AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m really hating your parents right now.”
“Join the club.”
“So what’d you do, sweetheart? How’d you survive?”
“Well, since we were on welfare, I received free breakfast and lunch during the week. But on weekends and no school days, that was trickier.” She drew in a deep breath like she needed to find the courage to continue.
“Do you want to take a break? Something to drink?” Hell, I needed to take a pause, maybe chug a bottle of whiskey.
“No, I want to get this out before I chicken out.”
“Okay.” I rubbed her shoulder, hoping I was doing the things she needed.
“So, um, boys used to give me money for sex, blowjobs, and handjobs. Or to let them touch me. It wasn’t all the time. I said no a lot until I was desperate for money.”
And I was fucking done.
“I don’t know what to say, sweetheart.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to know who I am and what kind of person I am before you—”
“Before I what? I’ve already claimed you. I’m not changing my mind, Hope.” I wished she’d stop trying to push me away.
“I’m giving you an out, Levi.”
“I don’t want an out.”
“Maybe you should before I fall in love with you!” She attempted to pull away.
“No. Don’t shut me out.” I cuddled her against my body.
“Please, Levi. I’m afraid we’ll destroy each other.”
“Why would we do that? I care about you. Hell, I’m falling in love with you. You’re my baby's mother, and that means everything to me.”
“Oh God, I’m not normal. I’m not good enough for you.”
“Just stop,” I growled. “You have no right to tell me what I should want or what’s good for me. I choose you. Do you choose me?” Dammit, I shouldn’t have stated it that way. What if she rejected me?
“Wow. I don’t even know what to say.”
“I hope that’s a positive.” If my heart hammered any harder, it would burst out of my chest.
“It is.” She draped her leg over mine. “I have an attachment disorder. I’m telling you this for transparency. I don’t want to hide anything from you.”
“I appreciate it. I want us to be open and honest about everything.”
“Okay. This is a big step for me.”
“It’s huge for me too.” Were we finally making progress? It sure felt like it.
“My condition is called avoidant-dismissive attachment style. I know it sounds complicated. I guess it can be. I don’t have it as severe as others, and I’ve been in therapy since college. My therapist believes I can be in a healthy relationship with the right person.” She shrugged her shoulder, lifting her gaze to mine. “I guess that’s everything. Do you think you’re the right person?”
“I know I am, Hope. Just as I know you’re the right person for me.” I kissed her softly, so she couldn’t say anymore.
What she’d been through was a lot to process. My mind was blown, completely decimated. I respected and admired Hope more than before. She was a fighter and hadn’t let her circumstances tear her down. She’d put herself through college, sought the help she needed from a professional, and she was a phenomenal nurse from what Stitch told me.
Did I think Hope was the right person for me? Abso-fucking-lutely.
