Текст книги "Never Give Up"

Автор книги: Heidi Lis

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Текущая страница: 15 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

“Listen here boy,” My dad scowls.

“Don’t you boy me, you bastard.” Micah jumps to his feet. “You're lucky I don’t haul off and kick your ass, old man.”

“Stop! I can’t have you fighting. Tell me the rest. I want to know it all.” I’m all but yanking Micah to sit back down. If forced to, I’ll sit on his lap to keep him from mauling my dad. Well at least until I hear the rest of their story.

Over the next hour, we sat and listened to my parents explain the why’s and how’s of what took place. It was more than a shock when my mom found out Carla was using Taylor Security for her services. She knew right then and there I was going to find out the truth. The hardest part was listening to the way Carla had taken the news that the girl working for Taylor Securities was actually her child’s birth mother.

Carla took the news hard only because while she didn’t see me as a threat to her plans to seduce Micah, her baby was my and Micah’s biological child. That devastated her… and her wild fantasies.

“Are you kidding me MOM! Did you even stick up for me in your sweet talks with Carla-I-want-to-sink-my-teeth-into-Micah-Taylor? He’s with ME! And she has MY SON! Where is your loyalty to me?”

“I don’t know Elsa, I’m just telling you the truth.” Oh finally, it’s only five years too late but hey, who’s counting?

Biting my lower lip, I shake my head in disbelief. “I held him you know?” No idea why I care if she knows this, but GOD ALMIGHTY maybe if I can find a way to break into her icy cold heart, she might begin to understand how I’m feeling.

“What?” All the blood drains from her face.

“Yeah Micah held him, too. He took a liking to him during her install.” I’m taken aback, realizing we both held our son, but never had any idea. No words can describe the emotions running through my body.

“We held him El, we held our son.” As if he’s just now realizing this, his hand trembles against my shoulder.

Oh Micah. There are no words to even begin to describe how epic a moment we had and never knew it. I simply say, “I…know.”

Tears and sobs overtake my weary body, I’m a mess, and once again, I’m totally broken. Lost and hurt at the hands of my parents. Just when I thought they could never top how much they’ve hurt me…they do again.

“Did you ever file it legally?” My overactive mind takes over, wondering just how legal this adoption actually is.

“No,” my mom says, shaking her head. “We did it under the table but did write up a hand written contract. We thought it would work.”

“Wow, you people disgust me. Trust me when I tell you that Elsa will no longer have anything to do with you.” He’s standing gathering his coat at the same time pulling me, to get the hell out of here. I’m sure he’s already thought of ten different ways to take out my parents, but they’re not worth it.

“Now wait…” My dad is standing pointing his finger.

“He’s right, I’m done.”

I have no fight left in me. Going on six years with my parents of living this elaborate lie, is just too much of a pill to swallow. They have damaged me for the last time.

Micah storms out the front door with his phone in his hand. I’m sure he’s calling his dad. With the connections he has, he will know what to do.

“I’m taking the letters and photos, you don’t deserve them.” There is no way I’m leaving them with any of these things. This makeshift contract is the only thing I have that this farce of an adoption even exists.

“Wait…that’s my grandso…” My mother starts to say.

“Don’t you even finish that sentence! He’s nothing to you just like I’m nothing to you. He’s mine, he always was mine.” I spit out every word with venom.

Micah comes barreling back in the house, pulling at me and this time, making sure I leave this God forsaking house for good. I stayed back, making sure to grab all of the envelopes as Micah went out with his phone. On the way out the door, Micah makes it known his parents would be in contact. He also told them to never contact me again. If they ever did, it would not be pretty, he’d make sure of it.

TWO WEEKS HAD passed since that day in my parent’s living room. Tonight we’re at Micah’s parents’ house for a family meeting. Matt and Tyler were already here by the time we showed up. A short time later the Taylor’s lawyer, Mr. Hamilton, showed up. I’m not sure if I’m more elated or scared, watching his less than animated reactions. He gives nothing away, a mild eyebrow raise here and there, all the while intently taking notes.

I had to share the whole story with the many letters and pictures I took from my parents. Matt takes it pretty hard, knowing this is his nephew. Skylar, Micah’s mom, has been crying, but shows excitement knowing we’ve actually found him.

