Page 60 of Baring All

“Will do.” I can’t help but smile at her.

Emotion holds me silent as I attempt to process the maelstrom inside. The unconditional acceptance these two people have shown me in the past hour and a half, is more than I’ve ever received from my father in my lifetime.

“My parents like you,” Eloise says as she closes the door.

“I like them too.”

Taking me by the hand, she leads my down the short hall to her bedroom. She nods over at the bed and says, “I agree with Mom, you need to rest. You look ready to drop.”

“Yeah, not gonna lie, I’m done in.”

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll leave you to get some sleep.”

Before she can move, I wrap my hand around hers. “Stay with me?”

“Sure, if you want me too.”

“I do.” I nod decisively.

Lying down, Eloise snuggled in my arms, I allow myself to relax, enjoying the feel of her body against mine. As I drift off to sleep, I feel her lips against my forehead. Everything in me settles in the realization I’m home. I have no idea what the future holds for either of us, but I know that no matter what life throws at us, as long as we have each other we’ll be just fine.

A whispered “I love you,” is the last thing I hear as sleep claims me and I surrender with a smile on my face.