Page 108 of Not Until I Found You

Maxinne

“Wait, you’re being serious? You’re really thinking about moving to Covewood?” Ashton asks again, his voice raising an octave as he looks back and forth between my dad and me.

I chuckle and shove his shoulder. “Yes, you goof. I’ve told you three times now. What part isn’t sticking?”

He stares at me for a second, searching my face like he’s waiting for the punch line, until something finally gives and his mouth breaks into a wide smile. Before I can brace myself, he pulls me into a hug, lifting my feet clear off the floor.

“I’m so happy right now.”

I hug him back as tight as I can, tears blurring my vision. “Me too.”

Saying it out loud still feels surreal, like I might jinx it if I mention it too much. Certainty settles into my bones because I know this is the right choice for me. Somewhere along the way, Covewood has started feeling like home.

I’ve loved being close to Ashton again, and having the chance to get to know Dad is a gift I never thought I’d have. But it’s more than that. Between my mornings in the garden, evenings by the lake, church on Sundays, and new friends who are starting to feel more like family, I found pieces of myself I didn’t even realize I’d lost.

This place taught me how to breathe again, and I want to build my future here.

When Ashton finally sets me down, we both turn toward Dad. He’s been quiet the entire time, sitting at the small kitchen table, his good hand wrapped around his coffee mug. His eyes are shiny, fixed on me with an intensity that makes my throat ache. He blinks slowly, like he’s trying to hold himself together. I cross the room and take his hand in mine.

“I want to be here,” I admit softly, making sure he hears what I’m saying clearly. “We deserve more time together. Don’t you think?”

His fingers curl around mine, squeezing once. His mouth trembles as he nods, emotion spilling across his face.

“Yes,” he says carefully.

I blink fast, because if I start crying now, I might not stop.

“I have another year left to finish my degree, and afterward, I want to make a permanent home for myself here.”

Ashton’s brows shoot up. “And you’re sure this is what you want?”

I nod, smiling now. “Absolutely.”

Dad shifts in his chair, clearing his throat. “Sarah?”

A tight knot returns to my stomach, clenching with guilt, because even if this choice feels like the right one to make, there’s still one hard conversation waiting for me. One heart I’m terrified of hurting.

Please, God. Help me do this without hurting her.

“I haven’t told Mom yet.”

Ashton doesn’t push me. He never does when it comes to dealing with Mom. He studies me, his head tilted, like he already knows what I’m trying not to admit.

“’I know it’s hard, but you need to tell her eventually,” he says gently.

I open my mouth to protest, to say that I’ll do it later or even tomorrow. Or maybe I should wait until after I’ve had more time to figure things out. But none of that comes out, because I know he’s right. I can’t avoid her forever, and prolonging this won’t make it any easier for either of us. Who’s to say she’ll even be upset? Maybe she’ll be happy for me, and I’ve only been overthinking this whole time.

“Yeah,” I say finally, even though my pulse kicks up. “I’ll go give her a call.”

Ashton gives me an encouraging nod, a silent you’ve got this without pretending it won’t be tough. He would know better than anyone since he’s had this same conversation with our mom years ago.

I step out onto the front porch, my phone feeling heavy in my palm. Before I can overthink it, I lean my forearms against the railing and take a second to breathe. I focus on the golden sunlight filtering through the trees and the fireflies that are starting to come out. The faint smell of freshly cut grass and heated earth cling to the air as the cabin behind me creaks softly.

There’s something about this place that brings me peace every time I’m here. I take in another deep breath, in through my nose and out through my mouth, and welcome the comfort it brings. Everything is going to be okay.

Mom picks up on the third ring.

“Hey, honey,” she says, her voice sounding tired. “What are you up to?”