I nodded. “I came to get us breakfast, and maybe I’ll get some clean clothes too.”
“Good timing. I’ve got plenty.” Henry gestured to a group of children bundling up by the door, their parents helping with mittens and scarves. “I made extra muffins and pastries this morning, since snow makes everyone hungry. Planning on serving hot soup and fresh bread for lunch and I have ingredients for pot pies for dinner, in case people don’t want to drive into town.”
I watched the family bundle up and head into the snow, their excited chatter fading as the door closed. A boy peeked into the kitchen. “Can we take Rambo out with us?”
“Sure! He knows to stay close,” Henry said. “But keep an eye on him, okay?”
“Sure thing!”
Henry turned back to me. “See? Even Rambo is handled. The plow company is coming soon, and they’ll clear the paths and the driveway. You take the day off. I have a plan.”
“I’ll get the snowblower—”
“Plows are on their way,” he cut me off, pressing the warm container into my hands. “Guests are entertained, and I’ve already talked to Amy and Luis, they’re planning to work today. Everything’s handled.” He fixed me with a knowing look. “You’ve got more important things to sort out today.”
I sighed, knowing it was useless to argue. “Fine. I’ll take my phone in case—”
“In case nothing,” Henry snorted, turning back to his pancakes. “Go be young and stupid for once, Eli. You’ve spent enough time being old and responsible, and you need a break.”
“Thanks, Grandpa,” I said. He waved me off without turning around, but I could see the smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.
I ducked down the back hall that led to our apartment, heading straight for my bedroom, and quickly dug through my drawers until I found what I wanted—a bag pushed in the back containing some things I’d bought on impulse, but never had the courage to use. I threw it into my duffel bag along with some cozy sweats and pajamas. None of it would fit Mioko, but I liked the idea of her wearing one of my big hoodies and nothing else.
Outside, snow was falling again, fat lazy flakes drifting down to join their brethren on the ground. I trudged back to the garage apartment, Henry’s food container in one hand, duffel over my shoulder.
As I entered through the apartment’s front door, kicking off my snowy boots, I heard running water and smiled, relieved that they were still here. I set the food on the kitchen counter, unloading the duffel bag while listening to laughter and splashing from the bathroom.
A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened, releasing a cloud of steam along with Luke and Mioko, both wrapped in big soft towels. Luke’s hair was dark with water, slicked back from his forehead, emphasizing his sharp cheekbones. Mioko’s wet hair was wrapped in a small towel, droplets of water trailing down her neck.
“You’re back,” Luke said, his eyes lighting up.
“Just went for supplies. I’m glad to see you’re still here.”
“Where else would we be?” Mioko smiled and stood on her tiptoes, kissed me, then walked to the kitchen counter to look through the bags I’d brought.
Luke’s expression was serious as he met my eyes, laying a hand on my shoulder. “I meant what I said last night. I won’t leave.”
I stared at him, heart pounding, a little afraid to ask if there was a timeline attached to that statement.
“Eli, I’ve thought about it, and if you need me here, I’ll stay.”
“For how long?”
“Forever? As long as you want me. I once asked you to upend your life for me, and I understand now why you couldn’t. But I can most certainly upend my life for you.”
The words hit me like a physical blow, stealing my breath. “What about your job? Your apartment? Your life in Boston?”
“Jobs can be replaced,” he said. “And my life is where you are. Where Mioko and my sister and my moms are. I understand that now.”
A wild, possessive need to claim and mark and own erupted in my chest.
“I more than need you,” I said, cupping his face, pressing my thumb against his bottom lip, feeling his slight tremble. “I own you. You’re a part of me.”
His cheeks flushed. “Yeah. I am.”
I looked from him to Mioko, wrapped in a cozy towel, peeking into the food container, and suddenly, a new version of my life unfolded in front of me, full of hope, love, and a very unconventional family.
“You guys are too cute,” she said, beaming at us.
