She scrunches her nose with a smile. “Very true.”
“We should go in. My mom doesn’t like when people are late.”
“That makes sense.” I hop out of the car and walk toward the other side to open her door and help her out. “Thank you.”
I grab her hand, holding it the whole walk to the front door. Part of me feels like I should knock… or ring the doorbell, but the other part feels like it’s still my home. Like I have every right to walk right in.
“Did you forget how to turn a doorknob?” Avalon whispers, pushing up on her tiptoes. “You want help with that?”
“Ha ha.” I roll my eyes. “I know how a door works. I guess I’m kind of nervous. It’s been so long since I’ve been home.”
“It’s going to be great. I promise.”
“It’s a lot better because you’re here.” I turn toward her. “I honestly don’t know if I could make it through this dinner without you. I don’t know if I would’ve survived these last few months without having you to lean on.”
“I feel the same way,” she replies.
“Look at us,” I whisper. “Two broken people realizing their broken pieces fit together. I never thought I’d feel whole again, Avalon. You made me whole.”
“That’s the cheesiest thing you’ve ever said to me, Zeke Harris.” She chuckles. “But I get it. I always felt like a part of me was missing, and I assumed it was because of my dad leaving. But when I met you, I realized it wasn’t him that was missing. It was love. And you’ve shown me the kind of love I didn’t think was possible. You’ve shown me that not everyone leaves.”
My thumb brushes her lower lip, and then her words finally register. Her eyes go wide.
“Not that I think you’re in love with me; it’s more of a general idea of love, not—”
“I am.” I cut her off. “I do.”
“You do?” Her face softens.
“Of course I do, Stewart. I love you. More than I’ve ever loved anyone. More than I ever thought possible.”
She bites her lip, trying to contain her smile.
“I love you too.”
Without another word, I lean down, pressing my lips to hers. A soft-tender kiss, one worthy of this moment. One worthy of her, of the girl I love.
And the one who loves me.
I’m so happy you were able to join us, Avalon.” My mom says, sitting down across from us at the table.
“Thank you for inviting me. Everything looks great, Elise.” Avalon smiles, placing a napkin on her lap.
“Oh, it was all Darryl, but thank you, Avalon,” she replies.
“So, how did the two of you meet?” My dad takes a bite of his steak.
“A party. We weren’t necessarily fond of each other at first, but we—”
“I’d say I was instantly smitten with Avalon. She was a little hesitant, but I got her to change her mind,” I cut her off.
“That’s very true. Zeke even tracked me down on campus after our first meeting.” Avalon cuts into her steak, turning toward me.
“I was trying to give you back your phone.” I take a drink of my water. “And in all fairness, it worked. I didn’t even give you back your phone personally, but it led to the start of our relationship.”
“I guess it all worked out in your favor then, hmm?” She scrunches her nose.
“How do I know it wasn’t all a part of your plan?” I tease, my eyes narrowing.