I kept quiet most of the night, just looking at Michael’s pictures. His changes from infant to toddler were incredible to see. I’m thanking my lucky stars I even get the chance to see them at all. The resemblance to Micah was unbelievable. I can’t believe I didn’t see it that night I held him. When he opened his eyes, the familiar baby blues should have been my first clue. Who knew?

After that night, we’ve all tried to live our lives as normal as possible. The Taylor’s lawyer told us not to contact the Mitchell’s ourselves, to let his firm handle things going forward. Knowing the whole adoption was not legal in the eyes of the law, he said he might be able to scare them into handing him back to us with no issues. It was a long shot, but we were willing to do whatever was necessary to get Michael back.

I no longer held onto the idea that I would just let him be with his adopted family. Knowing all the facts now, they don’t deserve him. I’ve never forgotten him, and now I won’t stop fighting for him.

It happens that luck may be on our side. Mr. Hamilton, called, wanting to schedule an appointment for us to come talk with him about the progress he has made since we last spoke. Wednesday after work, Matt, Micah and I met his parents at Mr. Hamilton’s office.

Sitting at a long conference table, another gentleman, Mr. Reid, was also present. He explained he was working alongside Mr. Hamilton on what he called “a most sensitive case.” Micah holds my hand in his as we sit quietly, his dad’s taking the driver’s seat, and asking the tough questions.

“We have several things in our favor with regards to the ‘adoption’ that took place.” Mr. Hamilton flips through his stack of papers. Pushing his glasses higher up on his nose, as he begins to walk us through all he has learned.

From what I’ve seen so far, Micah’s mom, Skylar was a strong woman who loved her family fiercely. I see this first hand as tears of hope fill her eyes, her once look of loss when we spoke that one night is now edging on hope. Now that there is a possibility that she may get to see her only grandson grow up. Looking at her, I get a real look how a mother should act, loving her family and stopping at nothing to get what her family needs and wants.

Once again, I can’t believe all of this pain and suffering is at the hands of my mother and father. The old saying you can pick your friends but you can’t choose your family? Pretty much.

Lost in my thoughts, I don’t realize I’m crying. My face shows no emotion. I should be listening, but I just can’t find it in me to concentrate. When I happen to look up, I realize, all eyes are centered on me.

“I’m sorry.” Not sure if they asked me a question or what I’ve missed.

“Oh dear, you have nothing to be sorry for. We are all worried about you honey, that’s all.” Skylar holds her hand over her heart. Her face tightens and fresh tears descend once again. I’m astonished with the love this lady has for everyone around her.

“Baby, you okay?” Micah asks.

Looking up into his comforting baby blues, I lay my head on his arm, nodding my answer. Kissing my head, Micah reaches around the chair and pulls me against him. We stay seated like this for the rest of the hour.

We learned several things at this meeting. For starters, their contract was not legally binding and would not hold up in court for a number of reasons. My parental rights were never terminated in the eyes of the law. Micah’s parental rights weren’t terminated either. Nor had either one of us signed our right’s away, voluntarily. The hand written contract between my parents and the Mitchell’s would be considered a high risk in the legal system. We were informed every state had their set of rules when it came to adoptions.

In our case, it appears not all legal requirements were ever established, and that alone gives Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Reid hope we will win this case. Micah’s dad had contacted a few of his friends who were circuit court judges and was pushing hard to make sure we had the letter of the law on our side. He was adamant that no stone be left unturned. Having friends in high places does have its advantages.

Leaving the law office, Micah and I headed home holding on the hope that we’d get Michael. Not only are we just back together, but now we might be parents. Are we ready? Can we do this?

“Micah, are we ready to raise our child?” I ask, panicking with the doubts my parents have drilled in my mind over the years.

“Babe, we will do whatever it takes. We may be young, and just finding our way back to one another, but after I found out I had a son, I could not stop thinking about him.” Pulling the car over on the side of the road, he puts it in the park and sits back, looking ahead at the road. “If I never would have left, we would be the ones raising him. It literally kills me knowing that even though we created him, he’s living with strangers, and not us.”

Sitting back, it’s easy to see that he is deep in thought. Reaching across the seat, he opens the glove box and pulls out a small bag. A hint of a smile crosses his face before he closes his eyes and takes a calming breath. When he opens his eyes, they sparkle as they dance over my face. His infectious grin makes me giggle but then he pauses and his lower lip began to quiver.

“Do you believe things happen for a reason, El?” Micah’s voice cracks when he says my name.

I answer with a nod, unsure where this is heading.

