Page 88 of The Beat of her Heart

Her dad stepped forward, reaching out, and Giselle was pulled into a warm, genuine embrace that was long overdue. Her mother joined them, holding onto her tightly, her head resting on Giselle’s shoulder. Addie, watching with a soft expression, gave Giselle’s hand a quick squeeze beforestepping back, giving them the moment they needed.

After a long pause, Giselle pulled back, her gaze meeting Addie’s. Her parents turned to Addie, their expressions open and unguarded.

“Thank you, Adrienne,” her dad said. “For loving her. And for waiting.”

Just then, the door opened and Josephine entered, looking pleasantly surprised. She gave a short nod, an approving smile on her face.

“Finally,” Josephine said.

“Come over here,” Giselle said. “You’re family.”

Giselle’s words echoed in Addie’s head. This moment was everything she’d ever wanted. It felt like the start of something perfect.

29

GISELLE

The house was quiet. Giselle sat on Addie’s couch, her arm around her, Addie’s head resting gently on her shoulder.

It had been weeks since the accident, and Sophie had recovered fully. Things were finally looking up for Giselle and Addie.

The lights were dim, casting a soft glow over the room, and the distant sound of Sophie breathing softly in her bedroom was the only reminder that anyone else was there. Addie’s home had a warmth and a lived-in feel that settled something inside Giselle that had always felt restless.

Addie let out a small sigh, her handmoving to rest on Giselle’s. “You know, I didn’t think we’d ever get here.”

Giselle squeezed her hand, keeping her gaze fixed on the quiet space around them. “I didn’t either.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “But I’m glad we are.”

Addie looked up at her, a smile playing at the edges of her lips. “Really?”

“Yes.” Giselle turned, meeting Addie’s gaze. “I’ve spent so long keeping myself closed off, Addie. But with you…it doesn’t feel so hard anymore.”

Addie’s smile widened, a quiet look of relief crossing her face. She shifted closer and rested her head more firmly on Giselle’s shoulder, her fingers lacing through hers.

“You know, you don’t have to say everything perfectly,” Addie said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Giselle let the words settle, nodding slightly. “It’s new to me,” she admitted. “Saying what I actually mean. Trusting…that it’s safe.”

Addie’s fingers traced small circles over the back of Giselle’s hand, her movements slow and soothing. “I know. And that’s enough for me. We’ll get there.”

They sat in silence, the kind of silence that felt right and full, not something that needed filling or fixing. Giselle let her head rest against the couch, her body sinking into the comfort of the moment.

Addie’s voice broke the quiet, soft and steady. “Do you ever think about what’s next? For us?”

Giselle blinked, the question catching her off guard. She glanced down, then back at Addie, considering. “I used to be afraid of that,” she said. “Of thinking too far ahead. But now…I think I’m ready to try.”

Addie smiled again, a small laugh escaping her, and Giselle found herself smiling, too. It felt easy and natural, like something she’d always been meant to do.

“I’d like that,” Addie said. “Maybe we could actually plan…a trip together. Go somewhere, just us and Sophie.”

Giselle nodded, her gaze softening. “I’d like that.” She paused, glancing toward Sophie’s room. “She’s special. Like you.”

Addie’s hand tightened on hers and she leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against Giselle’s cheek. “And you’re special to us.”

The words settled deep inside, groundingher. Giselle looked around, taking in the home that had somehow become a place she belonged.

Addie shifted, meeting her gaze again, and Giselle noticed the way her eyes softened. She reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Addie’s face, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than usual.

“Thank you,” Giselle said, her voice barely above a whisper. “For waiting. For…seeing me, even when I didn’t let you in.”

---