Page 84 of Forged Forever

I rented a huge SUV to fit us all, and after picking it up, Dad drives us to the hotel to check in, then I call Sue to tell her we landed safely. Alex booked an enormous suite for us on the top floor, with enough beds for everyone. After watching a movie, we hit the hay.

I’m sharing a room with Bay tonight. After tossing and turning for an hour, I’m about to give up when Bay gets out of bed and sits on the side of mine. “Whatever happens, you are going to be okay, Summer,” he says, grabbing my hand.

“I know, but that fact doesn’t get rid of my nerves.”

“I talked to each of the guys over the past week, and they all accepted me into the fold.”

Well, that’s certainly a distraction. “Okay good. That makes me happy.”

Bay flips down the covers and gets into the bed beside me. “Turn onto your side.” I do as I’m told as he wraps me in his arms from behind. This is unexpected, but so welcome. I truly never thought we would be together in this way, although I never stopped wishing for it. Bay bends his arm under my head to run his fingers up and down my arm. I’m in a cocoon of ocean with a hint of grease. My body finally settles, and I drift off to sleep.

The next morning we eat breakfast at the diner and then swing by the care facility. We must look like a sight, all entering at once. I’m in front, holding hands with Jake, and he’s looking around curiously. Mal isn’t at the desk, so I ring the bell. I hear her before I see her. “Welcome. Can I help you?”

The guys part until Jake and I are visible. “Hi Mal,” I wave.

She stops in her tracks, hand going over her heart. “Oh, my word. Jake. It’s really you.” Tears are glistening in her eyes as I step forward to hug her and then introduce Jake. “Jake, this is your nurse, Mal.”

Jake smiles and opens his arms. Mal nearly collapses into him, hugging him tight. “I can’t believe it. Summer showed me pictures, of course, but to have you standin’ here. It’s a miracle.” Stepping back, she wipes her eyes with a tissue from her pocket.

Zander steps up for his hug as she composes herself. “Good to see you, Mal.”

“You too, Zander.” She smiles up at him before quickly returning her gaze to Jake.

“There is something familiar about your voice, Mal,” Jake comments. I squeeze his hand as Dad introduces everyone else.

“So many handsome fellas, Sugar,” Mal fans her face. Laughing, I tell her we’re meeting Sue at my house to go through Mom and Lily bee’s things.

“Oh, I’m so proud of you, Sugar. Sue stopped by on Tuesday and showed me your graduation pictures.” We chat for about a half hour before leaving to meet Sue, with Jake and I both getting another hug, and Jake thanking her for taking such good care of him. Mal is all smiles by the time we leave.

Now, the hard part. I have Seb on my right and Jake on my left, gripping my hands as Dad drives us to the house.

My eyes well up when he pulls into the driveway. The house looks the same as I remember. Someone has cut the grass and pruned the shrubs, and there’s even two planters out front with pink blossoms. I’m shaking when we gather in the driveway.

Sue arrives, and I rush over for a hug as soon as she opens her door. “I’m proud of you for doing this, sweetheart.”

“Thanks.” I give her the best smile I can. I reintroduce her to Jake and then turn towards the house.

“Take your time, darling,” Dad tells me.

Nodding, I take a deep breath and walk slowly towards the front door across the dewy grass. Part of me wants to run inside to get it over with, but the bigger part of me wants to take in every detail in case I’ve forgotten anything. You can do this Summer. One moment at a time.

“Excuse me!” someone yells nearby. Looking around, I can’t see anyone over all the tall guys around me. “This is private property.”

I see Dad step through the wall of muscles. “Belinda, it’s Zander. How are you?”

Oh. Tapping Nick’s shoulder, he moves so I can see. Belinda looks good. She has gardening gloves on and a wide brimmed hat protecting her face from the sun. “Belinda,” I call, walking over to her and Dad.

“Summer!” Her face breaks into a smile when she sees me. “My, you are a welcome sight. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. It’s time to have a look at the house. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Keeping busy. That’s quite a crowd you have with you.” Dad introduces the guys for me. “Do you have your key? I can get you mine.”

“I have mine. I’m guessing those pots of flowers are your doing?”

“They are. The backyard has grass where your vegetable gardens were, but I tried to keep the rest healthy.”

Stepping closer, I pull her into a hug. She has done so much all alone in memory of our family. It must have been really hard to lose her best friend and then take care of the house all these years. “Thank you, and I’m sorry I haven’t stayed in touch.”