Page 118 of Je T'aime, Actually
“How?”
Chloé shrugged. “Last night after our conversation, I said to myself, if there is a flight available, then it is a sign to be here. There was one seat left on the early flight. I booked it.”
“But you have so much work—”
Chloé placed a finger against Monroe’s lips. “Let me worry about that. Right now, you need to be here, and I needed to be with you.”
“You’re crazy, you know that?”
Chloé laughed softly. “Maybe. But crazy in love.”
Monroe smiled, warmth flooding her chest. “Well, lucky me.”
Leaning in, Chloé brushed her lips over Monroe’s in a gentle, lingering kiss. It was a promise that no matter how far apart they’d been, this was home.
“Staying?” Monroe breathed.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Chloé promised, “not right now, anyway.”
Monroe’s breath hitched as she melted into another kiss, the morning light catching the small smile that played on Chloé’s lips as they finally found each other again.
one hundred
Benji was the first to spot Chloé at the school gate. His face lit up and he ran towards her, nearly knocking over a smaller child who wandered into his path.
“Chloé! When did you get back?” He grinned, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.
Surprised by such an enthusiastic greeting, Chloé glanced at Monroe with a shrug.
“I flew in this morning.”
“We missed you,” Benji said, stepping back and releasing her from his grip.
Before he could say another word, Kitty came screaming across the playground from her side of the school grounds.
“Chloooooééé!”
Kitty threw herself into Chloé’s arms, her small hands clutching onto her jacket.
Chloé laughed, briefly spinning Kitty around before gently setting her down. “Hey, kiddo. I missed you too.”
Monroe smiled, watching the reunion with quiet happiness. “I think they might like you.”
“Of course, I am fascinating,non?” Chloé said with a wink.
The four of them started towards the car, their footsteps quick and light. Benji chatted nonstop, telling Chloé about the latest football game he wanted. Kitty added her own animated commentary about school projects and the new puppy her best friend had gotten, but said she didn’t want one because you had to pick up poo and she was not up for that.
Chloé listened intently, asking questions, laughing, and making the kids beam with pride. Monroe walked beside them, feeling the familiar warmth settle comfortably around her.
They pulled up outside Poppy and Frank’s house in the soft glow of late afternoon. The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting warm shadows across the quiet street.
Bags were grabbed and they all climbed out of the car, the children rushing towards the door just as Poppy opened it.
“Chloé! How wonderful to see you.” She called back into the house as Monroe and Chloé walked up the path, “Frank, Chloé’s back.” Stepping back, she opened the door to let them inside.
Frank sat in his armchair near the doorway, his face tired, but softened by a genuine smile. Despite the pain in his eyes, the joy of seeing family close was unmistakable.
“Hello,” Chloé said softly, her gaze lingering on Frank with quiet affection.
