Page 45 of Letters From a Broken Heart
“You have both of our support. I’ve always enjoyed having you around. Some of my favorite memories were spent with you and Taylor in the garage, tinkering with that old car.”
“Mine too.” I drop my gaze to the ground as a slow grin spreads across my face.
“Gerald, can you open this jar for me?” Mrs. Gaines calls from the kitchen. We follow her voice and I smile when I find my girl sitting at the island just like dozens of other times I’ve found her in the same position.
“How are you doing?” I ask softly as I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.
“I’m good. Really good.” She places her hands over mine and lets out a little happy sigh.
“You two are so adorable together.” Mrs. Gaines places her hand over her heart and watches us carefully. “I always hoped you’d end up together.”
“Mom,” Taylor sighs.
“No, I'm serious, Taylor! You and Easton were always perfect for each other. You were content with Jack, but you were never happy. Not really. I truly believe you’ll be happy with Easton.”
I smile at Mrs. Gaines. I know she can be a little opinionated and overwhelming to deal with at times, but I appreciate her kind words. I have a feeling my family won't be as welcoming.
“I’ll do whatever I have to, to make sure she’s happy.” I press a soft kiss to the top of her head before turning back to Mrs. Gaines. “Now, what can I help with?”
Chapter 18
Taylor
Last night, I didn’t expect my parents to be so welcoming to Easton. I know Mom and Dad didn’t like Jack very much, but they typically kept their opinions to themselves. They let me live my life the way I wanted to and didn’t intervene.
Though I appreciate that, sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if they had stepped in. If they had pointed out Easton’s feelings to me or pushed me to just stay friends with Jack.
As much as I want to believe I’d listen to them, I probably wouldn’t have. I was a teenager and would assume they knew nothing about love and relationships.
When we got home last night, Easton and I spent time talking and cuddling, then we fell asleep in each other’s arms. Just like I have every night since I started staying here, I slept soundly and woke up feeling happy.
Tonight, we’re supposed to go to Easton’s parents for dinner. They no longer live next to my childhood home and in a way, I'm happy for that. I spent so many hours there with Jack. I don’t want to spend my evening remembering Jack. I want to spend it focusing on my time with Easton.
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell don’t know Easton and I are dating. We decided to tell both of our parents close together. We don’t want rumors to spread and them to find out some other way, but we don’t want to hide our relationship either. We want to live our lives however we want.
“What are you wearing?” A slow lopsided grin spreads across Easton’s face, making me chuckle.
“Do you like it?” I spin around all the way so he can get a good look at my shirt.
“Like it? Baby, I love it. I can't believe you still have it.” He closes the distances between us and places his hands over the grease handprints on my shirt.
“I couldn’t get rid of it. This shirt always reminded me of the times we got to spend together just the two of us. I always hoped one day it would be a daily occurrence to have your hands on me like this.”
“I can ruin all of your shirts like this if you really want me to.” He grins as he pins me against the wall and kisses me.
Easton knocks on the door before twisting the knob and pushing his way inside his parents’ new home. I’ve been here once or twice since they moved, but that’s it.
“We’re in the family room!” Mrs. Maxwell calls.
“I wish you were still wearing that shirt,” Easton murmurs under his breath.
“Why?” I chuckle as I stare up at him.
Since we started dating, it’s like this weight has been removed from his shoulders. He’s happier and seems more carefree. He’s so much more like the boy I fell in love with.
“Because that shirt will always be my favorite. It doesn’t matter what you buy or how expensive it is, I’ll still always pick that one every time. It reminds me of how you’re mine now.”
“I am yours. You can put greasy handprints on all of my clothes if you need to.” I press a quick kiss to his cheek right before we round the corner into the family room.
