Page 39 of Finding Us

He takes our luggage and we go downstairs. We each give Lilly a big hug. She’s sad to see us leave but we remind her that we’ll see her in a couple weeks, which seems to make her feel a little better. Pearce and Lilly stand at the door and watch as we drive away, Lilly waving the entire time.

We head to the airport for the long flight back. As soon as the plane takes off, I fall asleep on Garret’s shoulder and stay asleep for almost the entire flight.

* * *

When we get homewe take our stuff inside, then go next door to see Sean and Harper. As we walk in, I notice Sean’s suitcase sitting by the door and for a moment I think maybe she broke up with him and he’s moving out. But she would’ve told me that over the phone.

“Are you guys going somewhere?” I ask Harper.

“San Francisco. Just for a few days. Sean got time off from work and he’s never been there so we decided to go.”

Sean comes down the stairs and over to where we’re standing. “Hey, welcome back.”

“I was telling them about our trip.” Harper smiles up at Sean and wraps her arm around his waist. He pulls her into his side and kisses her.

The two of them always look so happy when they’re together. I wish Harper could just admit to herself how much she loves Sean. Maybe it’s not the same love I have for Garret, but it doesn’t have to be. She loves him in her own way and he loves her and that should be enough.

“You planning to do any surfing while you’re there?” Garret asks Sean.

“No.” Sean laughs and looks at Harper. “I don’t think Harper would be too happy about that. This is supposed to be a romance trip.”

Harper rolls her eyes. “It’s not a romance trip. It’s just a little getaway. And don’t worry about the wedding, Jade. Everything’s set. I wouldn’t leave town if it wasn’t.”

“I’m not worried. And you shouldn’t worry either. I want you to relax and have fun on your trip.”

“Come upstairs and help me pack.”

I follow her up to her room but her suitcase is already packed and sitting on the floor.

“What do you need help with? It looks like you’re ready to go.”

“I am. I just wanted to talk without the guys around.” She plops down on the bed. “Tell me about your trip.”

“It was great.” I sit across from her, crossing my legs and leaning back on my hands. “It’s the best time I’ve ever had with Garret’s family. Of course, Katherine wasn’t there, which made a huge difference. I could actually relax withoutheraround.”

“What about his dad? Was he nice to you?”

“Really nice. It’s like he’s totally changed. He even hung out with us. Garret thought he’d be at work the whole time, but he didn’t go into the office at all. We had a cookout, went swimming, watched movies. It was like being with a normal family. I hope he keeps it up. I like the new Pearce.”

“Good, because I didn’t want him ruining your wedding day. It’ll be bad enough having Katherine there.”

“She’s not coming.” I smile as I say it. “Garret’s dad won’t let her. He told her she couldn’t come unless she was going to be happy for Garret and me. And she isn’t, so she’s not coming.”

“But what about Lilly? We need a flower girl. I already got this cute little basket for her and—”

“She’s coming. We told her about being the flower girl and she’s super excited. And while she’s out here, Pearce is taking her to Disneyland.”

“Seriously? What’s gotten into him?”

“I don’t know. I think he just misses Garret and it’s made him want to be more of a dad to Lilly.”

As usual, I can’t tell Harper everything about Garret’s family. And I don’t tell her what happened with Garret’s grandparents. She already knows they aren’t coming to the wedding and when she asked why, I explained how they didn’t approve of Garret marrying someone with my background. But I didn’t tell her how they aren’t even speaking to him now.

“It’s about time Garret’s dad was nice to you. It’s good if you can get along with your in-laws, at least that’s what my mom always says. She loves my dad’s family so she got lucky.”

“Speaking of in-laws, when are you meeting Sean’s parents?”

She laughs and moves back on the bed, leaning against the headboard. “They’re not my in-laws, Jade.”

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