His breathing slows before his eyes settle on the road the look on his face looks like he is trying to remember something. “What did you tell me all those years ago?”

“Not sure what you mean?” I can’t help smiling back at him feigning ignorance. Even though I have an idea what’s he’s asking me.

He lowers his chin. “Yes, you do.”

I’m more than happy to go back and relive this part of our past, so I tell him what he wants to hear. “That you’re my soul mate, and I knew it by the way I felt about you all the way to my bones.”

“Exactly.” His body relaxes. Reaching over, he gently cups my jaw, and runs his thumb across my cheek. Closing my eyes, I am resting my head in his hand. His touch alone could calm a thousand storms.

His smiles then lowers his eyes to my lips before settling back on my eyes. “Baby, do you still feel that way?”

Reaching up I cup my hand over his, lacing our fingers. “All the way to my bones, Micah, and I’ve never stopped. Once you give your soul away, you can’t take it back. It no longer belongs to me. It belongs to you and it has since the day my eyes collided with yours five years ago.”

His eyes shimmer with the tears that fill his eyes. Leaning in close, he keeps his eyes locked on mine, even as our lips connect. Holding my head in his hands, Micah deepens the kiss by tilting his head. Breaking our kiss for a fraction of a moment, a breathless Micah rubs his nose against mine in a butterfly style kiss. I normally would giggle, but this moment is anything but funny. The endearment in his feather-like touches and sweet kisses is what makes life worth living.

“Elsa.” He whispers, as his lips caress mine in slow circles.

“Micah.” My reply is more of a whimper.

“Baby, look at me?”

I do, opening my eyes, the first thing I notice is how piercing and commanding his eyes are. He gives me two more quick, passionate kisses, and then stops. He smiles, but still keeps his lips lightly pressed against mine.

“Marry me, baby?”

My eyes widen in surprise. I’m not sure I heard him right. I don’t even have time to answer him because right after he said those words, he crushed his lips to mine in a powerful, thundering kiss that rivals all kisses. The windows are fogging up and before I know it, I’m in his lap, running my hands through his hair and pulling on it with everything I’ve got.

“Is that a yes?” He struggles to say the words because my lips are now taking ownership of his.

Out of breath, I lay my back against the steering wheel and let out a quiet chuckle while wiping my lower lip. “Are we really doing this?”

With a nod of his own, he winks. “Yes, we are.” He says with confidence. I love that about him, but I’m a bit skeptical.

“Are you doing this because it’s what you want, or because of there’s a possibility we may get Michael? It’s important for me to know.”

“I bought the ring a long time ago, actually, it was over a year ago.” He says, then holds up the bag he got out of the glove box with a sheepish grin on his face.

“What?” I’m stunned speechless. A year?

“I’m not kidding. I saw it in a window, and It reminded me of you. I knew one day, if ever given the chance, I’d put it on your finger.” His pained expression is mixed with the fact he is getting his chance to do just that.

“What,” I say in utter shock. “What if you never saw me again?”

Winching for a brief moment, he raises his eyes from the ring box to me. “I would have kept it locked in my safe. No other women would ever have worn it, if that’s what you're wondering. I would never have given it to anyone else, this one was only for you. A reminder of the girl who stole my heart all those years ago.”

Opening the box, I gasp!

It’s the single most beautiful ring I’ve ever laid eyes on. The center square stone is laying with tiny diamonds around it. Each and every one sparkles as the moon’s light hits them. I marvel at its beauty and can’t help but cry, because this moment is really happening.

“I have no idea what to say.” To say I’m surprised is an understatement, but what a pleasant surprise.

With a shrug of his shoulder, he replies. “Simple, say yes.”

Our eyes sparkle when the moon lights up the inside of the car. It’s romantic and it’s the perfect setting for this moment. A few sighs escape my lips, while I gaze into Micah’s dazzling white smile. Making him wait for his answer is slowly driving him crazy, so I look up, pretending to ponder his question. He goes to tickle my sides, so I give in.

“Yes.Yes.Yes.” I lean into arms, never letting go of my ring.

“That’s my girl.” With one last kiss, he takes the ring from the box and gently places it on my finger. And just like us, it’s a perfect fit.

WEEKS AFTER WE got engaged, things moved pretty fast. Mr. Hamilton quickly reached a settlement with the Mitchell’s and had even dragged my parents to several long meetings behind closed doors. I eventually found out Micah’s parents were present at every one of them. Thankfully, they kept most of what was said to themselves. I know Micah had been well informed of what all had taken place, but I explained, I had no interest in knowing the details.

