“It’s okay. I just—How did you get past thinking relationships don’t work?”
“I made a lot of appointments with my therapist. And it’s really helped seeing your parents together and then Brandon and Carlos—did you know they’ve been together ten years? I know it takes a lot of effort to communicate and work through things with your partner, because disagreements are normal, but I finally believe it’s something that’s achievable.”
“Well, first, I’m so proud of you,” I say. “And, second, I’m very impressed. I need to sign my ass up for therapy.”
Harlow barks out a surprised laugh.
“I’m serious. I feel like my stuff is so little in comparison, and it’s kind of embarrassing how long I’ve let my ex-childhood best friend influence my life and keep me from ever having a real relationship.”
“Stop,” she says seriously. “Everyone’s pain is valid, we don’t get a trophy for having it ‘worse’ so there’s no point in comparing.”
I pause. “Yeah. You’re totally right. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize.” The corner of her mouth quirks. “I think we’ve both apologized enough for one day.”
“Oh, for sure.” I reach around her for the two-player version of Catan that at some point ended up on the floor. “Do you want to play a round?”
“We could or we could …?” She wiggles her eyebrows. I laugh and playfully slap her shoulder.
“Definitely that.” I toss the game on the couch, and I kiss her again.
Epilogue
December
“You look good in this apron,” Harlow whispers in my ear. Her hands are on my hips, and I lean back into the warmth of her body.
“Thank you. So do you.” I turn my head and frown. “Except you have …” With a cheeky grin, I tap her nose, leaving a dusting of flour.
“Lily,” she scolds. “I’m going to get you for that.”
She reaches for more flour. I squeal and reel backward.
A throat loudly clears. “Can we focus, please?” Lucy glances between us impatiently before extending her hand toward Harlow. “The sugar.”
Harlow winks at me, then reaches for the sugar and walks around the kitchen island to help Lucy.
I’ve always reluctantly participated in the Lewis lady tradition of baking cookies on Christmas Eve, but, I have to admit, it’s a much more enjoyable experience having my girlfriend and niece here.
I’ve officially lived in Blue Skies for justunder two months. It took some time researching and exploring my options. I could’ve applied for the Chicago pilot base—the closest one to Michigan my airline has—but chances weren’t high of getting it. Plus, I’d have to be a commuter. Which isn’t a huge deal, but not something I personally am interested in.
In the end, I applied for a wide range of airlines that have bases all over the lower peninsula and Ohio. I can’t believe my luck in securing the dream location in Detroit. I may be starting fresh at a new airline, but I don’t care. Glancing around the kitchen, I know I’m finally prioritizing what’s most important to me.
Harlow flew up, and we road-tripped it over in my Subaru. We made a whole list of places neither of us has been to and included a couple of our favorite places we wanted to show each other. It was an amazing ten days, and I can’t wait for more trips like that with her. Next time in her van with Daisy.
The gayme night crew was ecstatic for us when we told them everything about Harlow and me. Em was shocked and a little upset I kept it a secret so long. But Brandon gloated, all smug, insisting he suspected us all along. And as fun as sneaking around can be, I’m happy to be able to hold Harlow’s hand in front of everyone and kiss her whenever the hell I want.
“Lily, can you grab me two eggs?” Mom asks, bringing me back to the moment.
“And try not to drop them this time.” Taylor giggles.
“Oh, my god. That wasonetime!” I groan before joining in with the laughter.
“I got you, babe,” Harlow says and grabs two room temperature eggs from the counter.
“Thank you.” I squeeze her hand as she passes me.
“Oh, my god. You two are disgusting,” Landon teases, appearing in the doorway holding a sleeping Lindsay. “Get a room!”
