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I give him a tired smile, sitting up and running my fingers through my hair. I look out the window to see we’re in front of a house that isn’t small by any means, but still manages to look cozy. We climb out of the car, only for me to feel a breeze and hear the sound of waves. I turn around to see the beach right across the street.
“This is where you live?!” I ask, amazed.
“Yeah. Nice, isn’t it?”
“Gorgeous.” I breathe.
Brandon closes the trunk and hands Holden one of the bags. I follow them into the house, trying to rid myself of my building anxiety. It’s going to be okay. It’s only his family.
“Mom! We’re home!” Brandon yells through the house as the two of them drop the bags by the stairs.
A beautiful woman with black hair comes down the hall, greeting Holden and immediately wrapping her arms around him.
“We’ve missed you so much!” She says, squeezing him tightly.
Holden smiles, returning her hug with the same strength. “I missed you too.” As they pull away, they turn their attention to me. “Kayleigh, this is my mom, for all intents and purposes. Mom, this is Kayleigh, my… Kayleigh.”
Brandon snickers at his mistake while I’m still stuck on the way he introduced her. However, she holds her arms out for a hug and I go willingly.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Kayleigh.”
“It’s nice to meet you too Mrs…”
“Reese, but please, call me Heather.” I smile and nod, finding solace in how easy this is. “Why don’t you two bring your stuff to your bedroom and then meet me in the kitchen?”
Holden agrees, picking up the two bags and gesturing toward the stairs. I follow him up and down the hall. When we reach his room, he opens the door and motions for me to walk in first.
The first thing I notice is the way it smells. Jasmine and Honeysuckle. It’s completely Holden. One of the walls holds many photos, much like his room at Kappa Delta Phi. However, these pictures are different. They show a younger version of him – high school Holden. I can’t help but notice Brandon in almost every picture.
Holden walks over to the window and pulls back the curtains, immediately displaying a perfect view of the beach.
“Woah.” I breathe, walking towards the view. As soon as I’m close enough, he wraps his arm around me. “It’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.”
Holden sighs happily. “Almost.”
I look up at him to see him already looking at me. I giggle, hitting him playfully. “Sap.”
He grins brightly and bends down, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” I respond honestly.
THE REST OF THE day is spent listening to stories about how much trouble Brandon and Holden used to get into. At one point, Heather even brings out the photo albums. I can’t help but notice there are no pictures of
Holden before school age. I don’t question it though. If he wants to tell me, he will.
I must admit, I was apprehensive about coming at first, but now, I’m glad I did. Everything I was worried about was for nothing. His parents are two the sweetest people I’ve ever met.
I end up meeting Mr. Reese, or Dan as he prefers, when he gets home from work. He, Brandon, and Holden drink beers while talking about what the two boys have been up to. Heather and I continue to look through the albums, her pointing out little things and telling stories as we flip through the pages. I learn that Brandon chose to go to school in Philly, not wanting to be too far from home. Holden had tried to convince him to go to Maine with him, but he wouldn’t budge.
Apparently, there are five more family members that I’ll be meeting tomorrow - their sister Josephine and all four of the grandparents. The thought makes me remember my grandmother and how much I miss her. She’s all the way in Florida though, so I don’t get to see her often.
A little after 11pm, everyone says goodnight and retreats to their bedrooms. Even Brandon decides to go to sleep, which doesn’t go without teasing from Holden about him being an old man.
Holden and I slip into bed. I don’t even realize how jet lagged I am until I lie my head on his chest. He kisses the top of my head, once again telling me how glad he is that I’m here. We fall asleep tangled up in each other’s arms.
I WAKE UP TO Holden whispering my name. It’s still dark, but with the amount I slept yesterday, I’m not overly tired.
“Babe, wake up. Come on.” He pushes, brushing the hair from my face.
