Page 106 of Loving Violet
Chapter 35
Violet
I wakeup feeling happy and satisfied, a lightness in my chest that I haven’t felt in years. Last night was nothing short of incredible.
It’s funny how life has a way of surprising you. I never thought I’d have so much fun with my mom after everything we’ve been through, especially the way she treated me during my divorce from Taylor. Sure, she had her moment; one complaint about Adrian’s hair that she justhadto sneak in, but that was it. Progress, right? Having Austin there definitely helped; with him in the room, her attention was more on him than me.
But the best part of last night? The thing that has me grinning like an idiot in the early morning light? Austin. The way he made love to me.
Every time feels like the best, but last night… Last night was something else. It wasn’t just the way his hands moved over my skin or the way he kissed me it was the way he looked at me, like I was the only thing that mattered. The way he made me feel, like I was whole again.
Now, I’m lying in bed wrapped in his arms, his body warm and solid against my back. His slow, even breaths brush against my neck, and I try not to move, not wanting to break this perfect moment. If I could, I’d stay like this forever, basking in his presence and hoping this feeling will never fade.
But the day is calling. Today, I want to take Austin and Adrian to my favorite hiking spot, a little slice of heaven nestled in my hometown.
The sunlight streams through the curtains, golden and soft, promising a beautiful day. After a quiet breakfast and some playful teasing with Austin as we sip our coffee, we head to my parents’ house to pick up Adrian and Max.
When we pull into the driveway, Adrian isn’t ready yet. Big surprise. Apparently, he stayed up late watching TV with my dad. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow at that—Mom letting Adrian break her sacred bedtime rules? Who is this woman, and what has she done with my mother?
As we wait, I notice how peaceful the morning is. The air is crisp, the kind that bites just a little but wakes you up in the best way. The sound of a few birds chirping and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze brings back memories of this town, of simpler times.
Finally, Adrian emerges, looking groggy but grinning, with Max trotting at his heels. He’s wearing one of his favorite hoodies and has his hair sticking out in every direction.
“Good morning, sunshine,” I tease, ruffling his hair on purpose.
“Mom, seriously?” Adrian groans, swatting at my hand, but there’s no real annoyance in his voice.
“You look like you had a long night of deep intellectual conversations with Grandpa,” Austin chimes in, smirking.
“Totally,” Adrian says with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “We debated, like, everything.”
We all pile into the SUV, Max settling happily in the backseat with his nose pressed against the window. The drive to the trail is filled with lighthearted chatter—Adrian talking about some soccer highlight he saw online, Austin making playful jabs about our chances of surviving my mom’sprogressive parenting techniques, and me trying to act offended but laughing too much to sell it.
When we reach the hiking trail, I take a deep breath of the fresh air, letting the scent of pine and earth wash over me. The towering trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves catching the sunlight in a golden shimmer.
“This,” I say, turning to Austin and Adrian, “is my happy place.”
Adrian looks around, unimpressed. “It’s just a bunch of trees.”
I grin. “Oh, ye of little faith. Wait until we get to the top.”
As we start the trail, my feet find their rhythm on the familiar path. Each step brings back memories of my childhood summers spent exploring, fall afternoons crunching leaves underfoot, and quiet winters where the trees stood bare but still beautiful.
I glance over at Austin who’s looking around with a mix of curiosity and appreciation. Adrian’s ahead of us, already trying to keep up with Max whose tail wags like a propeller as he bounds down the path.
I can’t help but smile. These little moments, the quiet in-between ones, are what make life feel so full.
We reach my favorite spot, a scenic overlook perched high above the valley. The view never fails to take my breath away. Below, the river snakes through the landscape, its surface glistening as the afternoon sun dances on the water. The surrounding hills, dressed in the deep reds and golds of late autumn, roll out like a painter’s masterpiece.
“You really love this place, don’t you?” Austin asks, his voice soft as he takes in the view, squeezing my hand in that gentle, reassuring way of his.
“I do,” I reply, my lips curling into a smile. “It’s always been my sanctuary. A place to clear my head, to breathe. I haven’t been here in a long time. I’m glad I get to share it with you and Adrian.”
Austin stops walking and turns to face me, pulling me into his arms. His embrace is firm yet tender, like he’s trying to anchor me to this moment. I rest my hands on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my palms.
“I’m glad you brought us here,” he says, his voice low and sincere. His gaze sweeps over the landscape before settling back on me. “It’s beautiful. Just like you.”
I laugh softly, my cheeks warming under his gaze. “You’re such a charmer. Has anyone ever told you that?”
