Page 37 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

I nod, laughing.

“I think I’ll miss Chicago once I go back home,” I admit.

Maybe it’s the city, or maybe it’s being here with him, but it feels like home.

“I’ll make you a promise,” Sebastian says, drawing my attention. “Next time I come to Chicago, it’d be my pleasure to have you with me.”

I don’t know what the future holds for us, but the thought makes me smile.

“I’d like that,” I reply softly.

That night, lying in the guest room at Sebastian’s childhood home, I replay the day in my mind. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.

A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I sit up as Sebastian peeks his head in.

“Hot chocolate?” he offers, holding a steaming mug in his hand.

I nod, and he steps inside, handing me the mug before sitting at the edge of the bed.

“I just wanted to thank you,” he says sincerely.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I reply shyly. “I’ve loved every moment.”

“Well then, I’ll leave you to get some rest,” he says, standing up and heading for the door.

Sipping the hot chocolate, I can’t help but reflect on how much Sebastian has changed. He isn’t the same man I thought I knew. Perhaps I was used to seeing "The Sebastian Kane" basking in the limelight, chasing attention and women. But here, away from all of that, I’m beginning to see who he really is.

The next morning, Sebastian and I head to the hospital. To our surprise, his mother is sitting up in bed with a huge grin on her face, radiating excitement.

“You seem to be all better now,” Sebastian says cheerfully.

“I get to go home!” she announces with enthusiasm.

“That’s wonderful news,” I chime in, sharing their excitement.

Later that afternoon, after his mother has been discharged, we return to her home. The joy on her face is undeniable the moment we pull into the driveway.

As the gate swings open, Sebastian’s mother breathes deeply, as if taking in the full comfort of being home again.

“It feels so good to finally be home.” Edna’s voice carries a sense of relief, and I can see how much she missed the comfort of her own space.

“Now, take it easy, Mom. You don’t want to overdo it,” Sebastian warns, following closely behind her.

But Edna waves him off with a dismissive gesture. She steps out of her wheelchair and starts climbing the stairs to her bedroom.

“One step at a time,” Sebastian says, rushing to her side to help.

She gives him a stern look. “I can do this on my own.” Her grip tightens on the railing as she begins her slow but determined ascent.

Sebastian’s mother is a strong woman, and I can’t help but admire that about her.

“I need to take care of a few things,” Sebastian says, turning to me. “Do you think you can keep an eye on her while I’m gone?”

“We’ll be fine. Go ahead,” I assure him.

A few minutes later, I knock gently on Edna’s bedroom door.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask, peeking inside.

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