I find Ginny in the living room and flop down on the couch next to her. She wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me tight.
“I really like them, G.”
“Me too.”
“I can see why you fell in love with this place so easily. It’s exactly like home.”
“Does everyone think I’m crazy?”
“Not at all. They’ve all noticed how much happier you seem here, even through video calls.”
“I never believed I could be this happy, Gin. It scares me a little.” I was perfectly fine with my life in Sonoma. I had everything I needed. Anything else felt like I was asking for too much.
“Living life to the fullest is scary as hell. I spent so longworried about the other shoe dropping that I stopped noticing all the wonderful things I had.”
“Is that what made you decide to get married?”
“Partly. I realized I was still comparing Carson tothe Weasel, and I knew if I didn’t let it go, I would never be able to be happy.”
Ginny was in an abusive relationship for a long time before she got together with Carson. She was almost browbeaten into a marriage, so her finding a way to overcome that trauma is awe-inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder of her.
“What you’re saying is that if I don’t let go of the fear, I’ll never let myself be happy?”
“The fear will never go away. You just have to decide if you’re going to let it control you.”
“So…do it scared?”
“Do it scared,” she repeats.
CHAPTER 34
Holt
“What are the chances they’re going to tell us there’s nothing they can do?”
Gia grabs my arm from across the middle console and squeezes. “Unfortunately, we need to be prepared for that outcome.”
“What will we tell Leah?”
“That sometimes, the bullies in life don’t face consequences when they should. It sucks, and it’s not fair, but ultimately, we’re responsible for how we react to these types of situations.”
“I hate that I can’t fix it for her.”
“I know, Cowboy. But she’s strong. She knows how to hold her own and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.”
The rest of the drive to the school passes in silence. When I got an email asking to schedule a meeting with the principal about this issue, I was hopeful we’d finally have a resolution. The more I’ve thought about it, the more my hope has dwindled. They’re kindergarteners, and the teachers are already overloaded with tasks. What more can they really do?
I park by the entrance to the elementary school and take amoment to center myself. “Help me keep my cool in there? It won’t do any good getting angry at the principal.”
Gia’s smile is soft. “Of course. As long as you do the same to me. I’ve been known to get a bit heated when the people I love are mistreated.”
Gripping her chin, I pull Gia in for a quick kiss.
At least, that’s what I try for. When her plush lips meet mine, streaks of lightning bolt through me.
She’s the first to pull away. “Come on, Cowboy, or we’re going to be late.”
“Wait just a second.”
