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“Wow,” I breathe, staring at a teardrop moonstone pendant that’s nestled inside the box. “It’s gorgeous.”
Seth takes it out while identical grins spread on Simon and Oliver’s faces.
“Allow me,” says Seth, holding the silver chained necklace.
I turn around and gather my hair over one shoulder, exposing the back of my neck to him.
He slides the chain around my neck and hooks it.
The moonstone pendant rests between my collarbones. I touch the cool surface and move toward the mirror.
The shimmering stone deepens the silvery hue of my eyes. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” I say, staring at my reflection.
Seth, Oliver, and Simon come to stand behind me. The mirror reflects all four of us. I wish I had a camera this very moment to capture all of us in one frame.
Simon leans over my shoulder and presses his lips to the side of my neck. “Don’t take it off,” he whispers.
His warm breath shivers over my skin, making me close my eyes. “I won’t.”
“That’s my princess,” Oliver’s voice whispers in my other ear.
“Come on,” says Seth, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Let’s go and meet your dad so we can come home sooner.” Grasping my hand, he tugs me against his side.
Together, we lead the way out of the room and down the stairs.
A car is waiting for us when we step outside the house. Early evening is setting in and I catch a glimpse of a group of kids playing in one of the neighboring yards.
“I guess everyone’s having fun,” Oliver says, grinning at them.
“Yeah.” Something tugs at my heart as I watch the children. A deep yearning arises within me. I want to seeourkids playing like that in our yard.
I glance at Oliver as he opens the back passenger door.
He helps me secure the hem of my dress so it doesn’t wrinkle or tear, allowing me to slide inside the car safely.
“Thanks,” I say as he comes to sit beside me.
He pats my hand reassuringly while Seth and Simon climb into the seats in the front. Their combined presence makes me feel so safe, I go back to daydreaming about having kids of my own.
Be patient, I chide myself.
Even though I’m getting better day by day, I still suffer from disturbing dreams from time to time. There are times when a loud noise is enough to make my heart thump in my chest, driving me into a panic attack.
I have a long way to go before I should even think about having kids of my own. Still, I can’t help tasting the desire when Seth, Oliver, and Simon show me how much they care for me.
I settle into my seat and watch the darkened hills pass by while Oliver draws patterns on the back of my hand. Simon plays a hip-hop song, singing loudly while Seth weaves through the traffic on the road.
Soon, we’re driving through the suburban streets of Maplewood. Sitting up straighter, I stare out through the window, wondering if I’ll see a familiar face.
A long line of posh cars becomes visible the moment we drive into our old neighborhood. I know instantly that they all belong to my dad’s guests.
A sliver of excitement curls around me as my home finally comes into sight.
“You look happy to be back home,” Oliver says from beside me.
“I love staying with you guys but it always hits different when I come back here.”
“Of course, this feels different,” he says with a warm smile. “This is your home, Rory.”
