Page 82 of The Final Straw

"What do you wanna do, Kipp? I'm here, no matter what," Ollie says softly.

"I don't know yet. I need to think and process."

We head home, picking up some sandwiches from Jimmy John's on the way. Back at Ollie's place, we eat in relative silence, the weight of the morning still hanging over us. We talk about anything and everything, trying to distract ourselves from the harsh reality.

But then Van clears his throat, drawing our attention. "I think it's time, now that the trial is over and things will start to settle down for us, to talk about our future. My future with you, Ollie."

Ollie's eyes widen, her breath catching. "Okay," she whispers. "Let's talk."

Chapter 40

Olivia

Van's words hit me like a freight train. My heart stops, then races like it’s trying to win a marathon. I can't handle it if he wants to end this. I won't handle it. I send a silent prayer upwards, begging whoever might be listening not to let this be the moment the other shoe drops.

"I was hesitant about this whole thing," Van admits, his voice wavering. "I'm still not totally sure how it’s going to work long-term."

I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over. My breath catches in my throat, and my mind races with the implications of his words. But then he looks at me, his eyes softening.

"But I want to keep trying. Stay with you, no matter how that looks. I love you."

His confession washes over me, and the tears finally break free. "I love you," I manage to say. "Always have, always will. I want this to work, and as long as we keep talking and stay open, it can and will work. I know it will."

Kipp and Grady exchange a glance before Kipp speaks. "This is it for us as well. It’s up to you and Van. What do you want?"

I smile through my tears, overwhelmed by the love and support in the room. "I want this so bad. I want all of you. I love you. Each of you. Different, but the same. It's hard to put into words, but I want to be with all of you."

Van nods, his face showing a mix of relief and determination. "It will be a learning curve, and I can't guarantee there won't be jealousy, but we can work through it."

Grady and Kipp surprise the hell out of me. "We should look for a place for us all to live. No point in staying in three different places. It will put us all to the test and we’ll know for sure if we can work as a family unit."

"What about your house?" I ask Kipp.

"It's just a house," he responds with a shrug. "We can sell it, rent it. I don't care. I just want to be where you are."

Van, ever the cautious one, blushes slightly. "Can we do a trial for a few months? I’d hate to give up our places, and God forbid something happens."

“I agree. While I don’t want to doom or have negative thoughts about us, I’d rather be safe than sorry.” I smile softly.

They nod in agreement, and Kipp smiles warmly. "You can stay with us at our place since it is the biggest and we have room for each of you to keep your stuff."

One week later, we’re moving into Kipp and Grady’s house. Their place is beautiful, so I have no complaints and it has enough space for all of us to have our own rooms and still come together comfortably in the common areas. Boxes are strewn everywhere, and the house buzzes with the chaotic energy of a new beginning.

Van carries a box labeled ’Books’, his eyes scanning the room as he finds a spot to set it down before he grabs another labeled with his name and disappears. I watch him, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. Despite his initial reservations, he’s here, making this commitment with us.

Kipp is in the kitchen, organizing the pantry with military precision. "Can you believe this is happening?" he asks Grady, who’s busy assembling a bookshelf at the kitchen table.

"I know," Grady replies with a grin. "It feels surreal, but in a good way."

I head to the bedroom I’ve claimed as mine, even though I plan to sleep with them in one of the rooms they’re in each night. I have no desire or plans to sleep alone. I’m unpacking clothes and trying to make the space feel like home; even though, for me, it’s going to be more like a huge walk-in closet and storage. The walls are a neutral color, but I’ve already started thinking about how I can personalize it with art and photos of us.

I stumble upon a plant packed in a box with some other little knick-knacks and grab it, carrying it to Van’s room. "I brought this for your room," I say, smiling. "I thought it might add some life."

"Perfect," he says, taking the plant from me and placing it on the windowsill. "It’s beautiful, just like you."

I blush and step closer, wrapping my arms around his waist. "I’m so happy we’re doing this," I murmur against his shoulder.

"Me too," he replies, holding me tight.

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