Page 30 of Finding Solace
Rising from his chair, he makes his way towards me where I am standing in front of the stove, and wraps his strong arms around me frombehind.
"You belong here, Mila, you and Ava. I want my girls back home where they belong." The hand I am using to flip pancakes freezes. One of Reid's arms leaves my body as he reaches out and turns off the stove before he urges me to turn and face him. "Tell me what your thinkin,babe."
I swallow past the knot in my throat, "Do you mean it? Do you really want us here, because you have to understand what you're asking, Reid. You saw what it's like having a little kid livinghere."
"I know what I'm asking, Mila. I miss my girls. I wouldn't have said something unless I was sure. I know what I want, and I want you, and I want Ava too." Placing his hands on either side of my face, he steals a kiss and continues. "How about a trial run. You and Ava stay here until we figure out what's going on with your situation. Once things have settled, we can revisit thesubject."
"I think I can handle that," I tell him accepting his offer. Living with Reid feels like home, and I feel safe. My primary concern is keeping my daughter safe. After what happened at the motel I won't risk putting mine or Ava's lives indanger.
"I know what you're thinkin', Kitten. Your thoughts are playing out all over your beautiful face. I promise I won't let anything happen to you or Ava. I'll kill any motherfucker who dares to put their hands on you again," Reid's voice drips with venom and with promise. He kisses my forehead, "Come on, babe. Let's eat. Bella and Austin will be here soon to go with you to your house so you can pick up some things and I need to head to the clubhouse to talk withJake."
Putting my trust in him, I decide I'm going to let Reid do what he needs todo.
Bellaand I are sitting in the back seat of Austin's truck on our way to my Gram's house when she doesn't waste any time asking me questions. "So, you and Ava are moving in withReid?"
"Five minutes, Bella. Couldn't you wait five minutes? Igiggle.
"Shut up, and spill! You know I'm dying over here," she jests nudging me in my side with herelbow.
"Yes, we're moving in. He wants to keep us safe until the dust with my parents settles. He also admitted he misses us and wants Ava and me to live with him long term, but I only agreed on a trial basis. I don't think Reid fully understands what he will be getting himself into when it comes to living with a child. Sure, he got a taste the month we were there while I was his nurse, but I believe he needs more time to besure."
"Oh, he's sure. If it's one thing I know for certain about the Kings men, is when they want something, they get it. Reid wouldn't have suggested you living with him if he wasn't one hundred percent sure. The 'trial run' makes you feel better movingforward."
"Reid said the same thing to me this morning," I sigh. "Maybe, I'm trying to play it smart. You know? I have a daughter who is already attached to him. This whole thing with Reid seems too good to be true. I have always taken care of myself, and now he insists I let him do it." I gaze out the window and watch the clouds roll by, "He hasn't asked me about her biological father, or if he was even in the picture. When I confessed weeks ago, she was the product of a one-night stand he didn't blink an eye. There was no disgusted look or judgment from him." Iadmit.
"Hold on a minute." Bella interrupts. "Why would anyone have reason to judge you for having a one-nightstand?"
I shrug my shoulders and look down at my lap, "I don't know. I guess I'm a little embarrassed. It didn't help my parents made it a point to call me a tramp, and tell me how stupid I was to allow myself to getpregnant."
"Mila, you listen to me. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Ava is a gift. Anyone would be lucky to have both of you. Reid can see that. He can see how special the both of you are. I'm sorry your parents can't see what everyone else does." Taking my hand in hers, I look at Bella when she speaks her next words. "Anyone who chooses not to see what an amazing, special, and caring person you are is not worth having in your life. It's their loss,Mila."
In keeping with the theme of spilling my guts, I make another confession, "I'm in love withhim."
"I know you are. Reid is in love with youtoo."
"Don't you think it's a little soon?" I askher.
"Says who? Love is love, Mila. Love is timeless and has no boundaries. It doesn't matter if you fall in love in a day, a week, a month or even a year. All that matters is it feels right, and you are happy. Life is too short. When you find love and happiness, I say grab hold of it and never letgo."
"How did you get to be so smart?" I ask myfriend.
"Life. You live, and youlearn."
"That's the truth," I sigh. "You're a good friend, Bella. The best. I don't know or what I'd do without you," I tell her while leaning over and hugging her. A throat clearing from the front seat breaks mine and Bella'smoment.
"Uh, sorry to interrupt ladies, but we're here," Austin tellsus.
Climbing out of his truck, I notice a car parked in Gram's driveway. On closer inspection, it looks to be a rental and I know who itis.
"Whose car?" Bellainquires.
My blood begins to boil as I storm across the lawn in the direction of the front door. "My parents," I say without stopping. How dare they show up here. I notice Austin jogging to catch up withme.
"Mila, wait. Let me go in first," Austininterjects.
"No. Fuck that. I'm not scared of them. What I am is sick of their shit." Stepping from around Austin I burst through the frontdoor.
"Shit. Why don't women ever fuckin' listen?" Austin curses from behind me. I see him reach into is cut and pull out his cell phone. One guess as to who he's calling. Regardless, I'm going to have words with my parents. When I look behind me, Bella is hot on my trail and looks just as pissed as Iam.
