I exchanged a look with Frankie that spoke volumes. You couldn’t expect her to change too much in one day.
I personally wanted to handcuff her to us, but whatever George said to her seemed to have stuck because she helped the older man into the back of the car and waited for us, leg bouncing as she looked out the window.
When it was just Frankie and I, we held hands, aware that we still stood in front of a stranger’s home. There was so much to say, but we were both so tired and worn out from the last twenty-four hours.
“I need to get back to set,” I said weakly. “Emma gave Chad hell and negotiated some leeway, but I really can’t stay.”
I swallowed and wished I could go home with her. Wished I was invited.
“Right.” Frankie nodded at the ground, tucking back her hair. “I appreciate all of this. All of you so much.”
“Of course.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry I was so late. I’m sorry I missed your—”
“You were right on time.” She stood on her toes to wrap her arms around me.
I held on to her and sighed into her hair. I loved this woman so much. I wasn’t ready to be parted from her.
We held on to each other for a long time.
“I was so scared,” she said.
“Me too,” I said.
“I never thought I could love somebody so much. I didn’t think I was physically capable.” I rubbed circles on her back as she spoke. “And now I love so many people with my whole heart. It feels so good. Terrifying, but good.”
“I know.” I laughed and squeezed her closer. “I think I loved you the moment I met you. And just fell deeper every time I got to be near you.”
“Harrison?” she asked. “When are you coming home?”
I leaned back to look her in the eyes. “Home?” My eyebrows lifted in hope.
“I love you, and I need you back at our home with your family.”
I took a shuddering breath in, letting her words wash over me.
Our home.
Cut to me opening the front door to George’s, dropping my bags as Collette comes barreling toward me, Frankie right behind her with a gentle smile on her lips.
“I can’t tell you how much I love hearing you say that.”
“I’m sorry if I ever made you doubt it. I need you. Collette and George need you. We are a family, and we need to be together,” she said, our foreheads pressed together. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” My whole body shook with emotion as I kissed her deeply.
When George wooted from the car, we broke our kiss, and Frankie turned away bashfully. Joey rolled her eyes and sunk lower in the seat.
“I have to take care of some things. This movie but then I’ll come home. To our home,” I said.
“Okay,” she said with tired understanding.
I wasn’t ready to leave her yet. Not after everything that happened. I simply needed to be near Frankie and Collette and George and know that everybody was okay.
I made a decision. “But that can wait one more day.” I cupped her face. She blinked tiredly. “Let’s get you some sleep.”
“That sounds nice.”
I would go back to work tomorrow.
