Chapter Thirty-Seven
Six Months Later
I pulled the collar of my red winter coat up higher, burrowing my face like a turtle against the wind that was trying to whip my hair out from under my woollen hat. “Is that it?” I yelled, my voice barely making it through another powerful gust.
The van door slammed with a metallic clang and the lock clunked into place. “I don’t know if we could have chosen a better day to move you in.” Luke laughed and grabbed my mittened hand. “Hurry, let’s get inside before we’re blown away!”
I laughed along with him; there was no way a stupid blizzard could ruin how happy I was, especially when I looked up and saw who was waiting for me at the door, Marty in her arms, her face all smiles, squealing at the cold. I rested my hand on her curls as the three of us stepped into the warmth and Hannah shut the door, kissing Marty on the forehead before setting him down.
“Whoop,” she exhaled. “It is not nice outside. I think we probably need some hot chocolate.” She looked at me, not Luke, knowing I would do anything to make her happy.
I glanced at Luke and he gave a slight nod and a barely perceptible grin. “I think you’re right,” I said to Hannah. “Just let me get out of my many layers of clothing.”
“Yes!” She shot her hand up in the air and scampered into the kitchen to get things ready, Marty happily bouncing after her.
I pulled off my boots, holding Luke’s strong arm to steady me, and unwrapped my scarf, draping it on the wooden bench by the door. I yanked my hat off, stuffed it into a cubby and fluffed out my hair, checking it in the mirror. It had gotten longer since I’d last cut it and I was trying to decide whether to grow it out or not.
“Keep it short,” Luke whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. He pressed his cold cheek to my face and then warmed the spot with his lips, making me flush. I turned and met his lips with mine. “I love you,” I said and rested my forehead against his.
“I love you too,” he said. “Maybe even more than hot chocolate.” He winked and turned to go help Hannah in the kitchen.
As I pulled off my heavy coat, I surveyed the room, boxes of my stuff scattered amongst the cozy furnishings. Inhaling deeply, I breathed in the comforting scents of cinnamon and chocolate and finally allowed my shoulders to relax, all of the stress, all of the pain sinking into the hardwood floor. This was where I was happy. This was where I was safe. This was where I belonged.
I was finally home.