Page 79 of Rectify

Getting up off the bed, she fixes the bedspread then makes her way to the door. “I think Uncle Drix is waiting for you in the car, you better go.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

She grabs my hand luggage, and begins to roll it out of the room. “Most definitely.”

Drix and I hop in the car together, and my stomach is in knots because of it. Over the last few weeks, especially this last one, the dynamics between Taylah, him, and I have changed. For the better.

Our whole, awkward, dysfunctional family has. And I’m almost certain, even if Jay doesn’t want us to be together, he’s still one of the best things to ever happen to me.

The drive is filled with conversation about everything and nothing all at once. It isn’t till Drix is dropping me off at the Domestic Terminal that his need to tell me something is much more apparent.

“What is it?” I ask, standing on the curb with my bags in hand. “Just spit it out.”’

“I feel like you and I are finally where we’re meant to be.”

I smile, because it’s the truth. “It feels good doesn’t it? Feels right?”

“It’s crazy how much so.”

“I’m just so glad you and I are back to this...” I wave my hand between us. “It’s effortless.”

Raising his wrist, he checks the time, and looks at the crowd behind me. “You better get going.”

“Ok.” I exhale loudly. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it.”

“Thank you for driving me.”

He wraps me up in a bear hug. “Make sure you tell Jay not to move back to Sydney any later than January. I don’t want to lose my bet with Taylah.”

“What are you talking about?”

He lets go, and rests his hands on my shoulder. “He’ll know what I mean.”

I roll my eyes and laugh at his nonsense. “I love you Drix.”

“I love you Sash. Now go get your happy ever after.”

I give him a wink, and head inside. Check in takes more time than the actual flight, but in just under three hours. I’m standing at his doorstep too nervous to press the doorbell.

It’s a quaint little area, on a quiet cul de sac. The perfect family house.

Thinking better of it, I text Max and tell her I’m here. As I wait for a reply, I look around his front porch and notice six cute little flowerpots that have clearly been painted by Lily. The plants look a little worse for wear, but considering he’s been in Sydney all this time, it isn't a surprise.

My phone pings, and the message from Max makes me laugh out loud.

Max: Lily and I are out. Make some noise.

It’s now or never.

I press the doorbell, and try not jump out of my skin while I wait. The door opens, and the look on his face is priceless. He double takes and I can't help but smile. A big, unrestrained and unapologetic smile.

I should worry that he's going to tell me this is all a little too late, but I'm too busy breathing the same air he’s breathing, staring at his beautiful, handsome face, and after weeks of silence and emptiness this is everything.

“Why are you smiling like a lunatic?”

Breaking through his personal space, I touch his cheek without warning, and he leans into it. I could tell him a million different reasons why, but the only thing that comes out, is the only one that matters. “I love you.”

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