“I know,” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion. “And I’m grateful for that. More than you can imagine.” I take another sip of hot chocolate, letting the sweet warmth fortify me.
I glance at each of them in turn, marveling at the love and understanding etched on their handsome faces. How did I get so lucky? To have not just one, but three incredible men who care for me so deeply.
The air feels charged with anticipation, the crackling of the fire echoing the energy between us. I know I’m on the precipice of something life changing. All I have to do is take the leap and trust that they’ll catch me.
I set my mug down and take Teller’s hand, lacing my fingers with his.
A smile tugs at the corner of Teller’s mouth as he squeezes my hand. “You’re so strong, Ayla. Stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
I duck my head, warmth spreading across my cheeks at his praise. “I don’t feel strong most of the time. But with you guys... it’s different.”
Kip scoots closer, draping an arm around my shoulders. “That’s because we see the real you. The brave, resilient woman who’s been through hell and back, but still has the courage to open her heart.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them back. I’m not used to this kind of raw, unfiltered affection. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying, like standing on the edge of a cliff and knowing that one step could change everything.
“What if I mess this up?” The question slips out before I can stop it, my deepest insecurity laid bare. “What if I’m not enough for all of you?”
Teller’s grip tightens on my hand, his gaze intense and unwavering. “You could never not be enough, Ayla. We love you for who you are, flaws and all.”
Kip nods, his expression earnest. “We’re in this together, remember? Through the good times and the bad. We’ll figure it out as we go.”
Their words wash over me, soothing the jagged edges of my fears. I lean my head on Kip’s shoulder, letting his warmth seep into my skin. Teller’s thumb rubs gentle circles on the back of my hand, a silent promise of support.
“I... I don’t know what I did to deserve you guys.”
Kip chuckles softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “It’s not about deserving, sweetheart. It’s about being right for each other, and that’s what we are.”
I nod, letting their love and acceptance wash over me like a soothing balm. For so long, I’ve been running from my past, afraid to let anyone get too close. But here, in this moment, with these incredible men surrounding me, I feel a sense of peace settle over my soul.
Teller lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. “We’re in this for the long haul, Ayla. You’re stuck with us now.”
A laugh bubbles up from my throat, the sound light and carefree. “I think I can live with that,” I tease, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.
As we sit there, the crackling of the fire and the steady beat of the rain against the windows creating a cocoon of intimacy, I allow myself to imagine a future with these men by my side. A future filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities.
For the first time in my life, I’m not afraid to dream.
I lean into Clay’s embrace, my head resting on his broad shoulder as I let out a contented sigh. “I never thought I’d find a place where I truly belonged,” I confess, my fingers tracing idle patterns on his thigh. “But being here with all of you, it feels like home.”
Clay’s arm tightens around me, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’ll always have a home with us, Ayla. No matter what.”
Kip reaches out, his hand finding mine and intertwining our fingers. “We’ve got so much to look forward to together,” he says, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Lazy Sundays in bed, family vacations, watching Piper grow up...”
I’d like nothing more.
44
AYLA
The Jeep rumbles to a stop in the driveway, its tires crunching against the gravel, as we arrive back at the townhouse. I hop out, breathing in the crisp autumn air tinged with the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Teller, Clay, and Kip are already unpacking the trunk, their easy banter and laughter filling the space between us.
“I still can’t believe you managed to burn the pancakes, Kip,” Clay teases, hefting a duffel bag over his shoulder.
Kip grins sheepishly. “Hey, at least I didn’t almost set the cabin on fire trying to start the fireplace like someone else I know.”
Teller chuckles, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think we can all agree that cooking isn’t our strong suit.”
I smile, warmth blooming in my chest as I watch them. The weekend had been filled with moments like these - small, seemingly insignificant instances of connection and joy that I had once thought were beyond my reach.