Page 132 of Empty Net

“You did.”

We stand around and talk for a few more minutes until my parents need to leave for the airport.

“Son,” my dad says, “I think we might need to have a chat whenever your mother and I get back home.”

I nod. “Yeah, I kind of figured.”

“But for now, it looks like you have some more important things to deal with.” My dad pulls me into a hug. “I love you, Artie.”

“Love you too,” I tell him, releasing him and watching as he wraps Lilah into a hug.

He whispers something to her, and whatever it is has her shoulders shaking with silent cries as she buries her face against him.

Mama takes his place, kissing my cheek. “Can I tell him everything?”

I nod. “Please. And I really am sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, Arthur. You’re the exact man I hoped you’d turn into. That’s all I can ask for. And you,” she says, moving toward Lilah. “You beautiful soul, you. I’m proud of you, kid. I know I’m not your soon-to-be mother-in-law and I have no idea what the future holds for you and my son, but know this—I am only ever a phone call away. I’m in your corner. Forever, Lilah.”

My girl, who is barely holding it together, nods, tears streaming down her cheeks as my mother hugs her tightly. I kiss her cheek and give her one last hug before they climb into their rental car, waving at us through the window as they pull out of the lot.

Lilah looks back at the restaurant, which her parents are presumably still inside.

“Do you want to go back and talk to them?”

She shakes her head. “No. I really, really don’t.”

“Probably for the best.” I scratch at my chin. “Uh, I’m sorry for kind of exploding in there. I just…”

“Don’t,” she says. “I’m not even remotely mad. I promise. If anything, it just made me love you more.”

“Say that again.” I swing her around to face me. “That part where you say you love me.”

She giggles. “I love you, Fox.”

“God, that sounds good.” I nuzzle my nose against her neck.

“Now you say it.”

“I love you, Fox.”

“Arthur…” she warns.

I chuckle against her. “I love you, Lilah.”

It’s all I can manage before our mouths are fused together again, and I’m so not complaining. I have no idea how long we stand there unable to keep our hands off each other, but we eventually make our way through the parking lot back to my truck.

“Hey, Fox?” she asks as I pull open the door for her.

“Yeah?”

“What’d your mom mean by the ‘final buzzer’?”

I laugh, shaking my head as I help her into my truck. “I’ll explain on the way home, okay?”

“Mmm,” she hums contentedly. “Home. I like the sound of that.”

“Yeah? Me too, sugar. Me too.”

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