Page 11 of Lavender and Lightning

“What happened today was terrible. I can’t imagine how scary it must have been for you, and for Rhett. And when I think of how close you both came to getting hurt…”

I trail off as my throat closes up and I have to swallow hard. My arms flex and I hold her a little tighter, her warmth steadying my racing heart. The hours we’d spent waiting for Rhett and Lydia had been agonizing, not knowing if they were safe or if something horrible had happened. Seeing her standing in the kitchen, shaken up but unharmed, had been the only thing that put my heart at ease. This was the second time I’d almost lost her in less than a week, and I couldn’t bear the thought of what could happen if our luck ran out.

“I know it’s not what we planned, but having you here, living with us, would mean so much,” I finish, words coming out a little hoarse.

“It’s not that I don’t want to live here, I just don’t… it’s a lot to ask, and I don’t want to put y’all out because of my personal drama,” Lydia counters stubbornly.

“This isn’t your fault, and we won’t think less of you for choosing to do this,” I finish, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I need to do something. I won’t be a leech. It’s not right,” Lydia says with a little huff of frustration.

“You’re not a leech. Though, if you were, you’d be the sexiest, most adorable, loveable leech there ever was,” I counter, trying to ease the tension.

I can practically hear her rolling her eyes, but the small smile I feel pressed against my neck settles me. She relaxes more fully into my embrace, one of her fingers tracing a button on my dress shirt.

“I hate being so… dependent,” she mutters.

At that, I frown a little, not sure what to make of it. I don’t want to dismiss her feelings, but the alpha in my chest wants to roar in protest. It would be the privilege of a lifetime to care for Lydia, to spoil her rotten and make sure she never wants for anything again. But knowing her like I do, she’d sooner jump off a bridge than be some sort of pampered omega princess in a tower.

“Everyone needs help from time to time. And it’s my pleasure to help someone I lo—look up to.”

I cut myself off with a hot flush. I’ve been thinking it for a while, but that was almost too close. Telling Lydia how I feel in this moment seems wrong, too close to manipulation. That’s why I can’t say it now. It’d be wrong to try to capitalize on those feelings while I’m trying to convince her to move in.

Just keep telling yourself that, Matty. Someday it might actually be true.

I shove aside the voice in my head that sounds uncannily like Rhett as Lydia snorts.

“Look up to?” she repeats skeptically.

“Well, not literally. You are fun-sized, after all,” I tease, kissing her forehead again.

“When I have both my arms again, I’ll show you how fun-sized I am,” she grumbles, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I’ll make sure to have the step ladder on hand, so we can talk eye-to-eye,” I volley back.

She growls the most adorable little rumble and pokes me hard in the ribs, making me laugh harder. I let her tickle me into submission, cuddling her close afterwards while we catch our breaths. I’m happy to let her win, to give her a moment to not have to worry about the darkness lurking just outside of the door.

“After I’m moved in and I get back to work, I’m going to pay back the fee,” Lydia says after a long pause.

“We’ll just use it as part of the payment on a car for you,” I reply neutrally.

“No, you fucking won’t. I’m going to buy my own car, and I’m going to pay back the early termination fee, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me,” she declares with a final nod.

If that’s what it takes to get Lydia to live here and be safe, then so be it. I smile and nod, trying not to let my relief show. She settles back into my embrace, and I close my eyes, a prayer of thanks escaping on my next exhale. I’m not a religious person, but whoever or whatever sent such a strong, beautiful fighter into my life has my eternal gratitude.

six

Lydia

Theairiswarmand humid, cicadas a background hum under the slow beat of the classic rock ballad around us. A warm grip, the callouses familiar and comforting, envelopes my right hand. My left arm is free of its cast and draped across a broad shoulder. I can feel the smooth fabric of his expensive suit under my fingers. His whiskey and leather scent fills my head, making my knees weak and head spin.

Rhett and I sway, my dress brushing against my legs as he leads me through a slow foxtrot. There are other peopleon the dance floor,Sam and his new bride Ally among the crowd. Rhett spins me in a smooth motion, my elegantly styled hair fanning out around me. I slide back into Rhett’s arms, smiling up into his beautiful face. His smile makes his icy eyes dance, the fairy lights reflecting like stars.

“You’re so perfect,” he breathes, looking at me with that expression of awe and love that I know by heart.

I can only beam in response, stepping closer and closing my eyes as I bask in the warmth of his embrace.

“I can’t wait to make you mine.”

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