Page 98 of Yours, Forever

I'd survive it. I'd grieve in my dream home. I'd cry and then fill it up with other incredible, happy memories. One day, I'd get to have Max visit for a couple of weeks if he wanted, if he stayed in touch like he said he would.

For now, I'd get to enjoy his proximity, his generosity, the way he occupied space in my life, shining light and energy into spaces that had been empty for too long.

"Ale, I know you're worried for your friend." Max pulled me closer to him. "I thank you for that, but I'll promise you this… I will never hurt her if I can help it."

My friend smirked. "You're cute. It's not that I don't get it. I just don't want you to take advantage of her."

Max shrugged. "I think she's taking advantage of my body, to be honest."

I laughed. Ale snorted. Daniel gave us a tiny smile.

I patted Max's stomach in appreciation, but spoke to my friend. "Ale, thank you, but no. I know what I'm doing. If it's a mistake, it's my mistake. You'll be there if I need a hug, right?"

"That's right, but I'd rather give you a hug out of joy than because you're sad."

"Let them make their choices, Ale." Daniel shifted to make enough room again to open the door. "Maybe they'll surprise us."

"Even more than they have? Talk about this place starting a revolution in town," she said.

Chapter 27

Max

It was finally timefor the September break at Gabe's lake house. On the afternoon of the 17th, we took to the road for a few days away with my friends, and the people I thought of when I thought of a family. Several hours later, we drove onto the property, the sound of gravel under our tires.

I turned off the engine just as Eva took a big breath.

I put a hand on her thigh. "Are you all right, darling? Tired?"

A few cars parked in front of the house; ours stood quiet at the end of the short row. The house, made of big logs and with huge glass windows, was a mix of classic and modern. Warm light shone from inside, a promise of what we'd find among the Sotomayors.

"A bit tired," she said. "It's also that I'm about to spend a few days in your life. I should have asked you more about what to expect."

"I told you all there is to know. We'll have a meal now, then maybe play cards or get in the hot tub if we like. We could go for a walk on the lake shore, if it's still light out. The idea is to rest and have fun."

She gazed at me. "You said you told Gabe's parents about our situation?"

"They know. I called them a while ago and explained to them why they hadn't been invited to the wedding. It would have hurt them otherwise."

"What did they say?"

"That they couldn't wait to meet you."

She smiled. "I'm glad I don't have to see their reaction to the story behind it, and I just get to enjoy everyone."

"Exactly." I patted her thigh. "Let's go now; they'll be waiting. I'll get our bags later."

The house sat in a clearing in the forest, the trees darkening the property against the shadows of nature at dusk. We walked to the main door. I didn't knock. I took Eva's hand and went right in.

"Family, we're home!" I exclaimed.

Expressions of joys exploded from the living room, and everyone stood to come welcome us in. We waited for them, while Eva took the opportunity to gaze around the building.

I wondered if she noticed that, in general terms, the house had a similar floorplan to our almost-home, but bigger. Next to us in the foyer, there were closets under the stairs to one side, and a door I knew led to the principal en suite on the other. Past the entrance, a large great room, with a stone fireplace drawing the eye to the impressive side wall. A huge sectional hugged thefireplace, with a few cozy armchairs around for extra seating. I had spent many evenings chatting away with my people there.

In that room, the vaulted ceiling helped showcase the imposing glass wall. It made it seem like the outside was partially inside with us, giving us a great view of the large deck. In the daylight, the sight of the lake and forest around us always sparked extra joy for being there.

At the other side of the sitting space, a 12-place dinner table and a modern, open concept kitchen finished the living area. Eva and I would sleep in one of the bedrooms upstairs, in a house full of my favorite people.