Kyle and Dena promptly exit the room when Kaya kisses me back, and I can feel the strong connection between us again. It’s like our time apart never happened, and all that matters right now is us and how much I love her.
When we break apart, it pains me to see that there are still tears in her eyes.
“Brick, I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “I was going to call you. Really, I was. I just didn’t know what I was going to say.”
I pull her close, relieved that all is forgiven. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I came back here to forget a fucked up relationship and found myself falling headfirst into a forever one. When I thought you were slipping away, I became angry and made some mistakes. I’m sorry for that.”
“Yes, but I shouldn’t have pushed you away. I was scared. I have a habit of not trusting myself, but that’s going to change. You’re about to see a new Kaya Hudson.”
“Why, when I’m head over heels with the current one?”
“I love you too, Brick,” she replies with certainty. “I think I have for a really long time.”
Ironically, we’re embracing in the middle of Kyle and Dena’s living room, and I don’t care if they’re watching, I never want it to end. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m finally home.
“When did you make up with Kyle?” she asks, still in my arms.
“About a week ago.”
“You called him?”
“Yes, and he was gracious enough to hear me out. The two of us have some other stuff to talk through, baggage that’s beyond what’s going on between you and me, but we’re on the right track. I promise you.”
Speaking of the devil, Kyle and Dee Dee both peep their heads back into the living room. I guess they hear us talking, and no longer kissing, so they want to return to the room.
“Can we come in now?” Dee Dee asks.
“In your own living room?” Kaya replies. “I think you can. You don’t need our permission.”
“We were saving our apology for tonight,” Dee Dee speaks. “We knew Brick was coming and wanted you both to hear it.”
“An apology?” Kaya echoes, surprised.
Kyle steps forward. “You know I love you, Kay, but guess what? If this guy wants to take over the enormous job of looking out for you all the time, then I welcome it. One less thing for me to do.”
Kyle is making light of the situation with his comments, but I know this is probably one of the toughest things he’s ever had to do.
Letting Kaya go.
It’s been his one job since his father died and left him the man of the house, but during our talk, I assured him I would take that role on happily if he would assure his sister that we have his full support.
Kaya says nothing in response. Instead, she walks over and gives Kyle the tightest hug she can.
As they quietly embrace, Dee Dee says to me, “And I’m sorry for all the things I may have said to discourage our girl from getting involved with you.”
“You were cock blocking me, Dee Dee?” I sort of joke.
“You probably don’t remember, but you broke Diana Hill’s heart our junior year. She was a friend of mine and I’ve never forgiven you for it.”
“Uh, the last time I heard, Diana Hill is married with three boys, all under the age of ten. I think you can give me a pass now, don’t you?”
“Just don’t break Kaya’s heart like you did poor Diana’s and we’ll be fine.”
I look over and see Kaya laughing at something Kyle has said, which reminds me of mywhy, so I make Dee Dee a promise.
“That will never happen. Most people wait their whole lives for the kind of love that Kaya and I have. I recognize that, I honor that, and I’m not going to fuck it up.”
“Put that in your vows when you marry her. Dudes like porn but women love promises.”
