“Hopelessly in love with me, you say?”
The butterflies in my stomach flutter as he cups my chin. “I’ve always loved you, although at first it was platonic and innocent. But the love grew as we did, morphing into something more mature. Something strong enough to stand the test of time and distance every single year. A love built on memories of the past and a hope for the future.” He tucks a wave of hair behind my head. “A future I can’t see with anyone but you.”
My heart pounds furiously against my chest as if it wants to be heard.
He keeps going while clasping on to my trembling chin. “Purchasing the house isn’t about buying your love or trust or anything like that. I know that will only come with hard work and proving to you that I’m committed to being the best version of myself for both of us. The only reason I want to buy the house is because I want to buy into the future you want, whether it’s with me or someone else.” His voice cracks.
“Although I desperately hope you want that future with me. The one with the kids and the dock and all those model ships you want to build every summer. I want to spend my life daring you to do shit you’re afraid of, while having you push me to do the same. Just like I want to become the man you always dreamed I could be once I got my life together.”
My heart swells at his words. “I thought you hated this place.”
He shakes his head. “I hated being reminded of the person I could have been had I gotten better sooner.”
I reach up and cup his cheek. “And now?”
“I see it through your eyes, and now I can’t imagine being anywhere else but at your side—whether you are at the lake or on the other side of the world. Wherever you go, I want to follow. Whatever you accomplish, I want to be there to congratulate you. And whenever you struggle, I want to be there to pick up the pieces and hold you together until you’re strong enough to stand on your own.”
A tear slips down my cheek. “What changed?”
“I did.” He grips on to the back of my neck and pulls me forward. “Staying sober is going to be a process. Thirty days in rehab is a good start, but it’s not an instant cure for a lifelong addiction. I’ll have to put in the work and commit to bettering myself every single day. I only hope you’re willing to share the journey with me, because God, I want you to. I know I don’t deserve another chance, but I’m begging you to give me one anyway. Just give me one last chance to show you that I can be the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. That I can be the one to turn your dreams into realities.”
I take in the man I’ve loved since before I even understood what the word meant. “One last chance?”
He nods.
I cradle his face and press my lips against his. “Break my heart again and I’ll put a bullet in you for real this time.”
He smiles against my mouth. “Be sure to aim for the heart then, because that’s the only way you’ll keep me away.”
I wrap my arms around the back of his neck and rise on the tips of my toes, so our lips are only a few inches apart. “Deal.”
56
CAL
Loud banging has Merlin jumping off my lap with a hiss and taking off toward the stairs. Lana doesn’t have a chance to reach for the knob before the front door bangs against the wall and Cami comes barreling inside.
“Cow-l! You’re back!” Cami throws her backpack on the floor and sprints toward me.
I kneel and open my arms. “Hey there, kiddo.”
Cami throws her arms around my neck. “I missed you.”
My heart lodges itself somewhere in my throat as I tighten my grip. “I missed you more.” My voice quakes, the slight tremble making Lana’s eyes water. She gets down on the floor beside me and joins our hug. Wyatt tips his head before shutting the door to the lake house behind him.
“Are you all better now?” Cami peeks up at me.
My smile wobbles. “Yes.”
“Really?” Her blue eyes turn impossibly brighter.
“Yup. Did you take care of Merlin for me while I was away?”
Her grin stretches wider. “Yes! I fed him. A lot.”
“I saw that. I’m going to have to get the guy a little treadmill with how much food you gave him.”
Cami giggles, making my chest flood with warmth.
“And I gave him water. I tried to sleep with him, but Mommy hogged him.”
“Did she now?” I spare Lana a look.
She gives me a little shove with her shoulder.
Cami pouts. “She didn’t like to share.”
I fake gasp. “What? How dare she.”
Lana sticks out her tongue. “I do too like to share. I just needed a cuddle buddy.”
“I’ll be your cuddle buddy.” I wink.
Cami presses her palm against my cheek. “Are you staying?”
My throat tightens as I wrap my arm around Lana and tug her against me. “Of course.”
“Forever?” Cami asks.
“Yup.”
“And ever?”
I laugh. “That’s the plan, so long as you want me.”
She squeals as she wraps each arm around us and squeezes. A feeling of weightlessness takes over me, replacing the heavy feeling in my chest that has been present ever since I left Lake Wisteria for rehab.
Cami breaks away with a smile. “Are you and Mommy going to get married now?”
The blood drains from Lana’s face. “Camila.”
“What?”
Lana shoots her a look. “You shouldn’t ask people that.”
“Why not?” She crosses her small arms against her chest.
“Because it’s rude.”
I drag Lana’s left hand toward my lips. “One day I plan on it.”
Cami cheers while Lana blinks. I smile against her skin, my lips brushing across the goose bumps. Even Merlin comes back down to rub his body against us with a purr.
“Do you love my mommy?” Cami bats her dark blond lashes up at me.
“I love her more than anything.” I answer while staring into Lana’s deep brown eyes.
“What about you, Mommy? Do you love Cal?” Cami clasps her hands to her chest.
“I loved him long before I even understand what love really was.”
Cami cheers as I place a soft peck against Lana’s lips.
Having a family of my own makes me feel complete in a way I never dreamed was possible. It took me a long time to realize that no amount of alcohol, drugs, or money will compare to the high I get when surrounded by those I love.
And I will stop at nothing to make sure I never lose them again.
Walking down Main Street with Cami and Lana is a completely different experience this time around. Usually, the locals stick to either ignoring me or shooting daggers in my direction whenever I make my way through town.
Today is everything I hoped for but never thought was possible. People actually take time to stop and speak with us, treating me like I’m not a social pariah. I’m so shocked, I find myself speechless on more than one occasion, including when Meg stops me outside of her bookstore to tell me she saved a copy of a new sci-fi release she thought I might like.
It’s almost as if I entered an alternate reality where people in Lake Wisteria no longer hate me for the mistakes I made six years ago.