Page 79 of A Me and You Thing
“How’s my mom?” I ask.
“Struggling with her health. But knowing you’re back has given her a huge boost.”
“I need to see them. Even if it’s brief. I just wanna hug them.”
“I understand.”
We sit there staring into each other’s eyes, and I swear I watch his pupils dilate as the feeling in the car subtly changes. All at once, he pulls me close and hugs me tightly. His lips find mine and we meet in a searing kiss, filled with the kind of passion I anticipate from Sawyer.
Finally, we share the kind of kiss I’ve been craving, a real kiss, a husband and wife kiss, awe’re marriedkiss, the kind of kiss that leaves me breathless and gasping.
It’s over far too quickly and rather abruptly. Sawyer is breathing hard as he rests his head on mine. He seems a little... tortured, almost filled with regret.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to attack you.”
“You didn’t.”
“Yeah, I did. I’ve missed you, Quinn. I never thought I’d be able to kiss you again. It’s messing with my mind.”
“I’m not complaining, Sawyer. I love kissing you. I didn’t want it to end and you can repeat it anytime.”
He doesn’t smile at my words. I find his reaction strange, but I chalk it up to shock. He gives me another one of those tight hugs and my bony body objects. But I don’t.
He settles into his seat and turns the ignition, even though I gave him permission to kiss me as hard and as long as he wants. I’m puzzled by his actions. Is it my imagination or is he hot and cold? I’ve never felt this way around him. Of course, I’ve never returned from the dead before, either. I’m pretty sure my expectations are a bit muddled. Our emotions are all over the place. With time, all will right itself.
He loves me and I love him. That’s all that matters. I’m just glad I didn’t come home to find him involved with someone else. That would’ve been rough. I want to ask him why he didn’t remarry, but I’m not sure I’m ready to have that discussion. It might reveal a story or two about attempted relationships, and I’m scared to broach the subject. Maybe I don’t want to know.
We make the short drive to my parents’ house. Even though we’re not expected, the front door of the house flies open just as Sawyer opens my car door, and Mom runs down the sidewalk. I meet her halfway, and we embrace in a long tear-filled hug.
“My baby, my baby,” she howls over and over.
It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’m having a lot of those lately. I treasure the fact that I have the ability to remember them.
Dad walks out of the house next, leaning heavily on his cane. He joins us as we share a long group hug.
“My daughter. My beautiful daughter.” Dad’s voice is husky as he holds me tightly.
We cry and hug, then cry and hug some more. I’m quickly learning that’s all you can do when you see someone you thought was gone from your life. There are no words. Just happy tears and tender touch. Just basking in their presence. At some point, we’ll move on, but for now I’m determined to savor it.
After our hug, my parents back up and simply stare at me with wide eyes. They shake their heads in disbelief and wipe at their cheeks, rendered speechless.
To Sawyer, Mom says, “Is Bree still at the house with the girls?”
Sawyer nods. “Yeah.”
“Oh.” Mom looks down at the ground, then back up at me with a strange expression.
Dad studies me with a worried frown.
“I’m real. Stop looking at me like that.” I feel like a department store window with everything on display and no way to hide from onlookers.
Another group hug follows. I love being held by my mom and dad. I feel so safe and secure in their arms.
“Okay, that’s enough. You need to get home and rest. We’ll visit tomorrow.” Mom pats me on the back.
I kind of hate being treated like an invalid. But I understand, so I don’t fight it. Every single aspect of my life is overwhelming right now. I’m already exhausted again.
I wave as we drive off, until we make a turn and I can no longer see them.
