“I’ll see y’all again though, right?” Dad’s eyes are wide.
Mom nods. “Just give us some time.”
“Of course.” He lingers, watching us as if he wants to give hugs but recognizes that may be crossing a line.
Mom gives him a head nod, indicating his apology is as far as she will let him go, and with that, we head out the door, closing that chapter of our lives with it.
When we drop Mom and Aunt Carol off at their house, the rain, which has been incessant for most of the day, has stopped. The ground is a muddy mess, but the air smells clean. It feels symbolic. I’ve wiped my guilt away, and I’m ready to step into life as a better man who keeps himself accountable without letting fear take over.
It isn’t until we pull into my driveway that Lauren speaks. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She tilts her head to give me a knowing look. “You could’ve.”
“I don’t want to though. You’re my person. I want you with me all the time.”
“And I want to be with you all the time.” She glances out the window at the muddy mess that is my yard before looking back at me. “Where do we go from here?”
I turn the engine off, leaning back against my seat. “I think we finally get to let ourselves be happy.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Me too.” I take her hand in mine over the center console. “I’m going to tell Tony I’m done with the Long Neck tonight. I’m ready to stop punishing myself and to be happy. I want to work on Copper Hill if you’ll still have me.”
“You already know the answer to that.”
“Then it’s settled.” I plant a kiss on her lips. “So, I guess we need to tell the rest of the town about us, huh? How do you want to start?”
“What do you think about being my date tonight for the New Year’s Eve party at the Long Neck?”
“I think nothing would make me happier.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
Lauren
The Deatheaters
Callie
Olivia, Rhett, and I are here. Where are you Lo?
Me
I just pulled in. Jax should already be in there somewhere. He had to talk with his boss
Callie
Hurry! You’ve already missed the first hour!
It’s been a long day
Callie
Well the good news is I bribed the DJ so he’s going to play some Shania for us. It should be coming up any song now
You did NOT
