Page 160 of GAF Factor

“You’re just saying that.”

He nodded. “Yeah, but I will be with time.”

I didn’t leave the porch until he got in his car and drove away. Something in my heart mended, knowing he would be alright, even if right now it really sucked.

The moment I walked back into the house, I prepared myself for the onslaught of questions. Mom had a tissue in her hand and refused to look at me and Dad was holding her hand like she just received terrible news. It was so strange.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Dad answered. “She’s just a little emotional right now.”

“She saw you and Kavanaugh saying goodbye,” Riley answered.

I groaned, flopping down in a chair. “Mom, you’re gonna have to get over it. I’m not in love with Kavanaugh. In fact…” I might as well go for it. Knox was coming home and they were going to meet him either way. It was best to just rip off the bandaid. “I’m actually living with someone.”

Their heads jerked up, but it was Mom who shrieked at me. “You’re what?”

“I’m living with a man.”

“I couldn’t have heard you right. Because no daughter of mine could be married and living with another man.”

“Oh, but you thought it was okay for me to be with Kavanaugh.”

“That’s different! He’s a perfectly fine young man?—”

“And Knox is the love of my life,” I retorted. “He is the man I chose. And I’m no longer married. The divorce went through. I got the news this morning. And before you criticize me for living with a man out of wedlock, I have been married already, I’ve nearly died a bazillion times this year, and I want to live my damn life however I choose. Are we clear?”

Mom’s jaw dropped to the ground and Dad snorted in amusement.

“And while we’re at it, Riley is practically engaged.”

Riley gasped, turning to me with an accusing glare. “You bitch!”

The front door opened and the man of the hour walked in. “Hey, what did I miss?”

“Mom, Dad. Meet Bowie, Riley’s fiancé.”

He frowned. “Her what?”

“My what?” Riley shouted.

I chuckled and took a step back as that all played out. For once, none of it was about me, and I was perfectly happy with that. While they all argued, I took the opportunity to step outside and get a little fresh air. I was so excited to see Knox, and without updates on when he would be back, I was going out of my mind.

I sat on the porch swing, regretting that I hadn’t brought my coat outside, but I wasn’t going back into battle until I absolutely had to. When it got too cold to sit outside any longer, I sighed and started to head inside, but then a car turned the corner and hope sparked inside me.

I held my breath as it slowed in front of my house, coming to a stop just in front of the walk. And then he was there, getting out and walking toward me all battered and beaten. He was favoring one side of his body and his face was all bruised and swelling, but he was here.

As soon as he got to the top step, I was in his arms, crushing my lips to his. A groan of pain slipped from his lips, but he held me tighter, refusing to let go. Everything around us stilled, and for just this one minute, it was only the two of us, reunited and surrounded in our own spark that would burn bright forever.

“I never thought I would get to do that again.”

“Neither did I,” I whispered against his lips.

“I’m sorry, Isla. It’ll never happen again.”

“Promise me. Swear it.”

“I swear.”

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