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Something clicks into place. I’ve been struggling to do the right thing, but Gran’s right. I made a mistake with Jake, but it won’t be fixed by making another one with Grayson. Ihavepushed him away, and I’ve done it because I’m afraid. Afraid to hurt my brother even more, but also afraid that if I let myself really love him and my heart gets broken, I’ll never be able to recover. But Gray has proven over and over again that’s he steady and reliable. I need to trust that not everyone I love will leave.
And then there’s my brother… I love Jake, but I am a grown woman who should be able to decide for herself who she loves. It shouldn’t matter what my big brother has to say about it. It should be about who makes me happy. And that’s Grayson Ford.
Grayson is sweet and thoughtful. He supports me and my dreams. He loves me for me.
And I’m madly in love withhim.
So why have I been trying so hard to push him away?
Suddenly I know what I need to do. I just hope it’s not too late.
Grayson
Bouquet of flowers in hand,I lean against the doorway to Gran’s room and watch as Sierra adds birthday candles to a bright yellow cake. It’s decorated with tiny white daisies and nicer than any store-bought cake I’ve ever seen. I shake my head, suppressing a laugh. Gran obviously had ulterior motives when she called me this morning and asked if I would visit her for her birthday.
I rap my knuckles gently on her door, more nervous than I’ve ever felt in my whole life. My lips part, wanting to say something but then I pause listening to the three hundred thoughts fighting for space in my brain. Will she be happy to see me? Will she even want me here?
My heart is racing when Sierra turns and sees me, her face lights up. She flashes one of those perfect, knock-the-breath-out-of-you smiles, and my skin reacts with a shiver. She looks like sunshine.
Sierra is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen, her hair falling around her shoulders in loose waves and her pale-yellow sundress showing off her summer tan. But it’s the sparkle in her eyes that takes my breath away. I haven’t seen that for a while.
My heart feels like it’s beating out of my chest as I wait to see what happens next. It doesn’t take long.
She stops what she’s doing, letting the candles in her hand fall to the table, and makes a beeline for me. I scoop her up in my arms as she nestles her face in my neck, her legs wrapping around my waist.
“I’ve missed you, Gray. I’ve missed you so damn much,” she whispers into my neck. My hand cradles the back of her head as she starts to cry. With Sierra back in my arms—back where she belongs—I feel like I can finally exhale the breath I’ve been holding for days. I squeeze her tightly to me, trying not to crush the flowers I bought for Gran. “I’m sorry, baby. I’ve been an idiot. I know I pushed you away.”
I can feel her heartbeat against my chest. “It’s okay, sunshine. I’m not mad. I understand.”
Still in my arms, she pulls back, her brown eyes locked with mine. “You’re not upset with me?” she asks.
“No. I could never be.” And this is the last time there will ever be space between us. I’ll make sure of that.
Her hands cradle my jaw, and she smiles. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“I am so happy to see you too. We can thank your grandma for this.” I wink at Gran, who’s watching us from across the room. “But we can talk about everything later.” I find her eyes with mine and kiss her. “Okay?”
“Okay.” She smiles, kissing me, her arms wrapped tight around my neck.
I lower her down to her feet before kissing her chastely again because I can’t get enough, and then I take her hand and walk towards Gran who’s smiling back at us.
“There’s the birthday girl,” I say, smirking at Gran when she winks at me. “You’ve been busy today,” I joke, pulling her into a hug. “Thank you,” I whisper against her ear.
She gives my cheek a gentle squeeze. “Oh, is it ever good to see you. Perfect timing.”
I don’t know what she said to Sierra, but she obviously played a part in her change of heart. And for that, I am forever grateful. I hand her the flowers, watching her dip her face to inhale their scent.
“These are beautiful, Grayson,” she says admiring the purple and pink flowers I picked up from Bloom, a local flower shop owned by Jules’ sisters-in-law. “Sierra, do you mind putting them in a vase for me? I think there’s one in the cabinet over there.”
I help her get a vase down from the shelf and then sit with Gran while Sierra goes to the bathroom to arrange the bouquet. I’m happy to see that her suite is more spacious than I imagined—there’s even a patio area with a table and two chairs and a few pots bursting with flowers. The sliding glass door is wide open, letting fresh air into the homey space.
“You love her, don’t you?”
I nod. “More than I’ve ever loved anything before.”
“My granddaughter loves you too, you know.”
Heat rolls down my spine, and I smile. “I’m not sure if you’re right, but it’s only a matter of time before she does. I’m pretty irresistible.” I wink.
