Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,393

her closely studying her reaction.

Hailey grins. “So, what you’re saying is that we’re going to be sisters?”

I laugh. “Hopefully, one day.”

“Allison, if Liam told you he wanted forever, he means it. You’re it for him.”

I reach over and give her a hug. “I won’t be long.” I get out of the truck and make my way to my parents’ graves. Sadly, this is a path I’ve travelled many times the last eight years. I lay the fresh flowers we stopped for on the way here at the base of their headstone. “Hey, guys, I’ve missed you. College is good. I’ve met some amazing people. Aiden’s there, and, well, I’ve kinda fallen head over heels for his roommate. Funny thing is, my roommate Hailey is Aiden’s roommate’s sister. Small world, I know. His name is Liam, and he’s amazing. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, Mom. I know you would approve. Dad, he’s the quarterback for the football team, and rumor has it he and Aiden are going to be first round draft picks for the NFL. He’s so good to me, Daddy. He treats me like I’m the most precious gift in his life. Things are serious between us. He wanted to come with me today to meet you, but I wanted to be able to tell you about him first. I love him so much, he’s my future, and, well, I just wanted you to know I’m okay. I’m living life and missing you every day, but I’m slowly painting my canvas as Gran would say. I need to get going, sorry I can’t stay long. Aiden and Liam are waiting for us at Gran’s. We’re heading to Liam and Hailey’s parents’ for Christmas. His parents are wonderful and already treat me as if I’m a member of the family. I love you both and miss you every single day. Merry Christmas.” I kiss my fingers and place them over their headstone, wipe the tears from my eyes, then turn and walk away.

I climb back into the Pathfinder, wiping the stray tears from my eyes. Hailey reaches over and grabs my hand, silently offering me support. By the time we make it back to Gran’s, my tears are under control, that is, until Liam comes barrelling out of the house. He must have heard us pull up. He runs to my side, just as I’m stepping out. He captures me in one of his hugs, and I feel the dam break. Tears flood my eyes, and I sob into his chest. Tears of sadness and tears of happiness combined. Liam picks me up, bridal style, and carries me to the porch swing. He sits down with me on his lap, holding me tight.

He places a kiss on the top of my head as he softly whispers, “I love you.” He doesn’t say anything else. He just holds me close and lets me cry. After several minutes, I’m able to control my tears. “How you feeling?” he asks me.

I sit up on his lap. “Good, I’m sorry you had to see that.”

Liam tucks my hair behind my ear. “Don’t apologize, I want all of you, Allison, anyway I can get you.” He kisses my temple. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I wanted to tell my parents about you. I wanted to tell them I had fallen head over heels in love with you.” I reach up and press my palm against his cheek. “My tears are happy and sad. Happy I have you in my life, that I have you to wrap your arms around me and make me feel safe. Sad, they will never get to meet you and see how amazing you are. They’ll never get to see the happiness you’ve given me.” I take a deep breath. “When you came rushing out the door to me, I couldn’t control my emotions anymore,” I explain.

“They’re always with you, with us. They know how much I love you.” He holds me tighter, and when he speaks again, I can hear the emotion in his voice. “They know you’re my forever.”

It’s getting late, so we say goodbye to Gran and Aiden’s parents and begin the journey to the MacCoys’. Liam and Aiden load the Pathfinder, and Liam tosses Aiden his keys. Aiden nods his head, understanding Liam wants to sit in the back with me. He tucks me close under his arm. I’m emotionally exhausted and fall fast asleep in his arms.

I wake up to Liam pressing a kiss to