“I know you do, but I didn’t have a right to make Chase feel like an ass. That was selfish… and I hope you didn’t do anything brash based on my bridezilla moment.”
“Well, as a matter of fact,” Chase said.
Her eyes went wide. She looked worried, concerned.
“No, not in a bad way,” Chase assured her. “If anything, you encouraged us to have a discussion that we needed to have. And it made me realize you were right. I can’t continue giving Mason hope if there isn’t any. And that’s why I’m going to find a way to make this work. I do love Mason, just as much as ever. I love you, and you too, Pa. Last night, I realized I’d been trying to push away the only family I ever had because I was so scared I was going to be the thing that ruined it. But all this time that I’ve been freaking out, scared as shit that I was going to tear this family apart, I just wanted to be a part of it.
“I want to be here, with Mason… with you… with Pa. I love you guys with all my heart and soul, and being back here made me realize how much I do belong here. And that what Mason and I share isn’t just youthful, ignorant love. It’s so much deeper… and it’s not something I want to live without anymore. I have a guy who I want to be there for when he’s old and gray, regardless of what happens during the in-between. And I’ve lived enough to know that I’m never going to find that anywhere else.”
He turned to Mason, who smiled. He could see the relief in his expression, how distant it was from the worry and dread that he’d read all over it the night before.
“So,” Chase went on, “I’m just telling you and Pa, I’m so sorry for making this so complicated. And running and keeping a distance all these years. I want to be a part of this family—I want to be a Finley again.”
“You were always a Finley, Chase,” Pa said. “That never changed. And we never thought any different.”
A tear ran down Emery’s cheek.
“Oh, God. It’s these goddamn bride emotions coming through again. Chase, you have about killed me these past two days.” She grinned through her tense expression. “But I’m glad. Because I know I was talking about Mason’s feelings, but I have missed you so much all these years. And I love that we can talk on the phone or get together occasionally, but I want my friend back.”
“I’m back, Emery,” Chase said, pushing to his feet and heading around the table.
Emery accepted a hug.
Pa rose from his chair and joined them. “Don’t be having a hug without me, you two.”
They held on to each other like they knew just how important the moment was, to have each other back in their lives.
“I’m going to make this work,” Chase said.
“Just remember, you’re not doing this on your own,” Pa added.
“No,” Emery said. “We’re here, and we’re going to fight with you like we always have.”
Mason slung his arms around them. “You guys are a bunch of saps.”
Chase looked up, into Mason’s eyes just as Mason leaned forward and offered a soft kiss. Chase could feel the Finleys’ love and support, which he’d been missing from his life for so long.
It felt so good to have it back, and to have gained the confidence in knowing that he wasn’t on his own anymore.
He had his family back.
“Now, let’s stop all this nonsense,” Chase insisted. “We have an amazing wedding rehearsal dinner that has to go off without a hitch. And then a fabulous wedding to be ready for tomorrow. And I gotta say, Emery, this hairdo you got going on in this scrunchie is only concerning me.”
Emery laughed.
“And you can’t be all teary-eyed with mascara and lipstick running.”
“Chase, it’s all water resistant. I’ll be fine.”
Pa sniffled.
“Oh, not you too, Pa,” Mason said.
“I just got something in my eye,” he lied, winking at Chase.
As always, Chase knew it was going to take time… and work, but the Finleys had never been afraid of hard work… and neither had he.
“Ma would be really happy you’re back,” Emery said.
