Page 68 of Everlasting Promises

BEN

Cars fillHope’s driveway and more are parked down the street, so I turn around and park in the empty spot behind Sebastian’s truck on the opposite side.

He climbs out and meets me, carrying a gift bag.

“Hey, man. Thanks for coming today.” We grasp hands and pull each other into a chest bump, careful not to crush our gifts.

“No problem. I was surprised to be invited.”

I chuckle as we cross the street. “Ev thinks you’re really cool.”

“He’d be right about that.” Sebastian laughs. He looks around at all the cars. “Looks like we might be the last to arrive.”

We pass the spot where I was parked last time I was here. The image of Hope running down the steps and across the grass to my truck replays clearly. And when I remember the soft touch of her mouth against mine, I draw in an essential breath. I’ll never, for as long as I live, forget how brave she was that night. Nor will I forget how it felt to have her lips on mine as I fought to allow her the space she needed to kiss me. And I willneverforget howmy heart crumbled to dust when I felt her tears as her mouth explored mine.

I glance back at the street once I reach the porch. “Yeah. I’m not sure what to expect in terms of turn out.”

“So, I’m guessing things are progressing?” he asks as we climb the steps.

I tip my head to the side. “Just taking it one day at a time.”

He nods. “I can see why you’re prepared to wait until she’s ready. She’s a great person. Beautiful, too. And Evan’s a pretty cool kid.”

“I think they’ll be worth the wait.” I knock on the door, worried I won’t be heard over the ruckus inside. A few moments later, a silhouette appears, and, as the person walks closer, I recognize Hope’s mom. I watch her smile grow as she reaches the door.

“Ben. I’m so happy you came.” She pushes the screen door open and throws her arms around my body, much the same way she did when we met the first time in the school gym, and I stiffen slightly, much the same way I did then. I’m not used to such open affection from parental figures.

“Hey, June.” I return her embrace. When I finally pull away, her eyes slide to Seb. “This is my friend, Sebastian.”

“Hi, June,” Sebastian says as he holds out his hand, but she pushes past it, hugging him the same way she did me, and I chuckle at his surprise.

“Nice to meet you, Sebastian. Evan’s told me all about you and how you won the mini golf game. And while I have you both here”—she clasps her hands over her heart and rushes to add—“I wanted to thank you for giving my grandson and daughter such a fun evening. It’s all Evan can talk about.” She leans in and cups the side of her mouth. “He told me Hope laughed and smiled and danced,” she whispers as her eyes grow glassy.

I can’t fathom how hard it’s been for her to watch her daughter and grandson lose so much and struggle in the wake of such a tragedy.

“We had a great time, too. And it was fantastic to help them have fun,” I tell her.

Imagine how she’d feel if she knew her daughter kissed me. I think she’d establish a cheer squad. In the short amount of time I’ve spent with her, she’s made it abundantly clear she’d be happy for me to date her daughter.

The three of us step inside and make our way into the open living, dining, and kitchen area. “Look who’s here!” June calls out, and all eyes snap to us, making us the focus of the party.

Raising my eyebrows, I swallow past my nerves, dig deep for my confidence, and wave. “Hi, everyone. I’m Ben and this is my friend?—”

“Sebastian!” a woman calls as she walks straight to him with a smirk.

Sebastian chuckles as his eyes widen. “Lucy. What are the chances?” He turns to me. “This is Lucy. Remember we were supposed to meet for drinks a while back? We stayed until closing, but she never showed.” He widens his eyes at her in accusation.

She screws up her nose. “Yeah, sorry about that.” Jabbing her thumb over her shoulder toward the kitchen, she adds, “I had to look after my girl here. Sisters before misters, you know?”

“Ben!” Evan calls as he races up to us with Donnelly following close behind. I’m thrilled the boys have bonded. It’ll be good for both of them. “You came!”

“Of course. You invited me. Where else would I be?” I muss his hair and hand him my gift. “Happy birthday.”

His head snaps up. “You even brought me a present?”

Sebastian hands his gift over as well. “Happy birthday, Ev.”

“Thanks. I didn’t think you’d bring me presents.” He doesn’t even look at them before he walks away from us toward a table covered in gifts. “Mom! Ben and Seb are here. They got me presents,” he shouts. Everyone chuckles at his excitement.

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