Just us. Forever.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Palisade
"You're thinking about moving in with him."
It wasn't a question. Mom sat across from me at the coffee shop, her tea cooling between her hands, her eyes knowing.
I set down my latte. "Holly told you."
"Holly mentioned you seemed happier. And that Easton's been around more." She smiled gently. "I filled in the rest. So, he asked you to move in?"
"We've been talking about it. The media attention has been intense, and his place has better security. It makes sense practically, but…" I trailed off, fiddling with my napkin.
"But?"
"But it's also more than practical. We'd be building a life together. The three of us. And that's terrifying."
Mom reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "Tell me what you're afraid of."
"Everything," I admitted. "What if I'm rushing into this? What if Casey gets even more attached, and then things don't work out? What if I'm not ready to depend on someone?"
"Are those fears about Easton, or about you?"
I met her eyes. "Both."
Mom nodded slowly. "When your father and I moved in together, my mother told me something I've never forgotten. She said a real partnership isn't about being ready. It's about choosing to build something together even when you're scared."
"But what if I make the wrong choice?"
"Palisade." Mom's voice was gentle but firm. "I've watched you these past few months. I've seen how Easton is with Casey. How he shows up for both of you. He's working on himself in therapy. And I've seen how happy you are when you stop overthinking long enough to just feel."
"I'm terrified of needing him too much."
"Because you've had to be so independent for so long." Mom squeezed my hand. "Sweetheart, asking for help isn't a weakness. Letting someone in isn't a weakness. You've been strong for Casey for six years. Maybe it's okay to let Easton be strong for both of you now."
I stared into my coffee, watching the foam dissolve. "What if he changes his mind? What if being a full-time dad is too hard?"
"What if it isn't?" Mom countered. "What if he's exactly who he appears to be, a man who wants to be present for his daughter and build a life with you? What if you let yourself be happy?"
"It feels too good to be true."
"I know." Mom's voice softened. "But honey, I've known Easton since he was sixteen. I've watched him grow from anangry teenager into a man who takes responsibility for his mistakes. He's not perfect, but he's trying. That matters."
"You really think this could work?"
"I think you won't know unless you try. And Palisade? Casey isn't the only one who deserves a partner in this life. You do too."
I felt tears prick my eyes. "What if I mess it up?"
"Then you'll figure it out together. That's what partners do." Mom smiled. "Your father and I have been married for thirty-eight years. You know how many times we've messed up? Countless. But we choose each other, anyway. Every day."
"When did you get so wise?"
"I've always been this wise. You just don't always listen." She took a sip of her tea. "Now, do you want to move in with him?"
I took a shaky breath. "Yes. I want to try."
