Page 66 of A Place Like You

Drake stands off to the side, tall and powerfully built as always, emanating a subtle strength. The instant Milo sees him, he lets go of my hand and takes off, running full-tilt across the tarmac toward Drake, his little sneakers pounding the pavement.

“Drake. Drake,” Milo shouts excitedly, his backpack bouncing wildly as he barrels forward at top speed. Drake’s handsome face lights up, and he swoops a laughing Milo up into his strong arms, tossing him playfully in the air as Milo giggles with pure delight.

I approach slowly, butterflies swirling in my stomach, still hardly believing this is real or how much I missed him while we were gone. It was just three days, but it felt like a lifetime. Drake sets Milo down but keeps an arm wrapped around his little shoulders. His eyes meet mine, crinkling at the corners as he smiles softly.

“Hi,” he says, his voice low and full of warmth.

“Hi, yourself,” I reply, feeling suddenly shy as a flush creeps across my cheeks.

I wish I could throw my arms around his neck and kiss him or at least hug his solid, sturdy frame. But we have yet to talk to Milo about our relationship. That pivotal step would make this more official and permanent between us. And maybe I’m overthinking everything. Drake isn’t going anywhere, and Milo clearly adores him.

So what is stopping me from crossing that threshold? Is it my own fear?

But I’m no longer afraid of losing him. I know in my heart that we belong together.

Drake reaches for my hand, his own strong, callused fingers curling around mine with thrilling familiarity, and raises it tenderly to his lips for a featherlight kiss that makes my skin tingle. He leans closer, his woodsy, masculine scent enveloping me, and murmurs intimately, “I’ve missed you.”

Milo tugs impatiently on Drake’s muscular arm, practically bouncing on his toes. “You should’ve come with us to Seattle. They had a turtle sanctuary,” he says eagerly, brown eyes wide with excitement. “Mom, I desperately need new books about turtles.”

Drake chuckles, ruffling Milo’s hair affectionately. “Don’t worry, we can find some great turtle books at the library and order more online.”

“Okay.” Milo sighs, his small shoulders slumping with relief.

“Why don’t we head home?” I suggest.

Drake, Milo, and I pile into the SUV and drive from the imposing CQS headquarters toward my cozy house on the outskirts of town. Milo chatters excitedly the whole way, practically bouncing in his booster seat as he fills Drake in on every detail of our trip.

“We got to see dozens of sea turtles! Some were gigantic, as big as this!” Milo exclaims, stretching his arms wide. “And some were ancient, like 100 years old. Their skin looked all wrinkly.” Then he whispers in awe, “Older than my new great grandpa.”

I doubt anyone we’ve met is older than eighty, but I’m not going to correct him. Also, I’m not sure how to tell him that Rhea’s great-grandfathers are not related to him.

Drake smiles down at him. “Wow, 100 years old? That’s pretty amazing.”

“Yeah, and the keepers let us feed them lettuce and kale. They gobbled it up.” Milo mimes a turtle snapping its jaws. “I even got to pet one. Their shells felt smooth and bumpy.”

I grin as Milo hops and waddles in his seat, imitating a turtle. He’s been talking nonstop about them since we left the sanctuary, even saying he might become a veterinarian someday like Aunt Regina.

“We had to be super gentle, though,” Milo adds seriously. “The lady said we must always respect the animals.”

“It sounds like you learned a lot and made some new turtle friends,” Drake replies.

Milo nods rapidly, hair bouncing. “Yeah. Oh, and guess what?” His eyes go wide. “We went to the aquarium where they had an otter exhibit and a seal show.”

As Milo continues to chatter enthusiastically, Drake listens attentively, asking questions and showing genuine interest in every detail. My heart swells as I watch their sweet bond continue to grow.

I can’t keep the smile off my face watching them, my two favorite boys in the world.

When we finally arrive at my house, I stop short in astonishment. There on the dining table sits an elaborate home-cooked meal—juicy roasted chicken, golden potatoes, rolls—and even a brightly colored “Welcome Home” sign hangs on the wall. A vibrant bouquet of wildflowers in a crystal vase scents the room with their sweet fragrance.

“You did all this?” I ask Drake, turning to him with surprised delight.

He gives me a sheepish grin and rubs the back of his neck. “I wanted to make your first night back special.”

“This is so thoughtful and amazing,” I breathe, taking it all in with misty eyes. No one has ever gone to such lengths for me before.

Meanwhile, Milo makes a beeline for the table. “Can Uncle Gael make me turtle-shaped nuggets?” he asks eagerly, clambering onto a chair.

Chuckling, Drake catches him around the waist and swings him back down. “Hold your horses, kiddo. Wash those hands first.”

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