Page 140 of Between Regrets and Promises

“I love you,” he mouths.

I repeat his words, then walk into the airport with a new mindset, hoping I can start over for good this time.

An hour and a half after taking off in Sacramento, I land in Salt Lake City, and after grabbing my bag and texting Mason, I’m greeted by my parents.

“Sophie! We’re so glad you’re here,” my mom says while squeezing the air out of my lungs, and I wince slightly at the pressure.

“Kay, you’re smothering her. Let me give her a hug.” My dad chuckles, pulling me away. “How’re you doing, kiddo? How was the flight?”

“It was good. How I’m doing is yet to be determined,” I tell him with a small grin.

“I made your favorite for dinner tonight. Meatloaf with twice baked potatoes and corn on the cob,” Mom says as we walk through the parking lot. My stomach growls for the first time in days.

“That sounds amazing, Mom. Thank you.” I smile, also something I haven’t done in days.

I think going home was the right decision.

Walking into my childhood bedroom is like walking into a time capsule. Nothing’s changed since the day I left for college. I’ve been home a few times since then, but it feels different this time around. I’m not here for an event or wedding. I’m here forme.

“All settled in, sweetie?” Mom asks from the doorway.

“Yeah, I think so.” I take a seat on the bed. I unpacked a few of my toiletries but left most of my clothes in my suitcase. I changed into one of Mason’s T-shirts for bed because not only is it super soft and comfortable, but it also smells like him. I already miss him terribly.

“You must be exhausted today, but hopefully we can talk tomorrow?” she asks, patting my leg as she sits next to me.

“Yeah, absolutely. There’s a lot I should tell you and Dad,” I admit, feeling guilty I’ve left so much out. The last thing I want is to keep important things from them, but it’s hard to talk about it in general. Also, I didn’t want to worry them with me living so many miles away.

“Well, get some sleep. I’ll make breakfast for you in the morning, and then we’ll go from there.” She kisses my cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”

My dad stands in the doorway. “It’s good to have you home, kiddo.”

“I’mjustvisiting,” I remind him, chuckling. “But I’m glad to be home too.”

We say good night, and soon, I’m climbing into bed with the scent of Mason all around me.

Sophie

I’m in bed. Gonna try to get some sleep. I love you.

Mason

I love you so much, Soph. Sweet dreams!

I turn my phone on silent and roll on my side. A dream catcher I made at camp one summer hangs off my old desk and grabs my attention. I used to sleep with it every single night above my bed to keep away all my nightmares. After a minute of staring at it, I get up, grab it, and hang it on my bed.

I might be in my mid-twenties, but you’re never too old for dream catchers.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

MASON

This past weekwithout Sophie has been lonely as hell. I know why she wanted to go and knew it’d be good for her to get away, but I’ve missed her like crazy. Walking into her empty room and knowing I couldn’t climb into bed with her was harder than I anticipated. All I want to do is protect her from everything and everyone, and it’s easier when she’s close, but she’s safe with her parents.

Luckily, I’ve had to work all week, and afterward, I spent my free time in the gym. It’d been a while since I’ve boxed with my trainer, and I utilized this time to kick his ass. After catching Tyler up on the latest events, he didn’t even chastise me for being weaker than usual. Though, after a few sessions, I was able to finally beat him fair and square.

I’ve kept in contact with the officers to get updates on Dalton, but I’m still waiting for him to be transferred to the jail from the hospital. Of course my father got in my business as soon as he was informed and gave me shit for being involved in yet another scandal. Surprisingly, he hasn’t blamed me for threatening his reputation like he usually does. This wasobviously different from the Weston incident, but considering both are from the same family, I expected him to chew my ass.

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