handing him a small piece. He lights up with a satisfied grin, and Dean chuckles.
Mason slips into the kitchen next to me, grabbing a cherry tomato and popping it into his mouth. I roll my eyes, but my heart is full. They’re all here, in this kitchen that smells like home, and we’re together. There’s laughter, stolen kisses, teasing touches, and the warmth of knowing we’ve found something truly special.
This is what our future will be like, I think as I turn back to the stove, smiling at the sound of Chad telling some ridiculous story, Dean trying not to laugh, and Mason slipping his hand into mine. It’s love, in all its messy, beautiful forms, and I couldn’t be happier.