by Rae, Alicia
“I guess I can be overbearing at times,” he admitted. He tugged me against his chest and placed kisses along my throat to distract me.
I rolled my eyes, completely disagreeing with the last part. “At times? You mean most of the time,” I countered, stifling my giggles.
I didn’t want to cause more discomfort by making him laugh. The doctor had warned Kyle that deep breaths, rapid movements, and laughing would cause sharp pains.
Kyle spoke in between his kisses. “Maybe I’ll admit to…quite often. Is that better?” he teased.
I smiled, still holding back my laugh. It was going to be a long few weeks of no giggling, which would be very difficult with Kyle’s playful side. “I’ll take it.”
Lifting his head, he grinned. “Deal.”
I hesitated, mesmerized by those adorable eyes that pulled me in. Kyle was so easy to be around. No matter how awful or down I felt, he could always brighten my spirits. It was one of the parts I loved about him.
But there was still so much I didn’t know about him.
It wasn’t his fault because my life had been like a roller coaster lately. However, I truly wanted to know more about him. He had mentioned having a rough past of his own, and I felt it was his turn to open up.
I broke the silence. “How can you be so strong all the time? I’ve never seen you break down or get mad. You always seem to have this glass-is-half-full attitude.”
Eyes on mine, Kyle slowly shook his head. “My glass hasn’t always been half-full, Lily, especially during the past few years. I had to fight for it, just as you are doing now. I had to either push through all the bad or let it take over my life. It’s a choice we all have to make.”
I absorbed what he was saying. “I believe that now, too. I still want to know more about you and your past,” I said, meaning every word. “I need you to open up to me and let me in as I have done for you.”
“Tomorrow,” he answered before kissing my forehead. “Tomorrow, I will tell you anything you want to know. Right now, let’s get you showered, and then we can focus on making it through the rest of this day with your family.”
“Deal,” I agreed. “Oh, I almost forgot. Elena is supposed to stop over for an appointment today to finalize the contract.”
“Today?” he asked while cautiously lifting his arm to reach for the shampoo bottle. “When did you set that up?”
“When you were out with Jason and Damon yesterday,” I answered, taking the offered shampoo bottle from his hand. “We better hurry.”
“Are you sure you want to meet with her today?” he questioned. “We could wait a few days until you feel better.”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’m ready now.”
“Whatever you want, beautiful.” He leaned forward and kissed my mouth once more. “I’m eagerly awaiting to take you home with me.”
“Now that the house will be listed, I’ll let everyone know that we’re leaving tomorrow. Then, we can plan to come here or invite them out to California to visit. I think we can find a balance that works for everyone. I hope they understand,” I said while we finished washing up.
“They will. I know they’ll be happy for you.”
We stepped out of the shower to dry off. I picked out my comfortable black yoga pants and a plain cotton tee. I probably should have chosen something more suitable for company, but I didn’t see the point of having family over if I couldn’t enjoy their company in comfy PJs.
Kyle took in my attire and put on his own T-shirt and sweats before he went into the kitchen to make us a small snack to hold us over for dinner.
I walked into the living room as Kyle strode in with two plates of ham, cheese, crackers, and apples. I sat on the couch with my plate and searched through the TV channels, hoping to find a good show or movie for us to watch.
We ate while watching an old rerun of Survivors. I was amazed at how the contestants could be stranded on an island with only the basic necessities for such a long period of time. I was a woman who loved the outdoors, but that was overkill for me. I gave them major credit for enduring such conditions.
The doorbell rang just after three in the afternoon. I walked to the front door to see Elena on the other side. My eyes darted to the for-sale sign in her left hand and a thick folder of papers in the other.
“Hello, Elena,” I welcomed her.
She smiled as Kyle appeared at my side. “Hello, Lily. I brought the final paperwork for you to sign,” she said, lifting the hand holding the folder. “Then, we can put the sale sign out front,” she added, raising her other hand that held the very large sign.
“Sure, come on in.” I stepped back and motioned her inside.
We all walked into the kitchen and took our seats. Elena jumped right into the details of the contract and her suggested listing price. Kyle helped out with some of the finer points that went over my head. Real estate was definitely not my forte. Once we had agreed on all the specifics, I signed the bottom line of the contract.
I let out a deep breath that I hadn’t realized I was holding. It was official. The house was on the market.
