AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I can’t help but feel a sense of inner conflict. On the one hand, I want to get to know my biological family, but on the other hand, I don’t want to leave behind the family that accepted me and loved who I am.
And then there’s Piper. Where do we go from here? I know I need to talk to her about it and figure out how to navigate this new territory together.
* * *
We’re sittingon the terrace, overlooking the beach. The blue ocean sparkles in the morning light, and I can make out the occasional seagull swooping in for the catch of the day. The peaceful atmosphere makes me feel tranquil, and I want nothing more than to stay here forever with them.
As I take a sip of my coffee, I glance at Piper and Derek sitting across from me. They’re both engrossed in their own conversation, laughing and joking with each other. My heart swells with happiness as I watch them, knowing that they are the two people who own my heart.
I smile, feeling grateful for this moment. This beautiful view.
But most importantly, being in the company of Piper and Derek.
I can’t help but think about how much my life has changed in the past few days. It was great, but now it’s colorful and it just feels right because of them. They’re the biggest part of my life, and I can’t imagine my future without them.
I reach out and take Piper’s hand, interlocking our fingers, and she looks up at me and smiles. I know we still have a lot to figure out but it’s great to just be in the moment.
“By the way, Dad texted earlier,” Piper says and sighs. “He wants to know if you two are coming back or just dragging me away.”
I lift my free hand and caress her beautiful face. “What do you want?”
“I planned to stay here at least until the end of the month. Then… I’m still deciding where to go. It was a toss up between San Diego or Seattle.”
“Why there and not New York?” Derek dares to ask.
Piper shrugs, her gaze lost on the ocean waves. “I didn't want to be close to either one of you,” she confesses, her voice tinged with sadness. “Getting over you both was one of the hardest things I had to do, and being close to you after that would’ve just been torture.”
I can feel my heart constrict at her words. I knew she was in pain, but hearing it from her kills me.
“Well, now that things are changing, where do you want to be?” I ask, holding my breath for her answer.
She snorts. “That’s a hard question. I want to start a practice on this side of the country.” She glances at Derek, giving him a knowing look. “It would take us at least a couple of years to make it so we can go back to New York.”
“About that long, give or take,” Derek agrees, taking her free hand and kissing it. “We can go and do whatever you want. The sky’s the limit, Pipe.”
She pouts her lips and shakes her head. “I need time to think.”
“Why don’t you two come with me to Seattle?” I propose, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. “I have some family matters to attend to. While we’re there, we can figure things out together.”
She looks at me with a hint of surprise in her eyes. “So, you’re not working at the bar anymore?” she asks tentatively.
“We could stay for a few days before dealing with the St. James family,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
A grin spreads across her face. “We can work with that. Since I made breakfast, you two get to wash the dishes. I’m taking a shower, and after that, we’re taking Halsey for a walk.”
As she walks away, I can’t help but grin, knowing that I finally feel like I belong. Charles will always be my father and his family is mine too, but Derek and Piper… they’re my everything.
ChapterSixty-Two
Piper
We take my parents’offer and leave for Seattle. As we enter the house, Finn gives an appraising glance and states, “This place needs a makeover.”
I give him a skeptical glance, not willing to just agree. The walls look like they haven’t been painted in years, the appliances are well out of date, and the house looks like it needs some proper care.
Finn raises an eyebrow, sensing my doubt. “You want me to spell it out for you, don’t you?” he says with a playful grin.
“No need to,” I respond, trying to suppress my own grin.
