Chapter 45
FORTY-FIVE
Ava
Kai drops me off at my sister’s and practically flies out of the driveway. Weird. But I focus on the task at hand—packing for a new beginning. This new life I’m committed to building. Scared…yes, excited…yes, ready…who the hell knows, but I’m trying.
No one is home as I pack up the things in my sister’s guest room, my temporary room.
I love being here. It will be refreshing to have my own space and visit here when I want to or if my sister needs me.
I’ll only be right down the street. When my nephew decides to show himself, I’ll still be close by.
Packing up my stack of books, a piece of paper flies out of it. I reach down to pick it up, unfold it, and read it.
Ava, if one day you find this…know that I’ve been thinking about you since that first day we sat on the bench by the water. I’ll never forget how I felt, how I feel about you. One day…
Kai
I back up and sit on the edge of the bed, wondering when the hell he slipped a note in my book. I bring it to my chest, hugging myself tightly.
Another sign.
Kai, the one person who has chipped away at my outer shell, piece by piece, and I’m thanking him for not giving up on me—ever.
A tear slides down my cheek. Part happy tears, and part sad tears.
I’m truly happy in my life. I don’t think I wanted to admit that because if I did, maybe it would all fall apart around me.
That’s not how I want to live my life. Not now, now that I’m living a life that I’m proud of here in Saxville.
The new owner of the Saxville Coffeehouse, soon to be a bookstore as well.
With all my possessions packed up—sadly, there aren’t many—and that makes me want to change it.
Living life with a few bags of belongings can be fun; it was fun.
It was also very lonely at times. Pulling the note from my chest, I read it one more time and realize…
I want to start living my life, put down roots, and be truly present in this day and every day.
Flickers of images of Kai play through my mind like a memory board. I giggle as all the images of him are shirtless or in a polo. It has me free-falling onto my back with a wide smile. I’m not sure anything could wipe it off at this point.
Being completely loved by Kai, it ripples heat through my body and settles in my chest. Just thinking about him has my pulse racing. A future with him seeps into my bones, knowing I’m cherished by him. Never did it even cross my mind that I’d be loved so deeply by someone.
All the little moments with him stacked up until there was no way I could walk away from him, even if I tried. Well, I tried for a few beats, but in the end, fear didn’t get the best of me; it didn’t take the best away from me.
Interrupting my cascading reels of Kai and how he makes me feel, my phone vibrates with a notification.
Theresa:
We’ll be home soon.
Ava:
I’m packing :)
Theresa:
Wow! Already!
I toss my phone next to me. There’s not much more to pack, but I’m excited to start this new chapter. Having some sister time is just what I need.
When Theresa bursts through my bedroom door, she says, “I can’t believe you’re leaving me.” She holds up her hands. “I’m happy for you, and I’ll miss having you down the hall.”
“I know you’re happy for me.” I sit up with the note still in my hand, folding it up and tucking it in my pocket. Then I stand up and take two steps to her and sling my arms around her. “Thank you for always being there for me. And taking me in with your friends.”
She hugs me and shakes us both. “Absolutely. We are going to have so much fun now that you’re here permanently. Oh, so what happened with Kai last night? You guys work things out. Did you tell him?”
I pull her away, holding her shoulders, and mutter, “Yeah, we’re better than good.” I chuckle. “It’s interesting how a conversation can change the trajectory of your life. I was prepared to walk away because fear trumped everything.”
“I know, Ava.” She looks around the room. “You’re all packed up.”
“Yeah, not much to pack.” I shake my head.
“Maybe it’s time to change that.”
No words have ever rung so true in this very moment. Embracing life changes like an Olympic gold medalist.
“When is Kai coming back?” she asks with an eyebrow raised as she glances to the doorway.
“He said about another hour, but he was acting sort of weird.” I glance at the window like I can see him there. The smirk on his face is like he’s up to something.
“Weird good or weird bad?” Her brows furrow, and her hands land on her hips, ready to say more.
But I say, “Weird good. I don’t know, maybe he has a move-in surprise for me.”
“Isn’t he a lawyer? Shouldn’t he have a better poker face?” She chuckles, and her shoulders relax a bit.
My eyes bounce around the room. “Yeah, except I can read him like a book. He’s transparent around me. It’s why I knew I couldn’t walk away from him, not really. You and the girls…man, I love you all.” Tears prickle the back of my eyes.
Nodding her head toward the door, she says, “Come on, Logan took Giana to the playground for daddy-daughter time.” She reaches out her hand and grabs me.
We rush down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Iced tea and deck time.”
“Of course. And this isn’t the last time I’ll be here,” I say to her with sympathy and a smidge of guilt. I came here to be close to her, Giana, the new baby…and now I’m leaving. “I’ll be back to visit. I pinky promise,” I say to reiterate I’m here for her.
She takes the ice out of the fridge, grabs glasses to fill with ice, and pours us tea. “I know that, and I’m sure we’ll all spend time over there at the pool too. But taking this little slice of time to sit with you. It will be good for both of us.”
We sit out on the deck. With the midday sun, it is perfect to sit and feel the heat on your skin.
She rubs her belly, now bigger than it was even a couple of weeks ago.
Her glow and smile can’t be missed as she talks about having her baby boy in her arms. They haven’t given us any hints of names, but they did the same thing with Giana, so I don’t push the issue.
It’s their secret until they announce the birth.
“I’m ready for him to be here,” she whispers in the afternoon breeze.
“So am I…It’s going to be fun.” I place my hand on hers while squeezing it tight. “You’ve got this, mama.”
“I sure do, especially now I have my best friend here.” Her eyes shine back at me with appreciation and love.