Page 107 of Fall Love

“Baby, dry off,” I whisper.

She closes her eyes, making fists at her side. “Don’t call me that.” When her eyes open, she steps forward and holds out her hand.

“These are yours.”

The keys in her hand practically glare up at me. “Actually, the SUV is yours.”

She stares at me, eyes cold as a frozen pond.

“I bought the Honda for you. It’s in your name.”

Her eyes narrow. “Why would you do that?”

I jostle Wren, glancing at our baby girl. If I point out that the Bronco doesn’t have modern safety features, it’s like adding to the existing list of grievances.

And I’m not aggrieved. I’m hurt.

“I don’t need you to take care of me.”

I hang my head before popping it back up. “Maybe I want you to take care of me, Neve.”

Her eyes widen only the slightest bit.

“I know you’re scared. I’m scared, too. I’ve been afraid of this exact moment.”

“Where I’d learn you lied to me.”

“I didn’t lie.” But I didn’t tell her the truth either. The whole truth. “I’m sorry you found out like you did. I was going to tell you. I was.”

I hold my breath waiting for her to ask me, When? But she never does. She remains silent.

“Neve, from the moment I met you, you scared me. You’re like this bright moon in a dark sky. And I’ve been in the dark for a long, long time.”

She turns her head.

“And when you shine at me, it’s so amazing, Neve. You’re magnificent.”

While she keeps her cheek to me, she lowers her gaze to the floor.

“When we first went to the well, you said you had a mission. Something you had to do. And I didn’t want to intrude. It was your moment.”

She told me she wished for her true love to stay true. That Rusty’s Wrecks would remain hers.

“I made a wish as well. Or maybe it was more like I asked a question.” I pause and lick my lips. “Would I ever be a true love? Not just own the name but be a soulmate to someone else. To my other half.”

Neve’s head pops up.

“But I realize my question wasn’t about a soulmate to just anyone. It was you.” I swallow. “You make me whole. You and I were meant to be.” I run my hand up Wren’s back. “We were meant to be.” The three of us.

“You are the answer to my questions, Neve. I know what I want. I want you. I want Wren. I want our family, because that’s what we are. For life. Whether you accept me or not, forgive me or not, we are a family.” My voice cracks. “And I love us. I love you.”

I swallow back the break in my voice.

Her breath hitches, and her hand slowly comes to her chest.

“But what are your questions, Neve? What remains unanswered for you? I’m standing here telling you how I feel, what I want. I want you to come home. Our home.”

She doesn’t say anything, just stares at me.