I thought it would be worse to stand here, remembering what happened with Thomas, but the tight restricting sensation gripping my throat slowly leaves when I feel Endymion wrap his arm around my middle, tucking my back into his front. We stand a few feet back from the building, staring at the space. The lease sign is still posted there in the window.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I’m thinking of that night,” I tell him truthfully. His grip on me tightens. “But I’m also thinking that I can’t run from everything in my life. I’m done running, End. I want to make the best memories here. Let go of the bad and focus on the good. And this place? It’s perfect.”
“You really want to do this?” There’s a note of skepticism in his tone, and I know it’s because he’s worried about me. My father just passed away, and I’m already diving headfirst into a huge decision.
After our talk last night at the creek, I woke up this morning wanting to check out the space again. I feel a renewed sense of hope, and though I am still wading through the sadness and battling my emotions, I want to do this for my dad. For me. For that young girl who promised she’d always chase her dreams, no matter what.
“I do want to do this. Do you think it’s a bad idea?”
He shakes his head, his warm, calloused hand stroking the back of my neck. “No, I think this is amazing. I think you’re amazing.”
A smile spreads across my face. I crane my head back, pressing a kiss against his lips. Turning back around toward the building, I hold on to this sensation, that warmth billowing in my chest as I dig my phone out of my purse and dial the number. The first thing I need to get is a quote, but I’ve come to a decision, and I want to stick to it. Even if I can’t end up having this place, I won’t stop searching for the perfect fit.
After I leave a message inquiring about the space, End tugs on my hand. “Come on, let’s get ready.”
My brows jump into my hairline. “Get ready for what exactly?”
He smirks down at me, his eyes dancing with mirth and heat. “I’m taking you out on a date.”
“A date?” I grin, glitter bursting and billowing in my chest. “Little late for that, don’t you think?”
“It’s never too late,” he leans in, whispering against my lips.
Back at home, I do as End instructs and get ready for our date. I have no clue where we’re going, nothing to go on at all. He just mentioned that I should bring a light jacket. That’s it.
“I have a secret, Mommy, but I’m not supposed to tell you,” Luna mentions, as I’m swiping the wand of mascara against my lashes.
My lips twist wryly. “Oh, really? So we’re keeping secrets now, Luna Bella?”
She heaves a deep, tired sigh, as if she didn’t realize keeping a secret would be this difficult. “Daddy made me promise.” She pouts. A laugh catches in my throat, and I screw on the cap, and turn, dropping to my haunches in front of her.
“You don’t have to ruin the secret, okay? But you do have to tell me how I look.” Pushing to my feet, I do a little twirl for her, waiting to hear her thoughts. She cocks her head to the side, her little eyes assessing everything about my outfit. I decided to go with a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved dusky pink knit sweater that hangs off the shoulder. The fall season has brought in a cold front, and I figured I’d play it safe with this. It’s perfect for something indoors, and with a light jacket, it’ll be just enough for anything outdoors.
“You look like a princess, but with jeans.”
A laugh tumbles out, and I scoop my daughter into my arms, squeezing her tiny body to me. “I may look like a princess, but you are the princess.”
“I know that, Mommy,” she tells me so matter-of-factly that I have to stifle my laughter. What the hell am I going to do with this girl?
With my hand secured in Luna’s, we pause in the living room where Endymion is waiting. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see his outfit of choice. Dark washed jeans, black boots, and a blue flannel draped over a black thermal Henley. He looks incredibly handsome with the way the light strands