“Congratulations, Derek.” Mom comes over and gives her own hug to Derek. “I knew you’d win.”
“You know,” Derek starts, “everyone sounded fairly confident I’d win, but no one actually told me this.”
Tony shrugs. “Sorry, son. We didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
“Well, now you don’t have anything to worry about. Missy is gone for good,” Patricia says. “No more dealing with her.”
“Thank fuck.” Derek once again pulls me into an embrace—a place I’m happy to be. My mom and Derek’s parents start talking as I drop down onto the metal bench, taking Derek with me.
“Are you glad it’s over?”
“Yes. I never have to worry about Missy coming back into our lives again.”
“Just the four of us.”
Resting my head on his shoulder, I watch the kids play. I don’t think this day could get any more perfect.
My daughter is happy. Troy is staying with Derek. I’m with the man I love and our families.
This is what I always dreamed love would be like when I was growing up. Someone to support you endlessly. Sure, it hasn’t been the easiest road for the two of us, but we weathered it together.
“Move in with me.”
“What?”
Rearing back, I look up at Derek. He loosened his tie and rolled up the sleeves of his white button-down the minute wegot outside. He looks relaxed. At ease. Which is why I know he means what he’s asking me.
“I’m serious. If this whole situation has taught me anything, it’s to keep those that I love close. I love you, Sutton. I don’t want you going anywhere.”
“You know I’m a package deal, right?”
Derek waves me off. “I know. We have the spare bedroom that could be Lydia’s room. We can paint it whatever color she wants.”
“What about the new job?” I ask.
“Did you decide to take it?” Derek quirks a brow at me. “Or are you trying to find a reason to say no?”
“It’s just…a lot of change all at once. Isn’t it too much?”
Derek shakes his head. “Not for me. If you’re not ready, I don’t want to force you into something you don’t want.”
“It’s not that I don’t want it,” I correct. “But…is it too fast?”
Derek’s face falls ever so slightly. “If it’s too fast for you, it’s okay.”
“What’s too fast?” Mom interrupts.
“I asked Sutton and Lydia to move in with me.”
“About damn time.”
“Mom!” I chide.
“What?” She shrugs a shoulder. “You’re an adult and need to live your own life. I don’t need to be dragging you down.”
I scoff. “You’re not dragging me down.”
Mom takes the seat next to me. “I love you, dear. And that sweet grandbaby of mine. You living with me was always a reset after your divorce. Now that you’ve found someone, don’t you want to live with him?”
