Three weeks later,Nana, Reign, and I were in our new home. The shipments of the various purchases we made started coming in the prior week. So far, we received all of the furniture for the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The small finishing touches, like the crystal in the dining room and the portraits on the wall, made it feel like a home. I smiled each time I walked through the door. We expected the bedroom furniture to be delivered that day.
“Mommy, since my bed is coming today, can we sleep in our new house tonight?” Reign asked.
“I don’t see why not, Nugget,” I confirmed.
Nana loved bossing around the deliverymen. Well, she referred to it as directing. I stayed out of the way while shedid her thing. It was nice seeing her do something more than being in the kitchen. Although she loved to cook, decorating had always been another love of hers. Most of the floorplans for the home were her idea.
An hour after their initial arrival, the delivery crew finished up. I was in awe of how everything finally came together. I loved every inch of my bedroom, the neutral colors making the room feel calm and serene. I added a bench in front of the window so I could read while being able to view the land.
“Well, do you love it, Harley?” Nana inquired.
“I think PopPop’s money went to good use,” I said as we shared a laugh.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay here? You know you can always come back to the main house,” she offered.
“We’ll be fine. You guys are just down the road. I’m sure you and PopPop want your space back,” I replied.
“Is this about me and PopPop or about Micah? I see the way you two look at each other. If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’ve found your person,” Nana teased.
I took a minute and paused. Micah was in the back of my mind when I decided to move into the house. I didn’t want to always just go to his house. This beautiful house had sat unoccupied for far too long. My desire for privacy with Micah in my space was part of the reason I wanted to move. He gave me a sense of comfort and peace. Being with Micah gave me hope that I could get my happily ever after for real. My love for Jude was different, and after having loved and lost, I felt like I appreciated the peace and security Micah provided me with.
“I don’t know about all of that, Nana. Micah and I are in a good place. That’s all I’ll say,” I responded.
“No rush. I just know what I know. Sooner rather than later, you’ll be married again. I can’t wait to plan your wedding,” she squealed.
I shook my head as we made our way down to Reign’s room.
“Mommy, look at my bunk bed! Can Violet come over tonight and stay with us?” she asked.
“Let’s check with Micah first, okay?” I replied. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to call Micah. The sound of a car pulling into the driveway stopped me. When I looked out the window, I saw Micah’s truck.
“Nugget, I think you got your wish. It looks like Violet and Micah are here,” I said.
Reign ran downstairs but stopped at the front door. The rule of not opening the door without an adult present didn’t change. I was right on her heels as Micah rang the bell. When I opened the door, Violet bolted from behind Micah to hug Reign.
“Violet was driving me crazy. She said Reign wouldn’t want to sleep alone in her new house without her. We brought some goodies for a sleepover,” Micah said.
“There’s a lot more to do before we get any sleep. I’m sure Nana can put you to use somehow,” I replied.
“I can think of a thing or two that you and I can do,” Micah said as he winked at me.
Nana was in the living room when Micah stepped into the house. Reign and Violet ran upstairs to her bedroom.
“Micah, so glad you could join us. This couch shifted somehow. Come on over and move it for me,” she directed.
Micah looked at me, and I shrugged my shoulders. He had no idea she was just getting started. Nana would be there all day until she felt everything was perfect. While they tended to the shifting of furniture, I headed toward the kitchen. With Violet and Micah joining us, we would need something for dinner. I stopped at the store and bought a few things the day before. I grabbed some chicken out of the freezer so it would thaw, and while they were all occupied, I headed out to the lake to take a moment for myself.
I followed the trail that led to the lake. When I arrived, I sat on the chair and looked out into the water, my heart filled with gratitude as I took in the view. There was so much happening with work and the move, so it was nice to take a moment to breathe. The previous six months had been a time of significant growth for me. I never imagined I would ever get past the accidents that took the lives of my mother and Jude. The fear that once consumed me when it rained no longer existed. My journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
I fulfilled my intention of moving back there, and Reign and I got the family we needed. For once in my life, my soul had peace. I prayed that the feeling would never leave me. Micah’s love made me want to think of all the things I didn’t think were possible again. The idea of marriage and another child could be a reality. Just the thought of my new future made me smile until my cheeks hurt; it was true happiness.
Hours later, after dinner was done, and we had put the girls in bed, it was just Micah and me. We were outside, enjoying the back patio, with the fire pit lit. We sipped on Black Label. Micah put his glass down, then he stood up and led me toward one of the lounge chairs.
“What are we doing?” I asked.
“Look up. Remember, this is my favorite thing to do when there’s a lot on my mind. With this being a new beginning for you, maybe this should be our new favorite thing to do to check in with each other,” he replied.
“What would you like to share this evening?” I asked.
