Page 115 of The Perfect Love

She laughs and sets her bag down. “I’m picking up extra shifts since I’ll be out for my honeymoon.”

“Makes sense.”

“How are you feeling? I caught the end of that. I waited in the entryway so I wouldn’t disturb you.”

“I was nervous,” I admit. “I didn’t want to screw it up. I was hoping someone was watching on the camera just in case.”

“From what I saw, you handled it well. Most of the time, no one wants to interrupt. We all know how important the first time solo is.”

“More important than I realized. I thought most of my heavy emotions would be tapered since I’ve assisted you and Kristen before, but today… I felt like I made a difference.” I blow out a shaky breath. “I wish I would’ve had that after what I went through. It almost felt like I was talking to myself. Then seeingthe recognition and relief on her face that she wasn’t alone…” I blink back tears and watch Rae wipe her eyes.

“It’s the best and worst thing,” she murmurs. “You hate that anyone else has been through it, but it’s a relief to know someone else understands.” Rae grabs my hand. “You okay?”

I nod and sniff. “Yeah. As hard as it was, it reaffirmed for me that I’m exactly where I want to be. I want to make a difference, and I know I just did.”

“I had that moment too. The very first time when you know you helped change something for someone. It doesn’t take away what we’ve been through, but—”

“It heals something.”

“Exactly.”

She pulls me into a hug.

After a long squeeze, we separate, both wiping our eyes. It’s crazy how this can both hurt and heal. The healing is so much stronger.

“You should get out of here,” Rae says. “You’ve only got a few minutes left. Grab your stuff and head home. You deserve it.”

I give her a big smile. “Thanks.”

With that, I head to the back room and collect my stuff, but when I leave, it’s not with any intention of going home.

I get in my car and head straight for the lake house.

When I get there, I’m halfway to the front door before I realize what I’m actually doing. I’ve never just shown up here. They don’t seem like the type to be uncomfortable with me stopping by, but… do I knock? Text Trevor?

There are a bunch of cars in the driveway, so I go for a knock while opening the door approach.

“Hello?”

“Hey!” Amanda says, face lighting up when she sees me. She’s in workout clothes with her hair pulled back, and she looks absolutely radiant.

She hurries over and gives me a quick hug.

“I didn’t know you were coming over today.”

I shrug. “Just wanted to stop and say hi to Trevor quick if he’s around.”

She nods. “In his room. You two are adorable. Okay, I’m off to work out. If I don’t see you before you leave, then I’ll catch you tomorrow.”

She blows me a kiss as she walks out of the room.

Feeling a bit more at ease, I head upstairs to Trevor’s room, then knock on the door.

“It’s open,” he calls.

When I open the door and he sees me, he jumps off his bed wearing a massive smile. “Hey, baby. What are you doing here? I thought you had Promise today.”

“I do—did. But… that’s why I’m here.”

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