Page 50 of Meant to be Falling
But it’s perfect, and tonight, that’s what we need.
It’s only later when I’ve settled at my desk do I remember to text Mason back.
LANA: Count us in.
20
MASON
I’d worked hard today, the spring sun warming me from the inside out, making sweat drip down my back like it was the middle of July. Even though we’ve been here for a while, the Tennessee heat still surprises me on days like today.
There’d barely been enough time to shower and shave before I needed to be at Lana’s but I’d managed. I wasn’t what anyone would consider high maintenance. Hell, most of my life there’d been no maintenance at all.
But times had changed.
Hot showers, a full belly, and clean clothes had been the beginning, and Bodhi and I had worked our asses off to ensure we’d never be without those things again.
“Let it Run” by Canaan Cox plays through the truck as I make the turn down her road, my heart beating a little faster in my chest the closer I get to the house.
Because this is everything I’ve ever wanted, like a dream I might wake from at any second.
I deserve happiness.
I repeat the words over and over as I pull into her driveway and park, breathing deep to calm my nerves.
This is the easy part.
I chuckle to myself, thinking of the words Bodhi had said to me before I left. Kids were the easy part because so much of me still resonated with them. I’d seen so much—experienced so much—that I knew I’d always treat them the way I wish I had been.
That thought settles my soul, the rightness of tonight, ofthis,washing over me.
Grabbing the flowers from the passenger seat, I get out of the truck and make my way up the sidewalk. I knock on the door, and not a breath later, Holland swings it open.
She’s wearing jeans and a flowy pink top with tan cowboy boots and the biggest smile.
“Don’t you look fancy tonight, Miss Holland,” I tell her, “and I love your braids.” She touches them and her smile grows impossibly wider.
“Mommy did them.”
“She did a great job,” I say with a wink as I hand her one of the bouquets. “These are for you.”
She squeals, and then hugs me before running into the house. “Mommy! He got me flowers!”
“He did?” Lana says with a tone that sounds both surprised andnot.I grin as I close the door behind me and hand her the other bouquet as I kiss her on the cheek.
“These are for you.”
“Thank you.” Her eyes sparkle, and I give myself the briefest moment to take her in, barely holding back a groan as I do.
“You look incredible,” I murmur before taking her hand and spinning her. “Beautiful.” Her dark wash jeans are painted on and paired with a simple black tank top and a plaid button-down and her boots. She looks downright edible.
And we are not alone.
So, I tuck those thoughts away for later.
She laughs and Holland claps. “Spin me!”
And I do, using my other hand, her braids flying around her making her giggle as Beck comes into the room.