No longer did I want to be hurt by any news or actions from my parents. Skylar and Dave let it be known they were taking over the role of my parents. My family now consisted of the Taylor’s. Two weeks after that announcement, we were in our lawyer's office, signing a stack of paperwork. And by the end of the meeting, Skylar and Dave walked in with Michael. I’ll never forget it as long as I live. Micah grabbed onto my hand and squeezed my fingers until I no longer could feel them.

I couldn’t believe it was happening, but I’ve never been so happy. We were going to be a family from this day forward, and ready or not, this was happening. Micah and I both had smiles plastered on our faces. There wasn’t a dry eye in that room. We all were a bit nervous how Michael would act around us with him not knowing we were his real family. To him we were strangers. But you would have never known that, he came to us willingly. No tears, no hesitation. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief that this transition was going to be better than expected. Michael is four now and there was never an ounce of fear in his eyes. He willingly came to Micah and I like we were familiar to him all along. It was the first day of the rest of my life. I’m not sure who left that building happier that day…Micah’s parents, Matt, or us. The one thing I do know, is that Michael will never have a moment of peace with this loving family he has now.

We quickly established a routine. Literally a few days was all it took for Michael to feel completely comfortable with Micah and I. Out of the three of us, it took me the longest to feel some sort of ease. Every waking moment, I was afraid he would be ripped away from us…again.

It took Micah several long talks with me to soothe my fears and wipe my tears. All three of us would sit for hours at a time, just getting familiar with one another. We rarely let Michael out of our sight. And to my pleasant surprise, we had house guests almost daily. The Taylor family had a new member who was beyond loved and cherished.

Epilogue…

“DO I LOOK OKAY?” I nervously ask Skylar, who is standing in the doorway fighting back her tears. She’s frantically fanning her face with her hands.

“You look perfect.” She says, giving me a watery smile.

Gazing in the mirror, I can’t help letting out a nervous laugh. I’m finally dressed, in this fabulous, form fitting white dress. The instant my eyes landed on it, I had to try it on. There was no need to look any further, and it only took one shop, and under an hour. A very successful shopping day indeed, the minute I stood in the floor length mirror and saw myself…I knew it was the one. Looking behind me at Micah’s mom only confirmed it if the flow of tears and her hand covering her mouth were any indications. She loved it as much as I did and the poor sales lady was busy handing us tissues. If she only knew my story, I’m sure she’d be in tears as well.

The strapless white mermaid style dress had a form fitted lace corset accentuating every curve. The black lace details enhanced the corset and the back of the dress all the way down the train. The dress was simply gorgeous.

“Micah will flip out when he sees you.” Wiping her eyes, she’s holding a box out for me to take. I chuckle at her remark slowly opening the box. With nervous energy running wild throughout my body, I can’t believe this day is finally here. Having Micah’s mom help me get dressed makes it that much more special.

“This is your something old. Now, please breathe for me, so you don’t pass out.” Her humor helps calm me some.

I let out a few laughs and she soon follows with a few of her own.

“Okay, this locket is the first present Dave ever gave me. I’ve had it for over twenty years, and now I’m giving it to you. I had this locket custom made, especially for you.”

Opening the locket I see two pictures, one on each side of the heart pendant, both are baby pictures. I can only assume they are both Micah since they are strikingly familiar to one another. It’s incredible, and I start to weep, gently tracing my finger over his cute face. My sweet Micah.

“The one on the left is Micah and the one on the right…is Michael. I found this picture in one of those letters you collected from your mother, and had it sized to fit the locket. This heart locket now holds your whole heart.”

“Oh my God!” It’s perfect and beyond beautiful. Skylar helps me put it on and it falls against my neck, lining up perfectly with my dress. We both stay silent a moment, with tear filled eyes in awe of how amazing it looks with my dress. This locket completes my dress…just like Micah and Michael complete me. The silver chain runs through the top of the locket. It’s simple but elegant. Holding the locket in my fingers, I thank her a few dozen times for a gift I never thought I’d have.

