Chapter 45 #2
“I know we haven’t gotten along, and part of that is my fault because I never made the effort to fix our relationship. So I wanted to apologize for that.”
The room goes completely quiet for a moment.
“And I have to admit,” Aiden continues, “that I’ve disliked you even more since May showed up in town because I knew you’d sweep her away. But I want you to know I’m forever in your debt.”
Another pause.
“Thank you for saving my life.”
For a moment, there is nothing but silence.
Then Finn answers.
“There’s no need to thank me, mate,” he says quietly. “Just take care of her. That’s enough for me.”
It feels like half of Depoe Bay has walked through the front door today.
Nathan came earlier with his wife, whom I was finally able to meet in person.
Not long after they left, George arrived with Cassie and Rafi, and before long, the entire Depoe Bay fire station seemed to follow behind them.
The living room filled with voices and laughter, relief spilling through the room after a day when everyone thought they might lose someone they care about.
Aiden now has the company of his uncle, Max, and Finn, who has stuck around all day helping wherever he can.
April and I are stretched out on the floor of my living room with our backs resting against the couch while Neptune lies sprawled between us.
Ever since Nathan brought him and Skye over earlier, he hasn’t left my side for more than a few seconds, soaking up every bit of affection we give him as if he somehow understands that something terrible almost happened.
“So what now?” April asks, gently squeezing one of Neptune’s paws while he lazily kicks his leg against her hand.
“Now?” I say with a small shrug. “Back to everyday life.”
“Right,” she says, bursting into laughter.
“What?” I ask, laughing too, because honestly, who am I even trying to convince?
April shakes her head, still smiling.
“I guess there’s a conversation to be had,” I admit after a moment, staring up at the ceiling. “But I don’t want to rush that.”
“You are well past conversations,” she answers immediately.
I turn my head toward her.
“He’s a good man,” she continues, her voice softer now. “And that good man is completely head over heels for you.”
Neptune shifts between us and gently rests his head against my leg, content to stay close.
“You know what he told us yesterday when Max and I went to see him?” she asks.
“No,” I answer, curiosity tugging at me.
April watches me for a moment before responding.
“He said verbatim the only reason I was able to survive was because I needed to see her again.”
My eyes fill with tears almost instantly.
The feeling inside my chest is so strong and so familiar that I don’t even know how to begin explaining it.
April reaches over and squeezes my hand.
“Do you remember what you told me yesterday before he was found?” she asks gently. “When we spoke on the phone?”
I shake my head.
That entire afternoon feels like a blur now. So many things happened, so many emotions came crashing through me all at once, that I can barely separate one moment from the next.
“You told me you didn’t want to lose another person you love,” she says, a knowing smile settling across her face.
The words land softly, but they settle deep.
“You love him,” she continues. “And he clearly loves you back.”
Neptune nudges his nose against my arm as if he senses the emotion building inside my chest.
“Don’t go into this with expectations about how the relationship is supposed to look,” April says gently. “You two have something special. Grab it and run with it. Don’t waste time on misunderstandings or waiting for the perfect moment.”
She pauses for a moment before continuing.
“Our days on this earth are a blessing, but they can end at any time. Fall in love. Enjoy every minute of it.”
Her fingers tighten around mine.
“You deserve that.”
Later that evening, once everyone has returned home and the house has finally settled into a peaceful quiet, I change into comfortable sleeping clothes and step outside.
The night air is cool against my skin as I cross the lawn toward Aiden’s house, the familiar path between our homes already lit by the soft glow of his porch light.
I let myself inside quietly, closing the door behind me and locking it before heading upstairs.
When I reach his bedroom door, I knock softly.
“Come in,” Aiden calls from inside.
I open the door and step into the room.
The moment he sees me, his face lights up.
“I was wondering if you were going to come kiss me goodnight,” he says.
I smile.
He pats the bed beside him.
Just like the night before, I move toward the edge of the mattress and sit beside him, but before I can settle there, he lifts his arm, inviting me closer.
I slide onto the bed beside him and curl up against his side, resting my face against his neck while his familiar scent settles around me in the most comforting way imaginable.
All I can think about in that moment is warmth.
And comfort.
And him.
He presses a soft kiss against the top of my head before wrapping his arm around me.
“Please stay with me,” he murmurs.
I don’t hesitate.
“Always.”