Page 89 of When You Had Me Adapting

“They were her favorite flower.”

“It’s beautiful.” Her fingers trail back down to my hand and she intertwines my fingers with hers once more. “I know how much you loved her.” I glance over and her eyes are glossy.

“Have you visited her?” I ask.

“Yeah. I try to go on her birthday if I can, but with work it doesn’t always work out. Your dad goes a lot. I’ve run into him a couple of times.”

“Am I the worst son in the world for not going?”

“No, she’s your mom. I think it makes sense that it would be hard to go, but I also think it would be really good for you to visit her. Talk to her. Have you ever thought about going with your dad?”

My stomach sinks.

“He always asks if I want to go, but I never take him up on it. The thought of seeing him sad at her grave is too much.”

She nods her head and lets out a little hum. “They were so in love weren’t they? Gosh to have a love like theirs. That’s the dream.”

“All Your’n” by Tyler Childers starts to play and I take a moment to take Lacey in. The sun casts a warm glow into the car and her hair falls over her shoulders—it’s somewhere between straight and wavy. Our hands are still locked together like two puzzle pieces always meant to fit. She hums along to the song.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that we could have a love like my parents did.

“It really is,” I say. “I can’t imagine losing your person and never getting to see them again. He doesn’t talk about it a lot,but I know it’s still so hard for him and I don’t think I could bear seeing him breakdown above her tombstone.”

“You know if you wanted me to go with you to see your mom I would,” she offers.

“You wouldn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but just like you got me. I got you. If you ever want to go, just say the word.”

“I’d like that.” Her thumb begins to rub soft circles on the back of my hand.

“I think she would too,” she says.

“I’m headed out of town tomorrow for a few days. Do you remember my Uncle Joe?”

“The conspiracy theorist?”

“Yes, him. He needs some help at his cabin, so I was voluntold to go.” I chuckle. “Maybe when I get back we could do it.”

“If you want to, we could. Or if you still need more time, that’s okay too.” She squeezes my hand gently. “I’m here whenever you’re ready.”

We drive the rest of the way home in silence. Lacey drifts off to sleep, but I don’t let go of her hand. She doesn’t know it yet, but if I have it my way I’m never letting go of her again.

CHAPTER 41: INTERRUPTIONS

JACE

“Pixie, we’re home.” I let go of her hand and gently brush the side of her face causing her to stir, and her eyes to blink open.

“Oh shit, how long was I out?” She rubs her eyes and stretches in her seat.

“A little over an hour.”

“You could have woken me up.”

“Nah, I’d much rather you sleep than puke,” I chuckle and she gives my arm a little shove.

“Very funny. Well, thanks for the ride home. Did I sleep through the rain?”

---