“Hey, hey,” he says softly, squeezing my arms with firm pressure that keeps me from completely slipping away from my body.
My breaths are fast and uneven as my body buzzes and my mind feels hazy. I feel Winston against my legs, and I focus on the feeling of Dad’s hands on me until I can open my eyes. When I do, I see him looking at me with so much care and concern, tears immediately blur my vision.
“It’s ok,” he says gently. “I’m not leaving. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
My gaze shifts to Papa behind him, and he nods, stepping closer.
“It just took me by surprise,” Dad says, glancing at Levi, then back to me as a small smile pulls at his lips. “This is… pretty big.”
I just nod, and Dad and Papa both let out a quiet chuckle.
“I think it’s great.” Dad smiles. “I have a lot of questions,” he adds with another chuckle. “But the most important one is: are you happy?”
His blue eyes hold so much emotion as they stay fixed on me that I know that’s all that matters to him. He wants me safe and happy, and that’s all he’s ever wanted. He’s never once judged me for anything. He’s just always here, always supportive, always present, and always my dad.
I don’t know why I ever thought it could be any different.
I nod. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
A smile spreads across his face, his eyes turning glassy as his grip on my arms tightens. Then he looks over at Levi.
I follow his gaze, and Levi nods.
“Really fucking happy.”
Dad laughs, and I can’t help but smile as Papa lets out a snort.
Then Dad pulls me into him, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight.
“I love you, Silas,” he says. “Thank you for telling me.”
Tears slip down my cheeks as I hug him back, and I let out a breath that feels like I’ve been holding it for years.
“I love you, too,” I say, and lift my eyes to meet Papa’s.
He steps forward, waving a hand to shoo Dad away. “Alright, let me at him.”
Dad releases me with a pat on the back, and Papa steps in, pulling me into a hug. As I hold him, I watch Dad do the same to Levi, and the sight pulls another smile from me.
It’s true. I’ve never been happier. And I want to hold onto this feeling for the rest of my life. With Levi and my family.
“Ok,” Papa says, stepping back and looking between me and Levi. “We need to hear this story. Come on, Mama’s making supper. You can drive me up in this beast.” He heads around the truck and pulls open the passenger door, and Winston jumps in, settling himself in the middle of the bench seat.
“You two can hop in the back,” Papa adds, pointing at Dad and Levi before gesturing towards the truck bed.
Dad scoffs, and Levi laughs, stepping closer to take my hand and give it a squeeze. And his smile gives me fucking butterflies.
I smile back at him, then turn to Papa. “Is there enough for Levi’s family, too?”
When Levi’s eyes land on me, I just shrug. “We might as well tell everyone.”
“It’s your Mama, Silas,” Papa says. “There’s enough to feed the entire island. Levi, go get them.” Then he slides into the passenger seat.
Levi huffs, and I just chuckle.
Then I pull him in and press a kiss to his lips. Right here in front of Dad and Papa.
Because I’ve never felt safer than I do right now.
