Page 41 of A Very Grumpy Roommate

“Dinner’s ready!”Lula calls.

The table fills quickly with our family.This is a big change from how Lula and I grew up.Back then, it was just the two of us.Now we both have spouses and kids.We have friends and a community here.

I reach over for Daisy’s hand as we all sit at the table.She studies me with that soft, knowing look that says she understands the old ghosts without me naming them.

“Happy?”she asks.

I don’t even hesitate.“When I’m with you?Always.”

Her expression melts.“Me too.”

“Dig in!”Lula orders.

I squeeze Daisy’s hand before releasing it and piling food on her plate.

We eat in chaos.The kids talk and giggle, food is spilled across half the table, and Beans keeps trying to jump into my lap to steal food.

I grin through the whole meal.

Later, when the dishes are washed, the kids are tucked into piles of blankets in the living room, and the house has settled into that warm nighttime hush, Daisy and I step outside onto the porch.

Snowflakes drift lazily in the porch light, and I smile at the sight.Daisy slips under my arm, tucking herself into my side, head resting on my chest as Bean sits at our feet like a wise, slightly greying guardian.

We stand there in comfortable silence.

I think of the scared, exhausted woman who once leaned against a front door with bills in her hands and too much weight on her shoulders.

I think of the man who only knew purpose when it was written in orders.

And then I think of now.Of roots, of laughter, of unconditional love woven quietly into every day.

“I wouldn’t change any of it,” she whispers.

“Me neither.”

She tilts her face up, and I kiss her slowly and surely.Somewhere in the dark, a wolf howls, and inside the house, a child giggles quietly, fighting sleep.

We break the kiss, and I rest my cheek against her hair, close my eyes, and let the truth settle fully in my bones: I am home, I am loved, and whatever comes next—tomorrow, next month, next year—we’ll face it together.

We’re sunshine and order.Chaos and calm.

Daisy and I, we’re forever.

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