“Do you really think so little of me, Dad?”
Snapping his eyes over to me, my father narrowed an eye and asked, “Excuse me?”
“You really think I’m going to give up everything, walk away from it all, because I’m in love with one of the most amazing men I’ve ever known.” Holding up my finger, I tilted my head and said, “Oh wait. You wouldn’t know what an amazing person he is because you’re too busy judging him.”
My father’s eyes grew dark. “My job as your father is to protect you.”
“From what? Please, Dad, tell me from what?”
Standing, he pointed at me as he raised his voice. “From borrowing money from your grandfather, quitting school, running off with someone we know nothing about. From ruining your life, Grace.”
Standing, my mother put her hand on my father’s arm and pulled him back some. “Jeff, I think you need to step outside and get some fresh air.”
Standing up, I felt my whole body shaking. “Ruining my life? How in the hell am I ruining my life? By being in love? You raised me, Dad, to always try and help those you love. Well I did. I did what I thought was the right thing to do at the time. Noah is paying Granddad back. I’m guessing you chose not to hear that part. He is selling off everything he can. He will not take the money as a handout, because that is the type of man he is.”
My father stood there staring at me. His body tense, his chest heaved as I spoke.
“As far as me quitting school, I don’t even know how to respond to that. I’ve given you no indication I’m quitting school. I’m not stupid, Dad. As much as I want to be with Noah, I’m here.” Pointing down, I repeated myself. “Here, Dad. Not where I really want to be.”
“What about after school, Grace, when you are supposed to be starting up your career? Will you be there for Alex or for Noah?”
My mother sucked in a breath as she stood in front of my father. “Stop. You’re angry and you need to stop before you say something you’ll regret.”
Feeling the tears roll down my face, I looked away. Seeing my purse, I knew exactly what I needed to do. Everything in that moment became clear to me. Walking over to it, I picked it up and headed for the front door.
“Grace? Sweetheart, where are you going?” my mother asked as I reached for the door and opened it.
Looking back over my shoulder, I caught my father’s eyes. “If you ever ask me to choose between Noah and my family, I’m going to pick Noah.”
Opening the door, I walked through and shut it as I heard my father call out for me. The moment I hit the bottom stair, I took off running. The further away I got, the better.
Grace
Standing on the front porch, I sucked in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before blowing it out. Knocking lightly, I stepped back and waited.
Noah opened the door and stared at me as if he was dreaming.
“Please tell me you’re standing on my porch and I’m not dreaming.”
Letting out a chuckle, I set my duffle bag down and nodded my head. “I’m standing on your porch, and you are certainly not dreaming.”
Noah smiled and I slammed my body into his as he held me. Somehow I managed to keep my tears at bay. I swore to myself I wasn’t going to be weak any longer. I needed to be strong for Noah. For us.
Pulling back, Noah looked into my eyes as he searched for answers.
“It’s only an hour and a half drive. I’m going to commute for the rest of the year. Besides, Alex is so damn horny all the time, I can’t stomach to see her and Will all over each other. It’s enough to make me want to rip my eyes out.”
Noah smiled a brilliant smile as he shook his head. “Grace, that’s a lot of driving.”
Placing my hand on the side of his face, I gave him a gentle smile. “You’re worth it. We’ve been apart for far too long. I want to be here for you as much as I can. Besides, school is almost over.”
Taking me into his arms again, Noah held me close to him as he spoke softly. “I love you so much. Somehow you show up when I need you the most.”
Dropping his embrace, I grinned and gave him a wink. “I could say the same thing about you.”
Noah gave me a quick kiss on the lips and then grabbed my bag. “Mom will be so happy to see you.”
My stomach dropped slightly and I wasn’t really sure why. Nerves maybe? Seeing his mother again and fearing she’d gotten worse? I wasn’t sure. All I was really sure of was that I was where I needed to be.
After my mother and father had left College Station and headed back to Mason, I packed a small bag and headed for Austin. My heart was telling me where I needed to be. For once in my life, I was listening to it loud and clear.