Page 119 of Rewriting the Story

And to think, I almost gave all this up by not coming back all those years ago.

“Alright, are you guys ready?” I ask as the two of them come out, showing off their outfits. As I grab their hands in mine, their little fingers wiggling in my closed hand, tears start to form in my eyes, but I push those down before I get too overwhelmed.

EventhoughI’vedonemultiple book tours and this isn't my first rodeo, I still get nervous as I walk onto the small stage, a microphone in my hand as I wave to the crowd.

“Thank you all for coming. Oh my goodness,” I say as I settle into my chair, Mitch sitting across from me. “This is wild. I can’t wait to meet all of you after this.”

Murmurs of laughter echo around the shop as I hear Mitch start to ask some of the prepared questions.

“Henry, I think the most asked question most people want to know is where you get your ideas from?” Mitch adjusts how he sits. “Because obviously, you write about all sorts of things, complicated family dynamics,relationships, and most recently, a friend group with multiple points of view. I figured we would start off with a bang.”

“Oh gosh, yeah,” I chuckle. “Most of my ideas come from wanting to explore certain types of relationships. I think that’s what I love writing most about, because we as humans are such connective people. As I look around at the world and see all these types of dynamics, I’ve always wanted to explore it through my writing. It feels natural to me—exploring dynamics and molding a story around those.”

“And you guys should see this guy outlining a novel.” Mitch points to me. “I’ve never seen such chaos turn into what his drafts look like. It’s honestly impressive from both a writer and a reader standpoint, Henry.”

“Thank you,” I laugh. “It works for my brain—the organized chaos.”

More questions are asked, and as soon as I really take a look into the crowd and see my beautiful wife and two kids, I almost start crying. I even fumble over some of my words when I recognize them in the audience. I didn't know they were coming. I knew Amelia had planned to pick me up when it was over, since these things can go all night, but I’m shocked.

I love traveling and chatting about my novels, but I fucking miss my family. Before Ames and I had kids, she would travel with me to these events, and we’d spend time together in different cities.

But now that we have Kaia and Rowan, it’s harder. The fact that they came to watch my last stop and support me from the audience makes my heart soar. I used to dream of times like this—being able to see the people I love looking back at me from the audience—and now, I’ve made it.

I don’t have just Amelia to celebrate with anymore. Now, we have two pieces of us to remind us of our love. We loved each other so much, we created two tiny humans to love us no matter what happens.

When I started my career, I was celebrating my wins all by myself. Now, I’m not alone. Now, I’ll never be alone again.

The question-and-answer section ends, and it takes about three hours for me to get through the line of people. The real prize of tonight is seeingmy kids run into my arms, their beautiful voices filtering through my ears.

“I missed you guys so much,” I say as I squeeze them.

“Too tight, Dad!” Kaia says as she pulls away from me.

“Did you bring us anything?” Rowan asks me. I started a new tradition of bringing them each back something from my trips.

“Is that all you want me for? The gifts?” I joke as I fluff my son's hair. “Of course I got you guys presents, but they’re in my suitcase, so we can open them at home.”

I stand from the floor and press a kiss to my wife’s lips, melting into her embrace as she throws her arms around me.

“I’m glad you’re home,” she whispers. “Were you surprised?”

“I was.” My smile slips onto my face. “I missed you guys.”

“Do you want to go home?” she asks me, and I nod before the sentence is even over. Mitch and I had dinner as soon as we got to the airport, and as much as I’d like to see more of him, I’ve also missed my family. It’s time for some much needed rest and relaxation with my favorite people.

Ames and I get the kids into the car, and as soon as my hand grabs hers as she drives, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.

This is the life I’ve been chasing since I was in my twenties, and I swear, I blinked and it arrived. Time needs to slow down. I swear, Kaia and Rowan were kids just learning how to walk.

“Daddy, we made you something special!” Kaia says to me, and I see her excited face in the rearview. “Mom, can you play it?”

“Of course I can, baby,” Ames says as she fumbles with the console, and as soon as the music starts, I want to cry.

The song Amelia and I danced to at our wedding plays first. Then comes the songs playing in the hospital when our kids were born. Every song holds a sentimental value from the life Amelia and I have shared.

Tears fall from my eyes as I squeeze Amelia’s hand.

“What is this one called?”