Instead of feeling sad, I felt lighter, knowing I had made the right decision to sell.
Elena smiled at me from across the table. “Okay, that concludes all the proper documentation. Now, all we need to do is put up the sign. Are you ready?”
“I am,” I replied.
We all rose from our chairs and made our way down to the front lawn. I took in a deep breath of fresh air. This is it. Someday, this will be the home for another family to create their own memories.
Elena set down her folder full of papers, so she could juggle the small hammer within her grasp and the sign. After poking the stakes of the sign into the ground, Elena turned to face me.
“Would you like to do the honors?” she asked, extending the hammer in my direction.
“Yes,” I said, taking the tool from her.
Reality was setting in. This felt as if it were the end of this chapter in my life. It was time to move on. I lifted the hammer and connected it with the end of the stake. I repeated the action on the other side until the sign was straight and secured into the ground. It was a liberating feeling.
I handed the hammer back to Elena.
“Well, I think we’re finished then. Do you have any questions for me before I go?” she asked.
“No,” I replied. “I think we’re all set.”
“Okay, I’ll be in contact with you throughout the process, and I’ll keep you informed of any offers.”
“Sounds great. Thank you for all your help.” I shook her hand.
Kyle stepped forward and shook Elena’s hand, too. “Yes, thank you for everything.”
“You’re most welcome. I wish you both the best of luck,” she replied while gathering her belongings. “Talk with you soon.”
After we said our good-byes, Kyle and I headed back up to the house. Aunt Lucie and Uncle Dan pulled into the driveway as we reached the front door. Jason and Damon were right behind them in Damon’s black truck.
“Ready for some real food?” I shifted my eyes to Kyle as we waited for our guests.
“Most definitely.” He lifted one hand to his stomach. “Cheese and crackers aren’t enough for this guy.”
I chuckled. “I wouldn’t think so with the way you’re used to eating.”
Aunt Lucie and Uncle Dan were each carrying a dish as they made their way over to us. Jason and Damon exited the truck, and their hands were holding platters.
“Oh, wow.” I smiled kindly at Aunt Lucie. “You didn’t have to make all of that.”
Jason chimed in first. “Oh yes, she did. We are damn near starved.”
Aunt Lucie rolled her eyes and laughed. “You know about men and their food, dear.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t dare interfere.”
Kyle reached out to help Aunt Lucie. “Here, let me get that.”
She handed over the dish. “Thank you, Kyle. I have one more to grab from the car,
” she said before turning back.
As soon as she returned with the final tray, we all walked into the house and headed into the kitchen.
When her hands were free, Aunt Lucie hugged me. “I’m glad to see you up and moving around. Thank you for letting us visit.”
“Of course, Aunt Lucie. You are always welcome,” I said.
She cupped my cheeks and spoke softly. “I’m so happy to see your eyes filled with courage and determination, Lily. You are such a strong woman, who has experienced far too many hardships.” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek before letting me go.
“Thank you,” I replied, swallowing back tears.
“Okay, let’s eat before you have me crying.”
Everyone gathered around the kitchen island. Aunt Lucie and I stayed in the background, deciding it would probably be safer to let the four hungry males go first.
No one brought up the attack since we had already discussed it at the hospital. It seemed like we all wanted to embrace our short time together and not dwell on the negative.
“So, do you know when Blake will be visiting again?” I asked my aunt and uncle while we sat at the table.
“He is hoping to return for the holidays, either Thanksgiving or Christmas,” Uncle Dan answered.
“We would be wonderful to have him home for either one. We don’t get to see much of him nowadays.” Aunt Lucie shifted her eyes to mine. “It would be even better to have you home, too, or maybe we could visit you. That way we can all be together.”
Emotions coursed through me, making my chest swell. “I would love that, Aunt Lucie.”
As we worked together to clean up the kitchen, we made small talk about the upcoming football season. Uncle Dan, Kyle, Jason, and Damon all made bets on who would get drafted this year and which teams would make it into the playoffs.
Even though I was spending my time with my aunt, uncle, and cousins in my kitchen and not my parents and sister, I was still with my family, and I loved them with all my heart. It felt easier to be around them this time.
