Page 109 of Complete Me
Kids weren’t something I ever thought I would have after I lost Lena, but an image of Kinsey’s stomach swelling with our child makes my heart ache. She’s given me a second chance at life, and if kids are in our future, I would be on board with it. But I know deep down, the only thing I need to be the happiest man in the world is her. Everything else is extra.
My mom pulls out a photo album, sitting between Kinsey and me, and flips through photos of my childhood. Lena and I dressed up as Batman and Robin for Halloween, the time my mom was shampooing the carpet on the stairs, and we took laundry baskets to use as sleds. Lena broke her arm that day, and I can still remember how she and I laughed our asses off after the fact at how mad our parents were.
For the first time since Lena was taken, I relax and enjoy the time with my parents with nothing but love and enjoyment between us.
I’ve gone back and forth on telling them the truth about what happened to her that night, but at least for right now, I can’t bring myself to do it. I know it’s unfair to make that decision for them, but I was twenty-two and have to live with my decisions. Maybe it’s the coward’s way out, maybe it’s a selfish part of me that doesn’t want to be the one to break their hearts, whatever the reason, today, I just want to enjoy having parents.
After a few hours, Kinsey and I say our goodbyes, with promises to see them soon, and walk out of their house hand in hand. I straddle my bike, holding it steady for Kinsey to climb on and get comfortable, but before she does, she walks into my space, her hands grasping my cheeks, pretty blue eyes looking at me with so much damn love my heart trips over itself in my chest.
“I’m so proud of you.”
God, this woman is so good. So perfect. So selfless.
“I love you, sweetheart. I couldn’t have done that without you, Kins.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. All I did was open your eyes to how strong you are, to your worth. It’s been there all along.”
“My little fighter. My ride or die. I’m going to spend however long I have on this Earth making you happy.”
“As long as you’re by my side, that’s all I need.”
CHAPTER 31
kinsey
At the endof every summer, Aspen Ridge holds an end-of-season party at Grace Beach. There are vendors with food, drinks, games for kids and adults alike. Once the sun goes down, there’s a huge bonfire that rages for hours on end, lighting up the sky with its blazing heat, little embers floating around on the wind.
I’ve come here every year for as long as I can remember to celebrate the end of summer, to get excited for the school year, or to welcome fall, which is right around the corner. For the last few years, especially, I’ve come here and found friends paired off, watched my parents snuggle on driftwood in front of the fire, and craved having someone of my own. Someone who would fit in with my family like a sibling, but love me like I was the center of his world.
It’s hard to believe it was only a year ago that Sawyer brought Ivy here after she had been gone for ten years. I watched as the two of them walked over to us, her hands rubbing together in front of her body, nerves written all over her face. Sawyer reached for her hand, grounding herand settling her into her skin, silently reminding her that she can take up space, that even though she hurt him, that she was welcome back into Aspen Ridge—back into our family. I watched them, and my heart ached to feel that for myself.
In the last year, all five of us have found our soulmates in the most unexpected ways, and as I stand here and look at my brothers, lost in their own little worlds, completely wrapped up in the person they’ve found their match in, I’m grateful.
Grateful to have such a large, loving family that puts each other first. Grateful to be suffocated by their overbearing love, grateful they brought me three sisters and a new brother. Grateful to live in a small town that feels like a warm hug.
Reid drapes his arm over my shoulders as the bonfire ignites, tucking me into his side like he always does. It’s such a possessive move, but it brings both of us so much comfort—to touch, to be close. It grounds each of us in different ways, and I thrive knowing I’m his and he’s mine.
The waves crash hard against the shore, the night lit up by the moon and the blazing bonfire. Everyone is lost to chatter and letting loose. Wes Draven walks up to us, slapping his hand into Reid’s, giving him a solid shake, then promptly returns his arms to wrap around his wife, Lily. I can’t help but admire how happy she looks, ethereally glowing next to him. Her midnight-black hair and bright auburn highlights remind me of a goddess.
Lily gives me a smile, but then she looks back up at Wes, completely consumed by him. I can relate. It’s exactly how I feel with Reid, pulled into his vortex and utterly devoured by it.
“My president sends his appreciation for what you pulled for us. We couldn’t have done it without you. If you’re interested, he’d like your info in case he needs your services again,” Reid tells him.
“It was easy. As long as nothing takes me out of Aspen Ridge, I’m down. You can pass it along.”
Reid nods. “We appreciate it. I’m sure he’ll be in touch sooner rather than later. There’s always something.”
“I know how that goes, except I’ve never been busier than this last year—your brothers are my biggest return clients, Kinsey.”
“Well, I hate to break it to you, Wes, I think the craziness has finally died down. Now, we all need to find our new normal.”
Wes and Lily wander off, leaving Reid and me semi-alone.
“You doin’ okay, sweetheart?”
“I’ve never been better. What about you, big guy?”
“I’ve got my woman in my arms, and my soul finally feels at peace. I have nothing to complain about.”
