Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Kate
Seeing Vaughn’s tall frame in the crowd wasn’t on my bingo card for the evening, but now that he’s here, I realize it made the night perfect.
The ride home is filled with Gus’s chatter about what his plans are with his new BFFs at the Public Safety Foundation. I had no idea he’d become involved behind the scenes, but that group of cronies, with Gus as the sole male influence, has become his social network, and it’s been good for him.
I replay Vaughn’s apology over and over in my head. Maybe I should make him grovel more, but the reality is, I’m so fucking happy that he came back. That he is willing to fight his greatest fears to be with me.
The headlights flash across the farmhouse. Our home. And the three of us make our way up the porch together. At the top of the stairs, I grab Vaughn’s hand, silently asking him to hang back.
“Gus.” I step up to my favorite reformed curmudgeon and kiss his wrinkled cheek. “Thank you for everything. But if it’s okay with you, Vaughn and I are going to hang out here for a bit.”
Gus’s eyes grow glassy. “Sure thing, sweetheart.” The term of endearment makes me want to weep with joy.
To think that at the start, I could barely get him to talk to me, and now I’m one of his favorite people.
The reality that I have everything I’ve ever wanted and needed steals over me like a warm hug, filling my heart and soul.
Not only did I achieve my goal, but I also found my family in the process.
“I’m super proud of you, Katie. I love you, girl.” And he returns my kiss before clapping Vaughn on the shoulder. “And I’m happy you’re home, son.”
My own vision grows watery as I watch the two of them. My little family that’s managed to work through the hard times together and has taken our fair share of bumps and bruises along the way.
Once Gus is inside and it’s just me and this man I love, words fail me.
“Kate.” His voice is choked, like it’s hard for him to speak. “I need to know where you are.”
Like it’s the most natural thing in the world, I step into his frame, relishing the hug that’s been too long in coming. “You said it before. Our love is undeniable.”
“Our?”
“Yes. Our. I love you, Vaughn Adams.” I rise to kiss the lips I’ve missed so much. “Welcome home.”