Page 45 of Midnight Lessons

He glances around one last time, then shoulders the duffel bag. “Okay. I’m ready.”

We step onto the porch, and the cool night air wraps around us, crisp and clear. As we head toward the truck, I see movement next door and glance over to see my parents standing on their front porch, chatting with Melvyn.

My mom waves, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Owen! Willow! We saw your car. Something you want to share with us?”

“We’re moving in together,” I say, my cheeks heating at my parents’ knowing looks.

Mom nods, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Need any help?”

Owen smiles. “Thanks, Mrs. Winters. We’re good for now. Just grabbing a few things.”

My dad’s eyes crinkle with concern. “You sure, son? Don’t be shy about asking for help.”

Owen’s smile is genuine. “Thanks, Mr. Winters. I appreciate it.”

“Considering you’re our future son-in-law, I think we can dispense with the whole Mr. and Mrs. Winters thing,” Mom says boldly.

“Mom!” I squeak, my cheeks growing ever hotter.

“Well,” she huffs, not looking the least bit sorry. “We all know that’s where you’re headed. Isn’t that right, Owen?”

Owen laughs. “You’re not wrong, Mrs. Win—Penny. I love your daughter and plan to make her my wife before long.”

I turn to look at Owen, my heart in my eyes. “Really?”

He nods, dropping a kiss on my nose. “Really. And I know exactly how I’ll propose when the time’s right.”

“Bout time you two got your heads out of your asses and figured it out,” Melvyn grumbles, his voice gruff but affectionate. He’s standing off to the side, watching us with that knowing look he always has, as if he can see right through to the heart of things.

I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips. “Nice to see you too, Melvyn.”

He huffs, leaning on his cane. “Don’t screw it up, you hear me? You’re both stubborn as mules.”

“Don’t worry,” Owen replies, his arm sliding around my waist. “We’ve got it from here.”

“Good,” Melvyn says, his gaze softening a bit. “You take care of her, Owen.”

“I will,” Owen promises, his voice steady. “Always.”

“Love you,” Mom hollers as we walk to Owen’s car. “Stop by for coffee soon.”

“We will. Love you too,” I call as I slide into the passenger seat.

Owen starts the engine and reverses off the driveway, his parents’ house receding behind us. It’s just a house, I remind myself. But as we pull away, I know it’s more than that. It’s a place full of memories, laughter and loss, and beginnings and endings.

But it’s not the end for us. We’re just getting started.

The key turns in the lock, and the familiar creak of my apartment door welcomes us into a place that’s about to become “ours.” Owen steps inside, flipping on the lights, and I follow, closing the door behind us with a soft click. It feels different tonight, like crossing a threshold into a new life.

“Home sweet home,” I murmur, dropping my keys onto the small entryway table.

“Home,” Owen echoes, his voice warm as he wraps his arms around me from behind. We stand there, taking a moment to breathe.

I lean against him, his heart thumping steadily, a comforting drumbeat to the quiet night. We’re exhausted, but it’s the good kind of tired.

“Let’s just crash,” I suggest, tilting my head to catch his gaze. “We can unpack tomorrow. I have a better idea for tonight.”

“Fuck, yes,” he mutters. “Need you, Low.”

---