Page 77 of The Risks of Reuniting

He hugs me closer and presses a kiss to my nose. "I know, baby. It's a big ask."

"What about my job, and the condo you helped me pick out?"

"Allie could stay and take on a roommate to cover the mortgage? That's assuming you'd want to come back to Salt Lake after I graduate?" He kisses my lips softly and I grab at his shoulders to hold myself upright. "You should be able to practice dental hygiene in North Carolina."

"They may have different licensing requirements," I say, kissing him back.

"True. Is there a way to find out?"

I nod. "I can make some calls."

Our lips brush as we speak in soft tones, and then he's got me wrapped in his arms and the kiss deepens. I'm lost in the sensations. If I say no, if I shy away again, I lose this. I know how that feels. It feels much better to be in his arms. His hand skates down my side as the other wraps around my knee, and I can imagine life back in his orbit so easily.

He pulls away after a moment, his own cheeks flushed and eyes bright. "I can make some calls too, Chlo. I'll check in about transferring back to the U. My parents wouldn't mind having me here again, and you could keep building on that foundation you've started."

I trace a finger over his collarbone and think over my racing heart. "How about this?" I ask, looking up at him, "Let's start by both doingsome research. I'll look into licensing in North Carolina, you look into transferring. I'll chat withAllie about a roommate, versus selling my condo too. Then, when we both know what that would look like, we'll sit down and figure out what makes the most sense."

His smile is quick and bright, his teeth flashing white in my vision. "I like that plan."

We sink into the moment, and I feel at peace for the first time in a long time. Information is something I can work with. Facts are my friends. I know we can come to an agreement that makes sense and I'm giddy enough to grab his face and plant one on him as I laugh.

A throat clears, and I hear Sandra giggle a little as she asks, "Anyone want dessert?"

"I do," Victor says a little too loudly, as they move into the kitchen.

"I'm already having dessert," Holt calls back when I release my hold on him.

I pinch his shoulder and climb off his lap, joining his parents in the kitchen, hope filling my chest.

Chapter 26

Chloe

Mon,June2

Family,

I'm writing this email as a review of your behavior last night at dinner. Thanks to all of you, North Carolina is looking peachy.

Mom – the food was excellent, but your not-so-subtle probing on when Holt will give you grandchildren was less excellent. As was very clearly stated, we are still figuring out how to make our relationship work. Children have not come up. Children will not come up for a while. And no, you do not need to sign me up for a subscription to Bridal Monthly magazine. At this point, I am more likely to consider eloping.

Dad – getting Holt to empty all garbages, air up your car tires, and refill the gas on your lawn mower was the power move we did not need. If you were attempting to humble him for his sins, I'd like to point out that Gavin is way worse than Holt and should be over there every week doing your little projects. The stink-eye over dessert was super loyal, and sort of nice, but also, who can hold a stink-eye for twenty minutes? If your goal was to see him sweat, congrats, he was indeed sweaty by the time we left. Message received.

Gavin – your plumbing threats were hilarious at first, but also, really? Telling him you know exactly how to create a leak he'll never find, and that you can make sure his toilet overflows every time he flushes, was a little overdone. Promising him he'll "swim in sewage" if he makes a wrong move,that was the line, buddy. You found it. No one deserves that. But, maybe the most confusing part was asking him if he was into a pick-up game of basketball tonight at the rec center. Do you play ball now? Or was that another way to get into his head? Can you sustain a jog long enough to play basketball? Or did you mean on a video game system?

Grandma Sue – I'm glad you and Grandpa were free for dinner tonight, it was fun to see you. Your pearls were fabulous. I feel I should let you know that "LOL" is only supposed to be used in text, not in real-life conversation. Also, it means Laugh Out Loud, not Lots of Love. So when you say things like, "Dinner was great, Jenny, LOL'" that sounds like you're mocking Mom, not telling her you love her. Also, Holt does not need to come check out a mystery noise at your house this week. You have Grandpa and Uncle Harold, but most especially your precious Kaden. Any of them would be happy to help. If you were hoping Holt would pop by for gossip, then I'm coming too to make sure things stay normal.

And a note to myself as a reminder. Keep Holt away from the family until they can play nice.

I love you all so much. It's nice that you're in my corner.

Does that feel like a mixed message?

LOL,

Chloe

Wednesdays are always the busiest at the dental office where Allie and I work, and we've never been able to figure out why. You'd think mid-week would be quiet, but no, it's hopping. I did more cleanings today than my lower back liked, and my new cartoon kitten scrubs are wrinkled as I sink into the passenger seat of Allie's car on our drive home. Yeah, we live and work together – it's a lot – but we never seem to grow tired of each other. Probably because we each have a TV in our bedroom and she likes to go on runs.

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