Page 11 of Together Is Where We Belong

Oh, to have that much energy.

I pushed the button to open the hatch of the SUV as I opened the door and got out.

Before I unloaded our belongings, I went up the porch and let Luke inside, then made sure the screen door was secure to stay open before I went back down to help.

We unloaded my SUV and put the boxes in the living room before we carried in the bigger items.

We were on our last trip inside with the mattress for my bed when I heard a truck approaching.

The truck pulled in next door.

I knew that truck.

It was Leo’s.

He must be close to whoever lived next door.

I couldn’t think about that now. I focused on the task at hand and helped my dad carry in the mattress, letting out a sigh when we finally got it inside.

“I remember why I hate moving so much,” I said with a laugh as I wiped the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand.

“At least you didn’t have a whole house to move,” my dad joked and then immediately apologized.

“Dad, there’s nothing to apologize for. Everything important from Charleston is in this house. All the other things can be replaced over time.”

“Do you need help with anythin’ else?” my mom, Bonnie, asked with a concerned look on her face.

“I need to run to the store since we don’t have any groceries here,” I told her, dreading the thought of doing that since Luke hated it.

“Let your dad and I take care of that for you. We can grab you some stuff to get you through the next few days and you can get to the store for a full restock,” my mom offered. She was a godsend.

“You don’t mind? I can give you my card. You know what we like. We aren’t picky,” I told her as I looked around the room searching for where I put my purse.

“Nonsense. I’m not takin’ your money,” my dad said with a pointed look, letting me know not to push the issue. I didn’t want them to pay, but I wasn’t going to argue. I’d just sneak putting the cash into his wallet later.

“Thank you both so much. For everything,” I said as I teared up. They wanted me to return to Haven Valley the moment I found out I was pregnant, but I was determined to make it on my own, and with Leo not answering my letters I just couldn’t.

“You don’t have to thank us. We don’t mind helping you and Luke out. Ever,” my mom said as she walked over and opened her arms, which I happily stepped into.

“I’m so proud of you, Carolina,” she whispered into my ear before she kissed me on the side of my head.

I was so choked up with emotion all I could do was nod. I didn’t need Luke to see me upset. He was very protective of me and hated if he ever sensed I was anything but happy.

Just as the thought of him crossed my mind, he bound into the room. The stomps of his feet echoed throughout the house.

“Mama, come here, please. I want to show you which room I want,” Luke said as he grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the hallway.

“We’ll be back shortly,” my dad said with a laugh before him and my mom walked out the front door.

The sound of the front door closing echoed in the house. I needed to go shopping so that everything didn’t keep echoing in here.

“Alright, show me which room you want, buddy.”

Luke skipped down the short hallway, and I followed closely behind. He entered the room at the end of the hall on the right. The one with a window seat that I knew he’d love.

“I want this one, Mama. And look I can store my toys in the window seat,” he squealed with excitement as he lifted the seat and showed me the storage space beneath.

“That’s great, buddy. But can we use inside voices please? Just until we get stuff in the house. Everything echoes in here.”