headstone, I clear my throat.
“Mom, Dad, I’m home, and I have so much to tell you. Years of things to tell you. But first, I miss you both like crazy.”
I kiss my hand and touch the cold gray marble. “I’m sorry I haven’t visited, but if I’m being honest, I think it had a lot to do with the pressure I put on myself to find where I belonged. I went to college and met a man. He was my boyfriend. We had a wonderful relationship, but living in his bubble isn’t an option. Looking back, I can see it’s glaring reality, but back then, I know I was looking for something I saw in your relationship. Things ended, and I crawled back here, feeling like I’d failed. Now I know it’s not the truth. Because I’m one hundred percent sure that I found who I am supposed to spend my life with, and he has a son, whom I love dearly. And he loves me, Rafferty Graham loves me. I’ve learned that love shouldn’t force you away from loved ones—it should encourage you toward them. Raff was so eager to meet Aunt Gloria and Uncle Elden. Jenny adores him, and even Shep seems to like him a lot. With Raff, life is easier and less stressful. And while Raff obviously has money, which I always thought was the problem with Townes, Raff showed me differently. He doesn’t use it as a weapon or a disguise. Who he seems to be is who he actually is, regardless of whom he is surrounded by. Raff may not be the man I marry, heck, I may never marry, but he’s right for me now, and I know in my soul he will be for a very long time to come. I’ve watched him on the soccer field, laughing as the ball bounces on his knees. Tucking in his son before bed. Eating dinner and pouring me wine, saving me the dark meat on the chicken. The way he looks at me, in well... every situation, makes me feel like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world, even when I’m not feeling all that pretty. I love Raff. I love everything about that man. He’s so smart and funny and kind, a great father, and so supportive of my hopes and dreams.”
“The Nikki from a year ago would have never been here sitting on the ground in front of you. I didn’t feel like I had anything to show you that you could be proud of. But this Nikki, the one who found the daughter you raised with enough love for a lifetime, doesn’t need to be so hard on herself, and the man in my life, well, you two would love him. I certainly do. So, so much.”
With fewer tears to dry than I had thought I’d have, I hurry home from work, knowing Raff will be picking Nathaniel up from basketball practice and wanting to make a nice dinner for them both.
While with Grams and Pops, I saw his worry about what Nellie—and who is fast becoming my favorite pain in the ass—had done, and he’d not told me. He has no reason to worry, none at all. That night was a turning stone for us, a huge one.
I love this kitchen, and I am so excited to be hosting my first Thanksgiving as an adult with a man I love deeper than I’d ever felt was possible. With Townes, it was always far too formal, and gratitude and thanks were never felt. I feel it in abundance here in Holiday Springs, here with Raff and Nathaniel.
He makes me feel important, loved, cherished, and heard. The fact that he is hot as hell in bed and that regardless of the costume debacles in the bedroom, he plays right along.
The table is set, and everything is ready when the two walk in. My heart swells at the sight of them, and I see Raff quickly try to hide the fact he’d brought takeout home. Nathaniel also moving in my line of vision as he drops it in the hall.
I shake my head. “You two.”
“We just thought you were working and—”
“Well, bring it in. There’s probably room in the fridge, no need to waste food.”
Raff smiles and nods toward the stairs. “Hit the shower first, son.”
“But, Dad, do you smell that?”
“Barely, your sweat is—”
“Fine,” he sighs and hurries toward the stairs.
Takeout bag in his hand, and his other behind his back, he