With a heavy sadness in my heart from grieving my immediate family, I was learning to find comfort in my extended family, Kyle, and my few friends. I wasn’t sure if the pain would ever go away, but I felt like I was starting to find a way to manage it without feeling overwhelmed and alone. For the first time, I was hopeful that things would continue to improve with each future visit.
Everyone made their way to the front foyer to say our good-byes. I wished I could stay longer, but I knew it was time to get back to work and get settled in with Kyle.
“So, we’ve all seen the sign out front,” Uncle Dan said. “Does that mean you’re leaving soon?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
“Yes,” I answered honestly. “Now that everything is taken care of with the house, I need to return to my normal everyday grind, and I’ll be moving to California to live with Kyle.”
“That’s wonderful, Lily. We are all so happy for you.” Aunt Lucie beamed.
“That we are, Lily. We are so proud to see you take charge of your life as you mature into a lovely young woman,” Uncle Dan added.
“Thank you, Uncle Dan. That means a lot to me.” I paused and took a deep breath. “I will miss you all.”
“You take care of yourself and call us soon.” Aunt Lucie hugged me.
Uncle Dan embraced me next. “We’ll see you soon, kiddo.”
“I’m gonna miss you, Lily.” Jason’s bear hug delivered its usual power.
“G-gonna…miss you…too,” I gasped.
He loosened his hold with a smile.
Damon’s hug was softer but held just as much meaning. “I hope you visit soon. I’ll miss you.” He stepped back and shook Kyle’s hand. “You take care of our Lily.”
Kyle nodded, his eyes full of promise. “I will. You can count on it,” he answered.
“I will miss you all dearly. I promise to visit and stay in better contact this time around.”
We waved good-bye as my family made their way down the driveway. Although I missed them already, I was feeling hopeful for the future.
“So, tomorrow…” Kyle paused, looking deep into my eyes with such love and tenderness. He ran his palm down my arm until his hand connected with mine. “We are going home?”
I inhaled the fresh outdoor air, feeling complete and at peace with who I was. For the first time in three years, I was finally truly excited about what was yet to come. I had already started a new chapter with Kyle, and I was happily anticipating where our next journey would take us. As long as we were together, side by side, we could conquer anything in our path.
I was wholeheartedly in love with Kyle, and with him, I truly felt I had found my home again.
“Yes,” I answered, tightening my hand in his, “I’m ready to go home.”
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my book. I hope you enjoyed Kyle and Lily’s story as much as I loved writing it. I look forward to each one of your comments and reviews, and I thank you in advance for sharing your feedback with me.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aliciaraeauthor and Twitter @AliciaRaeAuthor.
I have so many wonderful people to thank. Each person has truly been a blessing throughout this new chapter in my life.
First and foremost, I cannot express enough thanks to my remarkably talented editor, Jovana Shirley, at Unforeseen Editing. She was the first person I met when I started this journey of writing, and I’m forever grateful for her friendship, advice, and the endless late nights she shared with me while perfecting every single word of this series. She took my original manuscripts and made them shine. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work!
To my family, who has always supported me with unconditional love, even during the past ten months when I practically lived in my writing cave—Thank you, and I love you all dearly. *Hugs*
To Colin Wayne, fitness model and athlete; his wife, Megan Erwin; and photographer, Golden Czermak, at Furious Fotog—Thank you for working together with me on the cover photo shoot and for creating such amazing photographs. You all did an amazing job!
To Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations—Thank you for taking all the photographs and creating a work of art for The Beautiful Series. I am in awe of your extraordinary talent, and I absolutely love the beautiful final covers.
To my betas: my dear husband, Travis; my sister, Kelsey; Shirley; Sherri; Linda; Elizabeth; and Alissa—Thank you for your countless hours of reading the series and for giving me that push I needed with your kind and encouraging words. I love you all!
To the many bloggers who put their hearts and time into promoting my book—THANK YOU! I’ve made so many great friends along the way. I’m forever grateful to you all.
To Rosette, Karen, and Michelle at Literati Author Services—Thank you for your hard work and guidance in what was an unfamiliar territory for me. Without you, I never would have known what steps to take.
To all fellow authors who have become friends—Thank you for writing books where I can lose myself for hours and for inspiring me to write a love story of my own. You have all welcomed me with open arms, and I’m extremely thankful.
And especially to my readers—I can never thank you enough for reading my book. All your support means the world to me.