Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,122

survived it. I’ve overcome every hurdle, every obstacle thrown in my path, and each time I’ve found myself stronger and more knowledgeable than I was before. I thought after my relationship had ended with Travis that I would never recover. I had to start a brand new life before I even began to recuperate. After I had started to move on without him, relying only on myself, I realized I was stronger than ever.

Then I met Elias.

I fought him every step of the way for my independence. I pushed Elias away when he wanted to be close just to prove to him, and to myself, that I didn’t need a man to lean on. At times, he probably thought of walking away. I was too stubborn and too much work. I had promised myself I didn’t need a man to be strong, and I was determined to prove it. But my time away changed my way of thinking. Haven’t I proven over the past five months that I’m strong enough to make it on my own? The moments I’ve been closest to Elias are when I stop fighting so hard to be free. Instead of being caught up in another web of losing control, I’ve realized Elias and I have grown. We’ve grown together. We’ve mended our own web of equality where I’m here to support him, and he’s here to support me. He’s never pushed me in the ways Travis had. He’s only pushed me to make myself better.

It’s okay to be in love with Elias, to be in a fully committed relationship. It’s okay to spend my free time with him, to wake up next to him, to let him know I’m his. My life came entirely too close to being over, and I don’t want to spend another minute not sharing myself fully with him. I can only hope he feels the same way.

“I want you to meet my girlfriend,” DJ announces, breaking me out of my thoughts. I startle slightly. “I mean, once you’re feeling up to it. We actually aren’t too far from here. We live on the other side of the metro.”

I smile an easy smile at him, recognizing he’s trying to do what I hoped he would. He’s letting me know he wants to be in my life again. This is the perfect first step. “I’d love to. Maybe in a couple of weeks though.” I settle myself into the arm of the couch. “Tell me about her?”

DJ launches into stories about his girlfriend, Gianna, who he met two years ago when he first moved down this way. I can’t hide the smile creeping across my face. He’s happy. It’s all I ever wanted for him…for us.

Later that day, DJ and I are playing a game of chess, which I’m severely loosing, when Elias gets home after running some errands. Along with him are Shelby and Sin. We were desperately lacking in groceries since I never wanted to be alone. It was easier to let Elias go with DJ here to keep me company—and away from my own thoughts. Elias sets a big paper bag in front of me, placing a deep kiss on my forehead.

“I love coming home to you,” he says, moving to the fridge to put away some groceries.

“Is that a proposition?” I tease, gingerly leaning forward to grab the bag from the coffee table.

“Maybe,” he replies, his hand frozen around a jug of milk. He’s quiet while he sets it in the fridge. “Actually, yes.” Elias turns to face me. “Move in with me.”

“I was joking—wait—are you serious?” I watch him warily as he moves to sit beside me.

Taking both of my hands in his, he says, “I’ve never been more serious. I didn’t ask sooner because I know you need time to heal. However, if I’m being honest, I don’t want you to go back to your place. I love you. I want to be wherever you are.”

“When can we get my stuff?” I ask excitedly, tossing my arms around his neck. He chuckles softly into my long brown hair, tucking me into his safe embrace.

“Is that a yes?”

“Definitely a yes,” I giggle.

“Alright, alright enough of the mushy crap while I’m here,” DJ interrupts while he brings in a bag of food.

“Can it, brother.” I wink at him.

Shelby waited out our exchange but pounces forward as soon as we’re finished, pushing Elias out of her way. Her eyes are bright with tears as she cradles me in her