Page 38 of This Is Why

“That’s a good question. What was his response?”

“He wasn’t prepared for the question and he didn’t say no, but it was obvious it would be something he had to put a lot of heavy thoughtinto.”

“So, what are you going todo?”

“Obviously, I can’t move to Hawaii.” I look at Michelle as the first few raindrops splatter on the sidewalk in front of the house.

“It does seem a little premature.” Her eyes are locked on mine. “But if you’re even considering it for a second, then that must mean you think there’s something between the two ofyou.”

“There is most definitely something between us. It’s so powerful I can’t even begin to explain it. He makes me feel like a better version of myself, like simple things are better when he’s around. And we sit and talk for hours that feel like minutes, yet each day we spend together might as well be a year because I feel like I know him better than anyone.”

A smile pulls up at the corner of Michelle’s mouth. “Lexi Stills. Are you falling inlove?”

“I don’t know.” I sit back and pull my legs up underneath me as the rain starts in earnest. “I’ve never felt like this before, not about anyone.”

“So, I have to ask again, what are you going todo?”

“I’m driving to Grayson after I leave here to see if I can cash in on my vacation. I’ve got almost three weeks accrued. If they say yes, then it looks like Gabe and I are going to Hawaii with Ty for an impromptu vacation.”

Michelle claps her hands together. “That’s perfect.”

“It’s not crazy?”

“Of course it’s crazy, but that’s why it’s perfect.” She shrugs, smiling dreamily. “Does Gabe know that Ty is his dad? How are you going to handlethat?”

Lightning flashes across the sky. “We told him this morning and I don’t think it could have gone any better. Gabe gave Ty a huge hug and said he alreadyknew.”

“That sounds just like him.” Michelle stretches out her legs and crosses her ankles. “How did heknow?”

“Who knows. Gabe said he justknew.”

Michelle shakes her head and gathers her hair over her shoulder. “This is amazing.”

“Isit?”

“Yes! Oh my goodness! This is the stuff life is made of, taking risks, stepping out on a limb and whisking off to Hawaii for a couple weeks because you just happened to meet your soulmate.”

I smile at the word. Soulmate. I know it’s crazy but I really think Ty and I were made for each other. “What if those few weeks turn into the rest of my life?” Iask.

“Do you love him?” Michelle counters.

“What?” I’m stunned by the question because I was just asking myself the same thing. “How can I know that? I haven’t known him long enough to know if I lovehim.”

“That’s totally false. That’s what people want you to believe because so many people settle for staying in a relationship because it’s safe and comfortable instead of being brave enough to make a change. Believe me. I know this from personal experience. You met my ex-husband, right? I stayed married to him for way too long. From the moment I met David, everything about him was different. True love is real and it’s something you know from the start. You don’t grow into it. You don’t grow out of it. It just grows on itsown.”

I smile. “I think I might be in love with him, Mish. I think I fell in love with him in Key West and never fell out of love with him. And to make matters all the more amazing, I just keep falling deeper every time the man opens his mouth. Or I think about him. Or he touchesme.”

“I’m so happy for you, I don’t know what to do with myself. Bailey is going to lose it when she comes back from Bora Bora and finds out she missed all ofthis.”

“She really is.” Even though the sky is dark and rain pelts the ground, I feel happy and complete.

“So what are you waiting for?” Michelle flares her hands wide. “Why aren’t you on your way to Grayson to request your vacation?”

I scooch to the edge of my seat and pause. “What if they turn medown?”

“Then I say you quit on the spot and move to Hawaii with theman.”

“Michelle!”

“This is why we live, Lex. To find the people who make the world make sense and then love them for the rest of lives.”

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