Page 75 of I’m Already Gone

“First of all, no surprise visits.”

He glances down sheepishly.

I place my hands on my hips. “What?”

He fidgets, rubbing the back of his neck, one of his tells that he’s stressed.

“I was going to propose moving in with you.”

My jaw drops. “What?!”

He raises his hands defensively. “Just until you get back on your feet! Until you don’t need my help anymore.”

“Ethan! Are you out of your mind? How could you even think I would be okay with that?”

“You need support with the kids, rides to chemo appointments, and help cleaning, and cooking,” he counters.

“I have Sam, Ebony, and my parents to help.”

His expression softens. “They can’t always be at your beck and call, and I know you’d never want to burden them.”

His understanding both infuriates and comforts me.

He steps closer, taking my hands in his. Warmth radiates from our connection, bringing back feelings of love and safety that I thought were long gone. I look down at our entwined hands, feeling an undeniable spark. It’s as if the bond that seemed severed is still alive and pulsing with energy, somehow stronger than ever.

“We were never meant to say goodbye, Lily,” he says, a warm smile lighting up his face.

“I wasn’t the one who walked away, Ethan.”

“I know,” he replies, the sadness in his voice palpable. “But I’m not walking away from you. Not this time. If you let me stay in your guest room, I’ll be whatever you need me to be. Please, let me share your burden so you can focus on healing. On becoming stronger.”

Fear that I might fall for him all over again or realize that I never truly moved on floods my thoughts, making it difficult for me to come up with an answer.

“I need to talk this over with the kids. I don’t—” I start but stop when we hear footsteps approaching.

“We’re with Dad, Mom.”

I glance up to find Jake and Maddy standing in the doorway, her smile radiating a surprising enthusiasm. But my focus narrows on Jake.

“Jake?” I ask, my voice laced with uncertainty.

His blue eyes volley between Ethan and me before settling back on mine. “I’m cool with it. As long as it benefits you,” he says, flashing a reassuring smile before pushing off the doorway.

“I second it,” Maddy chimes in.

I turn back to Ethan, who has a massive, goofy grin spreading across his face. I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.

“Fine,” I concede.

“You won’t regret it, Lily,” Ethan assures me.

I hope he’s right because I’m not sure my heart can handle another hit.

Lily

“Wait, back up,” Sam says, a half-eaten chip still peeking from her mouth, her eyes wide. “Ethan is moving in with you?”

I roll my eyes, a small, involuntary smile tugging at my lips. “Yes, Sam. That’s what I said.”