Page 94 of Meet Me on Lilac Lane

How could she ever have thought she could go on without him?

“I hope you don’t mind me barging in,” Cody said. “Finn said you’re painting?” A note of surprise crept into his voice and lit his eyes.

“You were right. I need to do this once in a while.” She motioned to the canvas in front of her, its streaks of gold already taking the shape of an oak.

“I need to talk to you.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” Mia and Cody spoke together.

“Sorry, you go first,” Cody said.

Mia shot him a weak smile. “We should probably clean this up first. I don’t want the kids getting paint on your nice clothes.”

“I don’t mind a little paint.”

“All the same…”

Mia showed the kids how to rinse out their paintbrushes, and Cody capped the paints and stacked the supplies into their boxes. She left the canvases on the table to dry. She patted the one she’d been working on, the lines still fresh in her mind.I’ll be back for you.

A few minutes later, the kids were in the backyard playing on the ancient swing set Troy had dragged home one day shortly after Finn was born. Mia tugged two plastic chairs together, and she and Cody sat and watched the kids.

“Dani told me you’re moving home.” Cody leaned back in his chair, the plastic squeaking in the chilly air.

“Yep. After all our hard work, I didn’t meet my quota for the mortgage.” Mia hugged her arms to herself.

“How do you feel about that?”

“It’s funny, I thought I’d be more upset, but I’m learning to trust God. I’m very sad to be leaving this house, but I’m proud of the work I did trying to keep it. The island will have some great new businesses.”

“You did a really good job. It’s not worth much, but I’m proud of you.”

“That means a lot, thank you.” Mia’s heart warmed at his words. Being admired by Cody was amazing. “Was this what you came over here to talk about?”

“No, actually.” Cody leaned forward and put his arms on his knees. His eyes grew intense. “I’ve done a lot of thinking the past few days. I even went over to my dad’s and hashed things out with him.”

“Code, that’s great.”

“Yeah, story for another time.” Cody waved it off. “Mia, I gave up too easily the other night when you said we couldn’t be together. It’s been a pattern of mine throughout my life, a pattern I’d like to change. Starting today. I’m learning that God wants good things for me, and I shouldn’t be afraid to follow my dreams, even fight for them when necessary. So, here I am, fighting for the dream of being with you.”

Mia stared at him. This determination was a good look for Cody. Her mind scrambled to find a reply. You are my dream too…I’ll fight with you…But she must have been silent a beat too long because Cody stood.

“I understand. I can even understand your fears. I’m reopening my dad’s business, and I know what that might mean for us. But I couldn’t let you go without telling you everything and making sure you knew that I love you. And that I will wait for you as long as you need.” He took a step away. “You’re not alone, Mia. You can depend on other people, on me.”

“I love you.” The words burst from her in a rush. Cody’s gaze flew to hers. She stood and moved across the space between them. “You were right the other night. I do love you, Cody. I think my heart knew it all along, just took my mind a little time to catch up. I’ve realized something the past few days. I tried to call you to tell you this morning, but you didn’t answer.” She reached out and touched his forearm. It warmed under her caress. His eyes searched her face. “My life is better with you in it. You were right that we can’t protect ourselves from every pain or fear. I want to fight for us with you and walk through these things together. I’ve realized that raising my kids, and doing my job, and anything really, I can’t do it alone. And more importantly, I don’t have to.”

Cody put his hand over hers on his arm. “Go back to what you said before.”

“I don’t have to do it alone?”

“No, the other thing.” His eyes crinkled at the corners.

Her lips turned up in response. “You were right?”

“No, the other other thing.”

A zing zipped along her spine. “I love you?”

“That’s the one.” His smile bloomed.

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