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I smiled, basking in my brother’s words. Ever since I learned who he was and the connection we shared, we’d formed an immediate bond I didn’t think possible between two strangers. Of course, as a teenager, sometimes he irritated me, especially whenever he learned I had a date and would just so happen to stop by at the precise time my date was to pick me up. Between him and Lachlan, it was a miracle any guys wanted to date me at all.
But as much as I claimed it was embarrassing, I liked that these two men put in the effort. That they had no problem telling my date that I meant the world to them. That if anyone ever treated me as if I were less than the incredible woman I was, there would be consequences.
Our family may have been disjointed. A strange mix of people from all walks of life and experiences. But I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without their unwavering support.
“Actually…,” I began, running my hands down my dress, “I have made a decision.”
I smiled nervously. I’d been putting off telling them, knowing what it would mean. That I was finally leaving the only place I’d ever called home.
That I’d be spreading my wings and leaving the nest.
Something most women had already done by the time they were my age. But I hadn’t, opting to remain close by. Granted, I hadn’t lived with them since I moved into the dorm my freshman year at Emory, even though it wasn’t that far from my own house. But this wasn’t just about having my own apartment in the same city.
I was no longer going to be in the same city. Hell, in the same state.
“You have?” Mama asked, tilting her head.
“Yes. San Diego.”
The table fell silent.
“I know it’s far away,” I continued, “but they made me a great offer. And there’s a lot of opportunity for me to advance. After living out here all my life… I don’t know…” I shrugged, smiling. “I thought a change of scenery might be nice. Don’t get me wrong,” I added quickly. “You all know how much I love you. How much I appreciate everything you’ve done. But now that I’m done with school and ready to embark on the next chapter of my life…” I smiled, briefly averting my gaze, “my first chapter, really…a part of me wants to do that without any…reminders. A clean slate, so to speak.”
Mama, Lachlan, and Dax stared at me, no one saying anything for several moments. I feared they’d react this way. That they’d want to keep me close by simply because of the past.
To my surprise, Mama reached across the table and grabbed my hand in hers.
“If anyone can understand wanting a fresh start, it’s me. If this is what you want, you know I’ll support you. You have a good head on your shoulders. And have worked too hard to settle for something less than what you want. I’m proud of you, sweetie.”
I met her gaze. “Thanks, Mama.”
She nodded, squeezing my hand.
“Well…” Lachlan cleared his throat. “I suppose now would be a good time to give you this.” He reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, then slid a small box toward me.
“What is it?” I furrowed my brow. “I told you. No presents. I—”
“Just open it, pipsqueak.” He winked, using the nickname he called me all those years ago.
The nickname he still occasionally called me.
“Whatever, Hale.” I rolled my eyes, grabbing the box. Most people would think it contained jewelry. A bracelet or earrings.
But I knew it didn’t.
Our family didn’t give jewelry as gifts.
It was an unspoken rule. One we’d adhered to for the past fifteen years.
I made quick work of the white bow, then tore at the red wrapping before lifting the lid, my eyes falling on the contents.
“A…key?” I lifted it from the box.
“Not just any key. The key that starts a certain car in the garage you have an affinity for.”
My eyes widened. “The Mustang?!”
With a smile, he slowly nodded. “It’s yours now. Just be good to her.”