“Dave is downstairs with my over anxious son, and he’s more than ready to claim you as his wife. You know, back when you both were in high school, I knew it then. I saw it in both your eyes, and I knew that one day, we’d be right here as we are now. You are becoming my daughter, and I couldn’t ask for a better one. Now we need to help Matt. His choice in girls is not so great.” We exchange a laugh because she is spot on. Poor Matt needs a good girl in his life. I realize just how lucky I really am with Micah and his parents.

“After all this time, I’m so glad I get you as my mother. A bit funny seeing I have a vacancy for one of those nowadays.” I use humor to ease my pain when it comes to my current relationship with my mother. I will never be able to forgive what she did, and that really hurts.

“Oh hush, don’t give it another thought. You have a mom and dad who love you dearly now. Dave would have knocked Micah on his ass if he didn’t marry you, but we never worried too much. Our son has been in love with you forever.”

Both of us are crying and laughing when a loud knock on the door startles us. It’s my soon to be husband, all dressed up and looking hotter than hell. His eyes travel up and down my dress, taking in every detail. I’m not sure, but it looked liked his knees buckled a little.

“Mom, leave me with my bride, please.” he asks breathlessly. “I want a few minutes with her before we get started.” Micah is talking to his mom, but his eyes stay glued to mine. Oh boy, he looks at me like he wants to devour every inch of me.

Jokingly rolling her eyes, she gives her son a dismissive nod. “Okay son, hold on.” To add to her annoyance she swats her hand towards him playfully.

Giving me one more look over, she seems satisfied as she gives me one last kiss on the cheek. Fully opening the door, my man walks in dressed in his black tux. And to my surprise, he’s not alone. Walking in beside him is our son dressed in a tux just like his daddy’s. The resemblance between them is remarkable. I’m not sure who could win a contest between these two. They both look stellar right now.

Micah lifts his eyebrow. “He wanted to see his mommy real quick before he has to sit with Uncle Matt and grandpa.”

Michael, who is looking so comfortable next to his daddy, is a truly a sight to behold. Fitting, seeing as though they are both Taylor boys. We changed Michael’s last name to Taylor as soon as he was legally ours. It was Micah’s first official act as his father. For Micah, his son needed to have his last name. And after today, it will also be my name. Looking at them now, it just feels right. Nothing could make this day any better.

“Wow, my two boys look fantastic.” Both smiling from ear to ear, they look at me with the same sweet smile. In a short amount of time, Michael is mimicking his daddy’s every move and quirks. Lord, save me now.

Not able to help myself, I lean over to pick him up to kiss his plump cheeks and when I do my nose is engulfed with a manly scent. He smells of Micah’s cologne, and I have to giggle knowing Micah took pride in getting his mini me ready for today. Standing behind me, Micah engulfs the two of us in his arms, and we stay like this, silently. This feeling right here, right now, this is what life is all about. A day I never could’ve imagined happening is about to finally be here. It’s a powerful thing and I’ll never take it for granted…ever.

Kissing my handsome son one last time, Micah seems anxious to get our wedding started. A movement catches my eyes when I noticed Matt strolling in the room. When Matt notices his nephew, he wastes no time in taking our son into his arms. It’s pretty easy for us to notice how eager Micah is. Matt chuckles enjoying his brothers nervously behavior. It’s pretty cute.

“Okay, Uncle Matt,” Micah says as he hands Michael over. “Take your buddy downstairs so I can have a moment with his mommy.”

Matt eagerly holds his hands out to receive his nephew, but not before he notices me in my dress. He lets out a loud whistle. And my face turns completely red.

“Hey buddy, let's go pick up some chicks for Uncle Matty.” Matt says playfully. From the moment Michael came home with us, Matt has been on cloud nine. To say he spoils his nephew is an understatement. I love it.

The instant Matt playfully said the words, he knew it would bother his dear brother. Micah couldn’t help but groan in displeasure.

“Do not use my son to pick up dates, please?” Micah says it in such a sweet voice, I had to do a double take. Even Matt looked at Micah, somewhat puzzled. It seems today, my future husband is all serious and maybe even a little nervous. Matt opens his mouth to say something but doesn’t. He just shakes his head instead and I raise my eyebrow at him. I can tell he wants to say make a joke at Micah’s expense, but he holds back. Today is his brother’s big day, after all.

Biting his tongue, Matt replies hesitantly. “Yeah, whatever. Come on little man, let’s party and leave your daddy to it.”

The way Matt interacts with a very receptive Michael, warms my heart. Michael seems eager to get down and run around. He doesn’t like to sit still for long in one place. If I only had the energy my son has. Speaking to Micah, I whisper, “Matt loves him, dearly.”

