Page 76 of When He Saved Me
And so now, as I stood in my childhood bedroom, once again looking out over the yard, I was able to look back and see all the ways in which I’d been lucky as hell to have the kind of childhood I’d had. I was able to acknowledge the pain of the loss of the best people I’d ever known but also treasure the fact I’d had them in my life for as long as I had.
Arms came around me, and Finn pressed a kiss to the back of my neck before resting his chin on my shoulder. “I know you said you wanted to do this alone, but I couldn’t stand the wait any longer. I hope this is okay,” he said softly.
I grabbed his hand and brought it to my lips, then held it clasped against my chest. “Yeah, it’s fine. Thank you.”
“Why are you thanking me?”
“For knowing when to give me space. And knowing when to love on me.”
“You do the same for me.” I turned and pulled him around so we stood side by side, arms wrapped around each other’s waists, his head tucked under my chin. A feeling of contentment washed over me, one that I hadn’t felt in a long time, and I knew in that moment that I was ready.
I turned to face Finn, placing my hands on either side of his face, and drew his lips to mine. I poured all the love and gratitude I felt for him into that kiss, wanting him to feel just how very glad I was, not only that he’d come into my life but that he’d stuck by my side through the darkest parts of it.
I pulled away ever so slightly and whispered into his lips, “Let’s go home.” Then, with one more quick kiss, I pulled back and smiled, happiness radiating through me. He returned my smile, and grasping my hand, we turned and walked out.
Out of my old room and my old house and into a new life filled with new challenges and new beginnings. One filled with hope.
And so much love.
* * *
The End
