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That’s what was killing me the most. I didn’tknowher, couldn’t get a read on her or a glimpse of her motives. Therefore, I couldn’t trust my primal reaction.
But for the first time, everything is crystal clear.
Today, with one caring gesture and a simple conversation over a half-eaten pita, she’s revealed more about her character than hundreds of shallow days with Jenna ever could have. Or with any other woman who’s come before her.
I’d say it’s more than any woman who’ll come after her, but I doubt any will.
Because I finally know Mia— the real her.
I see the woman hiding under the pain and the shell she erected to protect herself. The woman who chooses to be alone since it’s less painful than being vulnerable. The one who seeks information so she can predict what people will do to her, thus eliminating the risk of the unknown. So she’s never caught off guard again.
Because she’s been hurt.
I don’t know who or how yet, but I’ll find out. Until then,I see her.
And that’s all I ever wanted.
To see someone and be seen in return.
I know her heart.
And she knows mine— what’s important to me, what I need in a partner, what my priorities are, and what my family means to me.
No, I don’t have Mia’s entire story yet, but that doesn’t make my vision of her cloudier.
What I see of her is already enough for me.
As I reluctantly break the kiss, I hold her face and wait for her eyes to flutter open, revealing those vibrant green irises that remind me of an endless forest in bloom. I want to escape there, build a tree house, and live forever under the canopy of her lush flora.
“I want you to stay with me tonight.”
And every night.
She grins, eyes twinkling and sending a pulse of electricity to all my nerve endings.
“If you’re a good girl, I’ll sneak you into my room after I put my mom to bed.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel obligated. I’ve done some research and know that nighttime can be rough. The last thing I want is to make it worse for her or you.”
“When did you do this research?”
Her nose twitches as her gaze sweeps across my face. “Feels like it was longer ago, but it was yesterday.”
“Weren’t you busy digging up Lettie’s location and all that shit?”
She lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. “I had a few minutes before you came over.”
Amazing woman.
“And you did this research because…” I trail off, inclining my head, prompting her to continue.
“Because I wanted to know what you were going through. So I could support you better.”
My heart slams wildly, battering my ribcage.
With all the shit she was dealing with yesterday and the weight she put on her shoulders to save those girls, she took the time to learn about dementia. For me.
“Mia, I’ve changed my mind about tonight.”