Nodding his head, Micah responds. “Everyone loves our boy. What’s not to love?” We watch as Matt tries to keep up with our son, who is already out the door.

Can’t argue with that.

Turning his attention to me, Micah lets out a long, low whistle, again eyeing my body up and down. Now that his son has left the room, Micah’s naughty side comes out to play.

“Can’t wait to get you out of this dress, pretty girl. Damn shame too, because you look so freaking beautiful in it.” His dazzling smile turns mischievous the instant his eyes blaze with desire.

I’ve planned our wedding night well. I decided to spice things a bit, and spent a small fortune on undergarments. Since Michael has been home with us, we are more careful when it comes to our love making. Sex, is only happening in the bedroom now—a shame but with an active four year old, we have to be creative. I want tonight it to be all about desire.

“Oh, just wait till you see the surprise I have on underneath?”

Raising a brow, he traces his finger along my breast line. “Tease. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa are taking our son for the weekend. It may take me all that long to thoroughly enjoy my surprise.”

I’m mentally melting with anticipation. First, we have a wedding to attend. Leaning into him, I let out a slow yearning moan. “Kiss me and get out, I’ll see you shortly.” Hell, I need to calm my raging libido now, before I go downstairs and pledge my vows before God and everyone else to Micah. I’m afraid everyone might be able to read my mind if I walk down the isle with flushed cheeks. It’s going to be hard enough standing so close to Micah with the way he looks, then keep my hands off of him. I can tell he sees me struggling, because his evil grin shows it.

“Yes ma’am.” Kissing me one last time, he does the one thing I knew he most likely would. He tells me in my ear how happy he finally is. He began whispering all these keepsake moments he wants to remember about today and he kept on until my mascara was streaking down my cheeks. I had to look like a racoon.

Once he left the room, it ended up taking me ten full minutes to clean it off and apply new makeup. Darn that boy!

When I was just about fixed up, I hear a light tap against the door. Finding it odd since it was almost time for the ceremony to start, I walk over to the door and, I open it slowly.

“Liza.”

My eyes go wide is shock, I can’t believe she’s standing here, all dressed up. She must sense my disbelief.

“That man of yours is very persuasive when he wants to be.” She says, looking at me sheepishly.

“Micah.” I say, smiling. Like I even need to ask.

“Who else? I’ve come to realize not having you in my life hurts much more than accepting you and Micah. Plus, it took you two getting back together for me to find my own great guy.”

The surprises keep coming. It’s a bit odd, I don’t know what is happening in her life anymore. I’ve been busy, but I’ve spent many times wondering show she was. Many times I wanted to call her for a friendly chat. I push those feelings aside because she is here, with me now, dressed ready for a wedding. This feels right.

“That’s awesome to hear, Liza. I’ve missed you so much.” Not holding back, I hug her, tight.

She squeals. “Okay, that little boy of yours is such a little Micah. Good Lord. He’s a doll, and I’m going to spoil him rotten. How does aunt Liza sound?” She says, staring at the ceiling thinking just that as my mouth is gaping wide. All of sudden, it’s as if a heavy weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

Aunt Liza, wow. Things have indeed changed since we last talked.

We end up hugging each other hard we both get teary eyed, but I pull back dotting my eyes. I have no time to fix them again. She stayed and teased my hair, straightened my dress and handed me my bouquet. It was like old times again. I must remember to thank my man, once again, for always looking out for me. Is there anything that man wouldn’t do for me? I hope I never find out.

Liza hesistates, and her eyes dart everywhere but me. “So, I wanted to let you know Nick is downstairs.” She definitely appears nervous.

My body tenses. “Shit, are you serious?” My mind is playing out some shouting match between Nick and Micah. Not good. I’m not paying a bit of attention to what she is hinting at.

“Yes, but it’s okay,” she uses her hands to cup my shoulder. “He’s with me.”

My body halts. I’m frozen in shock at what she just hinted at. When my eyes hit hers, her face lights up in one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen on her face. She can’t contain it any longer.

“You aren’t serious?” I didn’t mean it come out like that, but it slipped out anyway. I’m happy just a bit taken back.

“Yep, and it’s awesome. We get along great. Elsa, this is the way it should have been. Micah even had a long talk with Nick, and they can be in the same room without wanting to kill one another, so it’s progress.”