AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I lay down next to her and just fucking sobbed. Smoke was everywhere. And that’s when the medics and police came. The police took my statement, and I just fucking ran after that. I had no phone, no control, no fucking idea what just happened.”
“Father Patrick,” Avery whimpers out between tears.
“That’s right. I ran right onto the steps of Patrick’s church, where I spent the next several hours just crying, confused out of my mind.”
I collapse further onto the couch, lying down completely. Moments or minutes go by before I feel Avery lie beside me. We’re both staring at the ceiling. Unsure what to say next.
It was cathartic to get that out. I do feel lighter, in a way. But on the other hand, I’m nervous about what Avery thinks of me now. Am I a terrible person who doesn’t deserve happiness? It feels like it no matter what anyone has to say.
“Lachlan,” Avery whispers as she holds one of my hands against my chest.
“Lachlan,” she repeats after I stay still.
I keep my hand in hers but begin to move into a seated position. Avery follows. If the love of my life is about to break my heart for good, I’d like to not be lying down like a mess for it.
Avery is looking at me with such emotion swirling in her eyes.
“Lachlan, thank you for sharing that with me.”
I scoff before shaking my head. Avery takes both of my hands in hers and squeezes tightly.
“Sometimes sharing your truth sets you free. Do you feel free?”
“Not yet.”
“What will it take?”
“You.”
“Let me be here for you, Lachlan.”
Avery gets up off the couch before coming back to straddle me. I have to readjust myself with her on me like this.
I slowly stroke her outer thighs before moving her in closer. Avery pulls my head to her chest and hugs me. She shows me her strength and devotion in the simplest of acts.
I stroke the ends of her hair before running my hands down the length of her back.
“Avery,” I whisper.
She breaks contact slightly and leans back to face me directly.
Avery puts my head in her hands and gives me a small smile.
“Lachlan,” she replies.
I need to know if this is pity or if Avery has accepted my confession. If she can forgive me for my sins.
“Do you still want to be with me?”
I need to hear it from her.
“Lachlan, love is not fleeting. It does not falter at the first sign of weakness. I could never not want to be with you as long as you continue to love me only the way you know how to.”
My perfect Goldie girl is giving me grace. Allowing me the chance to forgive myself.
“Avery, baby,” I say before pulling her into a tight squeeze.
Avery’s hands drop from my face as she returns the embrace.
