She offers me a sheepish smile before turning back to the water, resting her head on my shoulder again.
But there’s something else she should know. Something that I haven’t said to anyone else because it hasn’t mattered until now. Until her. And she, more than anyone, needs to understand.
“I loved Claire.”
Reese nods against my shoulder. “I know.”
“But we had one year together, and it’s been over twenty years since. After spending some of those early ones grieving—for myself, but mostly for Miller—I’ve been able to shift that grief to gratitude. The thing I love most about Claire now is her daughter. I thank God every day that I met her when I did because Miller needed me. She is the best part of my life and I’ll forever be grateful to her mom for trusting me to raise her. But I’m not still in love with someone else.”
I’m in love with you.
But still, I hold those words in. Wanting to use them at a time that can’t be misconstrued with needing to prove a point.
Everything I said sinks in for Reese and as she melts into my chest, I feel the weight of them release a bit of the pressure. And when I crane to look at her, her nose is a shade of pink I’m not accustomed to seeing.
“That’s a really lovely outlook, Emmett.” Her voice sounds thick. “I just needed to understand where your head was at, for my own expectations.”
“My head is here, Reese. My heart too. You’ve got the whole thing.”
Turning to look at me, she runs a palm over my jaw, cupping my face. “Just know that you can talk about her with me whenever you want. It doesn’t make me uncomfortable. I’m glad you had someone to love you before. That would have been a long time to go without it.”
I drop my forehead to hers. “Are you calling me old?”
She exhales a laugh, and it helps her to swallow down some of the emotions. “Miller should know about her. Max too. So don’t ever feel like you can’t speak about her when I’m around.”
“Thank you for that.”
Reese pops a quick kiss on my lips before she drops her head back to my shoulder, letting the sun shine on her face again.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to wrap my head around her. Having her in my life. Being able to share parts of me with her. This house. These conversations. My important moments.
It reminds me of another important moment I want to share with her.
“Kai and Miller’s wedding is coming up.”
“Yeah? She’s going to make a beautiful bride.”
“She is.” I grin at the image. “Will you go with me?”
Reese slowly sits up, turning back to face me. “To your daughter’s wedding?”
I nod.
“I...” Her mouth closes, trying to find the words. “That’s big, Em.”
“It is big. So will you go with me?”
“But Miller—”
“It was her idea.” I cut Reese off before she tries to tell me that Miller might not want her there. “She brought it up.”
“She did?”
“I believe her words were along the lines of ‘our family is growing, and you deserve to have your person there.’”
Reese’s smile slowly blooms. “Your person, huh?”
“Yeah. Whether you like it or not, you’re my person, Reese. And I’d really like to celebrate that day with you. The guest list is small. Just the team and a few friends. It’s out in the middle of nowhere. The only people who will see us together will be those who support us. It’ll be safe.”
