Page 26 of When Love Comes Home

I can tell it’s one of her most prized possessions. “I can’t wait to see it,” I say, glancing at Adam and noticing the man I’ve never truly known.

For dessert, we have chocolate chip cookies with coffee—except for Justin, who drinks milk morning, noon, and night. Laila announces she’s heading out to see a movie with friends, then breezes through the door after doling out hugs and kisses like confetti. I watch her go, thinking how sweet she is. Soft-hearted, effortlessly kind, always the one making people feel seen. She’s going to make an incredible doctor someday.

Justin and Loren slip out the back door, hands intertwined, their heads close as they whisper things only the other can hear. The cool night air wraps around them, inviting and quiet, like it knows they’re about to lose themselves in words of love and dreams of a future together. I watch them go, a pang of envy settling in my chest. I can’t help it. The way they are with each other—so certain, so wrapped up in their own little world—makes me ache for something I’m not sure I’ll ever have.

That leaves just Mom, Dad, Adam, and me to hash out the living arrangements. Mom’s expression is unreadable, but I can tell she’s not entirely convinced. Her brows are furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line as if she’s already weighing every possible outcome. Dad, on the other hand, wears that knowing smile—like he knows something the rest of us don’t, and he’s just waiting for us to figure it out.

“I’m glad you two were able to work things out. Katherine, you’re a smart and sensible young woman. I knew it was just a matter of time before you realized Adam has never been nor will ever be a threat to your relationship with your mother and me.”

“I know, Dad, and I’m sorry. I’ve been so stubborn and unreasonable all these years.”

I turn to Adam, who’s sitting next to Dad, and push forward before the words get stuck in my throat. “Adam, I owe you an apology. For so many years, I focused on what I thought you were taking from me and completely missed the good things you brought to our family. The gift you gave Loren... it was such a beautiful gesture. One that took years to put together. How did you keep all those flowers intact? Seriously.”

A soft laugh escapes everyone, the tension easing just a little as smiles spread around the room.

“You and Dad shared moments that I wasn’t part of,” I continue, unable to hide the emotion I feel. “But that doesn’t take away from the moments that belong to me as his daughter. I had father-daughter dances, ballet recitals, karate matches, a sweet sixteen birthday party, prom, tennis, camping trips, trips to the beach, and the summer we backpacked together in Peru because, Dad, you wouldn’t let me go alone. I’ve had a lifetime of amazing memories that are solely mine. I’m sure you have some that are just as special. Just different. Neither one is more or less special than the other. It’s taken me eighteen years to realize that. Will you forgive me, Adam?”

He stands and reaches for my hand. I stand up and hug him. Tears start welling up inside me, and I can’t hold them in. They spill out and land on the front of his nice shirt. He looks down at me and uses his thumb to wipe a tear from my cheek. His touch makes me weak in the knees. My heart starts racing. I feel like I’m going to blush, and sure enough, heat rises to my cheeks. I let go of his embrace, hoping Mom and Dad will fill in the silence.

Dad to the rescue, “Adam, do you need any help moving your things?”

“No, sir,” Adam responds. “I don’t have much—just clothes that I’ve already dropped off at the house.”

“All right then,” Dad says. “If you need anything at the office, just let Sheri know. I knew that corner office with the big windows would work for you.”

“Thank you, Coach,” Adam says. “I appreciate it.”

With that, the dreaded conversation is over, and it went better than I could've ever expected.

***

When we get home, we walk up the porch steps, both of us quiet and lost in our own thoughts.

At the door, he looks at me. I love the fact that he's much taller than me. He's strong, and oh, so handsome. He makes me feel safe.

“Safely at home, my lady,” he says, as if reading my mind. “Can I walk you in?”

I laugh and unlock the door. “I need to make you a key,” I say.

“I have a key,” he replies.

“Of course you do,” I laugh. “I forgot. This is your house.”

“It’s our house,” he murmurs, ushering me inside.

Chapter 13

Adam

I’vebeenattendingchurchwith my foster parents since my return, so when Katie asks if I’ll be going to church with her today, I glance at her.

"Why are you looking at me that way?" she asks, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"I’m just not used to Katherine Linder wanting me to join her family at any function," I say, still a bit skeptical. "That would be two days in a row."

"I don’t think I’ve ever heard you call me Katherine before," she says, handing me a cup of coffee.

"I figured if you hate Katie that much, I should try to keep the peace and call you Katherine."

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